Seperation Anxiety....

[jubieanna]

My dog has developed seperation anxiety:(
He was always fine when we went out. In his bed in the kitchen and was always still in the same place when we got back. Recently when we have returned he has been distressed and panting. This has happened the last few times and it's very upsetting. Why has he started doing this? Any ideas how we can help him.

[rsvp]

Just remembered jubieanna - worked with a dog once that 'suddenly developed SA' - it turned out after a lot of head scratching that the owners had had a new boiler installed - it made a different noise and came on at different times - sometimes you've got to really think out of the box!!

[jubieanna]

That link doesn't work sorry I must've done it wrong!

[jubieanna]

I'll have to get my thinking cap on!!!

[jubieanna]

Changed my avatar instead! That's my boy :)

Thank you all for your tips and I'll keep you updated

[Tilly2]

Good luck, Jubie.

[jubieanna]

Thanks Tilly x

[woofgang]

oh that little face.......is there no one who can stay with him?

[ladybirder]

Could you take him with you and let him sit in the car while you are at the funeral?

[Khandro]

Ladybirder, was correct earlier; never make a huge fuss immediately on your return, first take off your coat, unpack bags etc and then say 'hello', behave in a matter-of-fact manner, otherwise the dog will think it has been through some sort of ordeal - actually, the same applies to children when left with carers.

[jubieanna]

It's a family funeral so we will all be there. He wouldn't like it in the car either. He loves going out in the car with us but as soon as we get out he goes nuts!
We will try the calm greetings and I'm going to try filming him when we're out to see what he's doing

[hereIam]

I agree with Khandro, leave some background noise on when you go out, either TV or radio. Can't be nice being all alone in a deathly quiet house. It may help.

[ummmm]

My dog used to get upset if certain doors were shut when he was left alone.