Anxiety & Separation Anxiety · Kinship

Skip to main content

behavior

anxiety & separation anxiety

Learn how to deal with separation anxiety (and other forms of pet anxiety) so they keep calm when you’re not together.

Woman taking a bath with dog licking her face.

Having a loyal companion is great, but sometimes you just need some privacy.

a brown dog sleeps on a gray couch, surrounded by white pillows

In fact, it chills them out.

Beautiful young woman laughing happily with a cat on her head.

They’re never far away, but youd like a little distance.

New Dog Training Programs

Try these free training programs from our friends at Dogo to help with new dog life and basic obedience.

Start Training
Woman meditating with her chocolate lab in the living room.

It might sound woo-woo, but it can benefit you both.

Dog hiding under the sofa and afraid to go out because he heard fireworks.

How to keep your dog mentally and physically safe this New Year.

Cat stretching on blue bedding

Because New Year’s Eve is never a silent night.

Sad dog staring at someone getting ready to leave their house.

All those things you’re doing to get ready may be the culprit.

A woman sitting on a floor playing with her dogs.

If they’re following you around like your shadow, there’s a reason for that.

A bearded man in a gray sweater and yellow pants sitting on the floor and holding a Groov Training Aid in "lilac" from Diggs Pet, which is like a grooved plastic popsicle with treats smeared in, while his Husky dog licks it

The toys that’ll help your pup chill out after a long day of being a dog.

Ask a Vet

Pet health question that’s not an emergency? Our vet team will answer over email within 48 hours. So, go ahead, ask us about weird poop, bad breath, and everything in between.

Pitbull puppy sitting in the middle of the stairs.

With a little patience, some training, and a few treats, your pup will be scaling those steps in no time.

Woman holds and comforts her white poodle dog.

How to tell if your dog is super stressed.

Two female friends in their twenties playing with their dogs outside in autumn.

This holiday is chock full of triggers that could scare any pooch.

Woman hugging her dog outside.

Some may come as a surprise.

cat with the crystal toy in pink

Merci Collective founder Chani Ronez on her new collection of crystal and catnip-infused toys for cats.

Little schoolgirl happy to see her dog before or after school.

Noisy school buses and crowds of roving children are a terrifying phenomenon for some dogs.

Dog sitting at home waiting for it's owner to come back.

Not that you want to be away from them anyway.

The yellow bandana is part of a new international movement for reactive dogs.

Dogs wearing yellow are often signalling that they need space and could become reactive if approached by another person or off-leash dog.

Not all dogs like to be approached—The Yellow Bandana Project is trying to help communicate their needs.

Golden Doodle dog with Airtag collar.

The real question is: Should you?

Cute puppy chewing on Kong rubber toy.

How to elevate your pup’s experience with one of the best enrichment toys out there.

Shy black dog walking with owner at the park.

Pro tips for boosting the confidence of a scaredy-cat dog.

Photo of a young woman working on her laptop from her home, while her dog is waiting for her to finish - so they can play and cuddle.

You love that your dog is your shadow, but maybe not when you’re on a Zoom call.

Woman holding her scared dog outside.

And what to do when they go careening away from the Roomba.

Tired millennial woman sleeps on sofa with her dog.

It may happen more when there stressful events like fireworks.

woman watching TV with her dogs

Time for some screen-time ground rules, pups.

Welsh Corgi dog hiding scared under the bed.

This summer, your pup deserves a little support.

A dog looking timid in his bed

Tips for comforting your pup when the storm is too loud for your pup’s comfort.

Cat meowing at owner.

Just a small request to lower the volume, please.

Funny white cat plays on cat tree inside.

A question you may be asking after you observe any number of their behaviors...

A woman and a man grilling outside with a dog.

It’s the unofficial start of summer, and you don’t want to spend it at the emergency vet.

Large brown dog looking at vacuum cleaner.

Fireworks and thunderstorms aren’t the only things that make them say, “No, thanks!


Woman lying on bed with dog, dog is looking up at the woman and licking her in the face

And when you want to draw the line at too many kisses.

Woman playing with her cat.

It’s the key to a happy cat.

Young woman holding her large dog in her arms outdoors.

Did you get a dog for emotional support and now they are the one who needs it?

Man holds his fluffy white dog outside.

A new study says your dog could fall into one of these categories based on their reactions to real-life events.


A dog resting its face on a wooden table.

A study confirms our pets can have heartbreaking reactions to the loss of a canine companion.

Girls Playing With Their Dog At The Park

New research finds the hemp derivative can help your dog with car and separation anxiety.

A Terrier Puppy With Spots And Big Ears Chews On Their Paws.

And when will it stop?

Young smiling female owner sitting on leather chair and embracing cute beige Cocker Spaniel dog.

It’s normal to worry—but your pup might need some space.

dog with greying muzzle on sofa with person

And why stress could be to blame. Your spoiled baby, stressed? Unfortunately, yes.


Dog Seeking Attention Owner Working On Laptop.

Your dog’s Velcro habits are cute—but not always convenient.

Big Ginger Cat With Belly Up On Bed.

Learn how you can get your chronically anxious cat to chill.

Young woman and her small white dog with a Whistle GPS.

Advancements in artificial intelligence are changing everything from the way we detect illnesses to how we keep our pets safe.

Dog looking out a window in the winter

Here’s why your pup may get the winter blues, too.

Woman in a white sweater hugging her cat next to a window

Four ways cats can combat seasonal depression.

A dog looking up with a cute face

Using these tips, your skittish dog will warm up to you.

a whining puppy

It’s the saddest sound in the world.

Two tabby cats in embrace lying in cushion.

Communication is key, and pheromones are your cat’s version of DMs.

a beautiful girl with long hair lies on the bed and hugs her dog. the dog looks away sad

How to cope with dog anxiety—from training to medication.

An adorable young cat cuddling owner when owner is hugging without a carrier for reducing cat stress during car ride.

If your cat’s ripping their carrier to shreds, there might be an answer.

A woman wearing a knit sweater holding a dog close on the floor of her bedroom.

Train your dog to stay calm when they’re on their own — instead of sad-singing All By Myself until you come home.

Muscular white pit bull stands on couch, looking out window to sunny fall day.

Does your dog freak out when you head for the door? Here’s some advice.

A dog sitting on a woman's lap looking very shy or nervous.

Which comes first: a nervous person or a nervous pup?

Side view of a cute hungry dog standing next to a red bowl with food in a studio with white background

You can’t appease your picky new dog with chicken nuggets like you can with your toddler. Here are some things you can do.

Dog lying on blanket, chewing on a bone

New research shows that chewing (toys, not shoes) reduces stress in dogs left home alone.

Three dogs on leashes meeting and sniffing each other on a walk on the summer grass with owners

Kinship Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for getting a shy pup to go from wallflower to social butterfly.

Man holding a dog in front of a light gray background

Hundreds of dogs have been rescued from hoarding situations so far this year. Here’s what their adopters should know, according to animal welfare experts.

A kitten sneaking up on a laser pointer with big, interested eyes.

People have opinions about this cat toy. Here’s what you need to know.

And survived the yowling, chewing, scratching, etc.

Two people walk their dogs in the park, surrounded by bikers, runners, and swimmers

It’s been three years since adoption rates spiked. Let’s check in on those pets.

A dog sitting in a chair staring out a window.

It’s 2023, and the office is calling. How can our dogs cope?

Greyhound dog lying on top of couch looking out of a window

Compression vests, interactive toys, and pheromone sprays will be game-changers this Fourth of July.

Puppy hides under the couch in fear

Do these things to help your pup (and your guests) feel chill.

woman holds chimes over dog's head during a sound bath

Plus, the other effective holistic ways to get your dog to a zen place.

orange cat looking out window

Why your cat freaks out when you’re away (and how to help).

a cat sniffs a silver vine toy

If cats had their own TikTok trends, this would be one.

woman sits on a bed looking solemn, alongside her cat

Good thing they can’t talk about you in therapy.

two dogs meeting on leashes

 Trainer Charlie DiBono warns against these greetings on all fronts.

Cat being affectionate towards woman with tattoos

You could solve the mystery that is your kitty.

Person in a white dress with a calm tan dog leaning on their lap

Hey, man. It’s all about those chemical messengers. See how Adaptil can help your pup.

Labrador retriever dog sitting next to the elevator while owner is calling the elevator.

And how to help them feel less scared when they enter the tiny rumbling room that moves.

Close-up portrait of a wide-eyed Border Collie dog standing in the driveway of her home

It actually has a lot to do with genetics.

Two black cats staring out window.

People, let me tell you ’bout (your cat’s) best friend.

Cat looking at human

They want you around more than your sweaty T-shirt in their carrier, but thanks for the thought.

A fluffy gray cat playfully swiping at a brown scruffy dog

Just kidding, but you (or other pets) might be stressing them out more than necessary. Here’s how.

African American man with braids sitting on his bed using his computer with his dog next to him also looking at the computer

Like most things in 2023, there’s a Zoom link for this.

Woman holding her dog beside a window in bright morning light

We asked both animal behaviorists and human psychologists how you can deal with leaving your dog home alone.

A blonde woman wearing a longsleeved green jumper and sneakers sitting in the open trunk of a SUV car with her arm around her Golden Retriever dog sitting next to her

Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell explains how to crate-train a dog with an intense fear of being in the car.

A white fluffy dog laying on a white surface next to a retro red colored TV and a bag of Dad Grass dog treats with some bone-shaped treats on the ground near the dog

With a new line of CBD-infused bones and pack-shaped plush toys, pups can munch to mellow out.

Dachshund dog freezing on a rock during a walk

Suddenly, your neighborhood sidewalk has some new installation art: your frozen dog.

A black dog laying on the floor next to a container of "Native pet calming chews."

The brand’s transparently priced products soothed my dogs’ anxious habits.

Female dog trainer raising a treat above a beagle dog's head

“America’s Veterinarian” and the founder of Fear Free Pets, Dr. Marty Becker, on how this method makes vet visits, training sessions, and grooming appointments less stressful for pets.

A woman sitting with her arm around a dog enjoying a view of water.

There’s nothing to fear but fear itself — and a dog who won’t stop shaking when it thunders.

Pet parent comforting anxious dog by holding their paw

Easy ways to calm your pup’s nerves.

A woman sitting on a couch with a dog.

Dogs and cats can’t read self-help books, so a veterinary behaviorist explains how your pet may benefit from being in treatment.

A woman looking out the window of a van with her dog.

A dog trainer shares her pro (and personal) #vanlife tips.

Siamese cat standing on two feet in order to look out of the window

A veterinarian and a behaviorist’s tips for preparing your cat for your new WFO schedule.

Young woman hugging her small black dog on the couch

It was a trick question. A study shows that the pandemic has made us all codependent.

woman petting small dog that is feeling stressed

Tips on helping a dog deal with their daily stress.

Big and small dog standing together at a park

How is the experience of having a large dog different than that of having a small dog?