Extreme separation anxiety in our dog... what can we do?

Our 10-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, Shiner, has been really struggling with separation anxiety lately. He’s completely glued to my wife, and when she’s not around, he goes into shivering fits. He’s even stopped eating properly. We’ve been cooking his food at home, and he’ll only eat if my wife holds the bowl for him. :pensive:

There’s been a lot of change recently—we lost two other GSPs who were with him his entire life. Since then, it’s like he’s been in a different world. He’s super sensitive to loud noises too, like thunderstorms and even the rumbling from space launches (we live near the Space Center in Florida). We’re really not sure what to do anymore. Anyone else been through something similar?

Oh man, that sounds tough. My dog had separation anxiety too, but not as extreme. Have you tried any meds for him? Sometimes they can help calm dogs down.

Dalcy said:
Oh man, that sounds tough. My dog had separation anxiety too, but not as extreme. Have you tried any meds for him? Sometimes they can help calm dogs down.

Not yet, but it’s something we’re considering. Did meds help your dog? Or were there side effects?

Dalcy said:
Oh man, that sounds tough. My dog had separation anxiety too, but not as extreme. Have you tried any meds for him? Sometimes they can help calm dogs down.

Yeah, they helped, but my dog was kinda drowsy at first. Might be worth a try if Shiner’s really struggling.

Have you tried giving him a safe space, like a crate or a quiet room? My dog loves her crate during storms.

Cyprian said:
Have you tried giving him a safe space, like a crate or a quiet room? My dog loves her crate during storms.

We haven’t done that yet. Do you cover the crate or leave it open?

Cyprian said:
Have you tried giving him a safe space, like a crate or a quiet room? My dog loves her crate during storms.

I cover it with a blanket to make it feel cozier. You could try that and see if it helps!

Poor Shiner. Losing his lifelong companions must’ve been really hard on him. Have you thought about getting another dog?

GeorgeMiller said:
Poor Shiner. Losing his lifelong companions must’ve been really hard on him. Have you thought about getting another dog?

We’ve thought about it, but we’re worried it might stress him out more. Did it help your dog when you got another?

GeorgeMiller said:
Poor Shiner. Losing his lifelong companions must’ve been really hard on him. Have you thought about getting another dog?

It did, but every dog is different. Maybe meet a calm, older dog and see how Shiner reacts first?

What’s GSP? Sorry, new to the dog world here!

Superdog said:
What’s GSP? Sorry, new to the dog world here!

Oh, sorry! It stands for German Shorthaired Pointer. :blush:

Superdog said:
What’s GSP? Sorry, new to the dog world here!

Got it, thanks! Hope Shiner feels better soon. He sounds like such a sweet dog.

I’ve heard that high-value chews during stressful times can help. Like giving him something tasty to focus on during storms.

AnushkaSharma said:
I’ve heard that high-value chews during stressful times can help. Like giving him something tasty to focus on during storms.

Good idea! Any recommendations for chews? He’s kinda picky these days.

AnushkaSharma said:
I’ve heard that high-value chews during stressful times can help. Like giving him something tasty to focus on during storms.

My dog loves bully sticks or frozen peanut butter in a Kong. Might be worth a shot!