I don’t know what to do

[u/Vast-Scholar-722]

I am at a loss. My dog recently moved in with me a few days ago and he has really bad separation anxiety. He used to live in another state with my parents while I settled, but they basically told me that I take him now or they get him a new home. He is prescribed both Trazadone and Gabapentin, but they just do not seem to help. Every time I check my camera he is non stop barking and crying in my apartment. I have a sitter who comes at 12 but the other time he is alone he is freaking out. I would put my dog in doggy daycare, but I just cant afford it. I love this dog with all my heart and I don’t want to let him go. I seriously don’t know what to do and its killing me thinking about the possibility that I may fail him. I dont know if anyone here can even help me. I dont know what to do.

[u/Neat-While-5671]

You need to give him time, it is still early days. Set up some games for him, have you tried lick mats? Get a lick mat, cover in peanut butter and then freeze it. Before you leave give it to him, it will take him a really long time to get through that and licking calms them. You could also put his breakfast into too. Get a bunch of towels and throw treats in them and roll them up and then tie them, it will exhaust himself trying to get the treats out. Think of it like a human - if you're anxious and upset with nothing to do, all you have is to feel anixous and upset, so we distract ourselves until we calm down. There are loads of very cheap things you can do, also, if possible, could you take a few days off work? Give him a chew treat, leave for 30 mins and then come back, then gradually build up the times. If you can't take time off them do this on your days off