7 Unexpected Reasons Your Dog Might Have Anxiety

You rile him up when you leave the house

The more you make a fuss about saying hello or goodbye to your pup, the more anxious he’ll become—and unfortunately, many of his most destructive symptoms will play out when you’re not home to calm him down. The best thing to do? “Take your keys, say bye, and leave,” says Nicole Ellis, pet lifestyle expert at Rover.com. “The calmer you are leaving for the day, the calmer they’ll be.” (Here’s how to become your dog’s favorite family member.) When you get home, continue to keep it simple. Take off your shoes, say hello, and wait a few minutes before launching into playtime. Encourage the kids to do the same as well.