Managing separation anxiety over the holidays

Leaving your pet behind when you go on holiday can be stressful for both you and your fuzzy companion. Of course, you could take your pet on holiday with you (a lot easier with dogs than cats), but sometimes it’s just not practical.

For many dogs, when their routine changes or they’re left in unfamiliar surroundings, they may suffer from separation anxiety. Signs can include barking, whining, pacing, destructive behaviour or loss of appetite.

And it’s not just dogs. Even though cats can often seem independent and aloof, they can be just as prone to anxiety when separated from their humans. We have a separate guide on how to manage separation anxiety in cats, so here we’re going to concentrate on canines.

With careful planning, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and secure while you’re away. Here are our seven steps for managing separation anxiety in dogs over the holidays.

Another way to make sure your furry pal is well looked after is with lifetime pet insurance.

1. Make sure they’re well cared for

Choosing the right place for your dog to stay is probably the most important step. Think about where your dog will be most at ease.

Home boarding with a trusted sitter or family member often works best for anxious dogs, as it keeps them in familiar surroundings and maintains their normal routine.

Another option is for someone to come and pet-sit for you. If a friend or family member is willing to do this, then happy days. You could also see if someone’s available on a site like TrustedHousesitters. Not everybody’s comfortable with someone they don’t know staying in their home. But for those willing to take the plunge (and pay the subscription fee), this can be a great way to make sure your pets remain in a comfortable environment with minimal disruption to their routine – especially if you have multiple pets.

If none of this is possible, look for a reputable kennel that provides individual attention, playtime and calm spaces. Be sure to visit beforehand to suss it out and ask about daily routines. Check reviews to ensure it’s a good fit. But bear in mind that, even with the most respectable and conscientious of kennels, this can still be distressing if your dog is particularly anxious.

If your dog’s going to a kennel or being looked after by a sitter, check your insurance policy to make sure you’re covered. With Petgevity, our policy will still cover vet bills while your dog’s in someone else’s care. We don’t provide cover for third-party liability in these circumstances though, so check to see what cover your sitter or kennel has.

2. Start preparing your dog ahead of time

If possible, it’s a good idea to start preparations a few weeks before your holiday to ease the transition.

Gradually introduce short separations by leaving the house for increasing periods, rewarding calm behaviour when you return. This helps your dog learn that being alone isn’t permanent and that you’ll always come back.

If someone new will be looking after them, arrange a few meet-and-greet sessions. This way your dog should become familiar with their temporary human before you leave. And if they’re staying away from home, pack familiar items like their bed, toys and blanket to provide comfort through familiar scents.

Expert vet Dr Siân Burwood MA VetMB MRCVS says: “Having a pet in your home means that they’re part of your social group, and any change to that group might be stressful to them. The holiday season is a time when changes in that social group are more common than usual, either with members of the family going away or with friends and family coming to stay, and separation anxiety is a common consequence.

“Pets are sensitive to so many things in their environment, and a familiar scent is especially important for them to feel safe. Providing a quiet, secure space just for them, filled with items that smell strongly of you – such as an unwashed t-shirt – can really help them feel at ease. Likewise providing a special toy that they only get when they go in this area – particularly one filled with tasty treats.”

3. Keep their routine consistent

Dogs find comfort in predictability. Try to make sure your sitter or boarding option sticks closely to your dog’s usual routine. Familiar structure helps reduce anxiety and keeps their body clock stable.

Give your dog’s carer a detailed breakdown of:

• Feeding times and exact dietary needs
• Walking times, play and bedtime
• Medication instructions
• Behavioural notes

4. Use calming aids and comforts

There are numerous safe products you can look into which can help reduce anxiety. For example, calming diffusers, sprays or collars that release pheromones that mimic a mother dog’s scent, promoting relaxation.

Dr Siân Burwood MA VetMB MRCVS says: “As a vet I would always recommend the use of pheromone products, which use synthetic versions of the feel-good body chemicals naturally produced by your pet to get them in a happier frame of mind, ready to accept the extra touches you’re providing for them.”

You could also give your chosen carer things like interactive toys to help keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom. Of course, depending on how hands-on the carer is, these could be surplus to requirements.

If your dog is particularly anxious, speak to your vet about natural supplements or – in some cases – short-term medication to help manage stress while you’re away.

5. Stay connected

This one’s more for you than your dog… Ask whoever’s looking after them for regular updates, photos and videos while you’re away. Seeing that your dog’s safe and happy can help put you at ease. Don’t forget that you need to enjoy the holiday too!

6. Keep goodbyes calm and positive

When it’s time to leave, try not to make a big fuss. Dogs can pick up on your emotions, so staying calm helps them stay calm too. Keep your goodbye short and upbeat, leaving your dog with a favourite toy or treat to create a positive association with your departure.

7. Reassure and reconnect when you return

When you come home, your dog may be excited or clingy. This is normal. Greet them warmly, but keep your energy gentle and positive to avoid reinforcing anxious behaviour. Spend extra time together with walks and play to help them settle back into their normal rhythm.

Don’t forget insurance for yourself! Check out single-trip or annual travel insurance with Staysure to give you peace of mind should anything go wrong while on holiday.