Why Does My Dog Freak Out As I Dress For Work?

It is possible that your dog is displaying separation anxiety when you dress for work. Separation anxiety in dogs can manifest in a variety of ways, and some dogs may become anxious or agitated when they see their owners preparing to leave the house. 

They may start exhibiting anxious behaviors like whining, pacing, drooling, and panting. This may be because the dog associates certain behaviors, such as putting on a coat or picking up a briefcase, with the owner leaving and becoming anxious as a result.

It's also possible that your dog is simply responding to your own stress or anxiety as you prepare for work. Dogs are highly attuned to their owners' emotions and may pick up on subtle cues that their owner is feeling stressed or anxious.

If your dog's behavior is causing problems or is causing you concern, it may be helpful to speak with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist. They can help you identify the cause of your dog's behavior and suggest strategies for managing it.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

There are a few different ways that your dog might "freak out" as you dress for work. Some common behaviors that dogs with separation anxiety might exhibit when their owner is preparing to leave include:

Excessive barking or whining: Your dog might bark or whine excessively as you get ready to go, possibly in an attempt to get your attention or to signal their distress.

Destructive behavior: Some dogs may become destructive when their owners leave, such as chewing on furniture or household items. This behavior may be a way for the dog to cope with their anxiety or to get their owner's attention.

Escaping behavior: Some dogs with separation anxiety may try to escape from their home or yard when their owner leaves. They may dig under fences, chew through doorways or windows, or try to jump over gates in an attempt to follow their owner or find their way back home.

Physical symptoms: Some dogs with separation anxiety may also exhibit physical symptoms, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, or excessive panting, when their owner leaves.

If your dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors, it's important to speak with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can help you identify the cause of your dog's behavior and suggest strategies for managing it.

If you think your dog has separation anxiety, there are several things you can try to help them cope with their anxiety and improve their behavior. Here are a few suggestions:

Gradually acclimate your dog to being left alone: If your dog becomes anxious when you leave, try gradually increasing the amount of time you are away from them. Start with short periods of time and gradually increase the length of time you are away.

Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation: Make sure your dog has plenty of things to do while you are away. This might include toys, puzzles, and interactive feeders to keep them mentally engaged, as well as regular opportunities for physical exercise.

Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog: Designate a safe and comfortable space for your dog to stay while you are away. This might be a crate or a specific room in your home. Make sure the space is comfortable and has everything your dog needs, such as fresh water, a comfortable bed, and toys.

Use counterconditioning techniques: Try to associate being left alone with positive experiences. For example, you could give your dog a favorite toy or treat before leaving, or play calming music while you are gone.

Consider medications or other treatments: In some cases, medication or other treatments may be necessary to help manage your dog's separation anxiety. Your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist can help you determine if this is necessary and recommend appropriate treatment options.

It's important to be patient and consistent when working with a dog with separation anxiety. With the right treatment plan and some time and effort, many dogs can learn to cope with being left alone and reduce their anxious behavior.