You grab your car keys and coat, and you walk toward the front door. You hear the all-familiar sound of dog tags jingling, and then you look down to see a pair of sad, twinkling eyes. Your heart drops. You imagine your furbaby spending the day howling at the window, tears dripping down furry cheeks.

Or, you imagine them chewing your brand-new pair of hiking boots as they get revenge on you for abandoning them.

No matter what you imagine, you might start to ask yourself: Should I just take my dog with me?

If your furry friend acts out whenever you leave for work, go to run an errand or spend time with your two-legged friends, you’re not alone. Separation anxiety is quite common in pets and can leave us feeling heartbroken and guilty every time we walk out the door. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists estimates that 17 percent of dogs suffer from separation anxiety.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you don’t need to quit your job or cancel your trip to Bermuda just yet. There are plenty of ways to help your dog overcome anxiety-triggers and handle stress. In this guide, we will show you everything you can do to help your furbaby survive the moments you’re apart.

We’ll look at:

• Signs and symptoms of separation anxiety
• Medications for separation anxiety
• The best toys to help with anxiety
• What breeds commonly experience separation anxiety
• How to help puppies with separation anxiety
• Training tips to help reduce separation anxiety
• Causes of separation anxiety in dogs

We love our four-legged friends, and we want to help you comfort your furry loved ones so they can hang in there until you return — and get them comfortable enough so they even enjoy the time apart! Imagine — you might someday be able to check out your snoozing, content pooch with our Furbo Dog Camera.

Separation anxiety can affect dogs of all ages, backgrounds and breeds, but there’s hope. The key to treating separation anxiety is to address your dog's emotions.

Just like people, dogs love to socialize, and they also need mental stimulation. Maybe your puppy is bored when you leave, or maybe they simply need to learn to be alone. Once you consider all the factors that could be contributing to your dog’s separation anxiety, you’ll be in the position to help them grow into strong, independent pups.

Let’s get started so you and your furbaby can enjoy time apart as much as your time together!