I am concerned about my nine-year-old companion Reggie and hope you can help him. We moved into our current house last summer, and Reggie seemed to adjust well. In the fall, the smoke alarm went off, and ever since, Reggie gets extremely anxious over any noise in the house, so much so that when I let him outside, he won’t come back in. I have to pick him up and carry him back inside after he has done his business.

Around the same time, Reggie began to lie in the hall and anxiously stare at the front entrance. He also stopped coming into the living room to sit on the couch with me. He has always had separation anxiety when apart from me, but now I am concerned. I hope you will be able to help my wee dog’s anxiety. Many thanks.

— Rayleen, Galway, Ireland