the same ways children do. Dogs recognize departure signs such as suitcases, and may shadow the owner around the home, behave anxiously, or seem depressed prior to the owner leaving. After the owner leaves, dog behavioral symptoms of separation anxiety include barking, whining, howling, chewing and destruction of property, licking and over-grooming, anorexia, soiling and pacing.

The best plan for reducing separation anxiety and providing adequate care may be to have a reputable dog sitter stay with the dog, or have a reputable dog walker/companion or familiar trusted neighbor come in to care for the dog in the owners’ absence. This



allows the dog to remain in familiar surroundings and continue a regular routine for exercise, meals, petting, grooming and playtime. A good dog sitter can provide enough exercise, stimulation, petting, play, fun and attention to distract the dog and reduce his separation anxiety. An owner can ask a dog sitter to do some of the same things with the dog as the owner does, such as eating meals, picking up mail, watering house or garden plants, going on walking or driving errands and watching television.

Here are some additional creative tips for reducing dog separation anxiety for dogs at home:

• Have the sitter turn on the radio or television while gone.
• Record a few hours of normal household conversation and noise to play on a loop.
• The owner can leave messages for the pet on the answering machine for the dog to listen to.
• Leave an unwashed t-shirt, towel or small blanket that smells of the owner.
• Leave chew toys with time-released treats inside.

However, it may be necessary to board the dog while the owner is gone. Owners should take time to prepare the dog for boarding. Owners can prepare their dogs by training them to obey basic commands and socializing them to other people and dogs. If time permits, have the dog try a short stay at the kennel before attempting a longer one. The staff of a good boarding facility will do their part to reduce separation anxiety by providing regular exercise, mealtimes, playtimes, grooming and attention.

Owners can provide the following items to the kennel to reduce the dog’s separation anxiety:

• Familiar bedding or a blanket.
• An unwashed t-shirt, towel or small blanket that smells of the owner.
• Familiar favorite foods, treats and bowls.
• Familiar favorite toys.

To reduce the dog’s stress on boarding drop-off day, the owner should provide a long exercise session before the drop-off and then say a quick but affectionate goodbye.

It takes time to prepare to be away from a dog, however it is time well-spent to reduce the dog’s separation anxiety, make him comfortable, and allow the owner a peaceful and worry-free holiday.