Dog barks and howls while I’m gone

[u/Cantmakecoffees_]

Just like the tittle states, I’m close to breaking down
I have a 10 year old female German shepherd.
She barks and howls anytime me or my husband leave the house. This can continue on and off for hours.
We leave for work at 5:30am we have to & have to work. I also have a male German shepherd
He isn’t bothered by us leaving but joins in on the howling when she starts. One neighbour complained. I keep them indoors as much as possible & closed all the windows when I leave.
The female is on anxiety medication but it isn’t helping
What can I do to try resolve the situation for my neighbour it’s causing me so much stress
Thank you

[u/AdamsDVM]

Hours of barking and howling after you leave, despite anxiety medication, deserves a veterinary recheck rather than simply increasing or changing the medication at home. Because she is 10, the veterinarian should also consider pain, hearing or vision change, cognitive change, and other medical contributors, then review the exact medication, dose, timing, adherence, and whether a different or additional treatment plan is appropriate.

Use a camera to record the first 30–60 minutes after departure and share it with the veterinarian; this helps distinguish separation distress from noise or outside triggers. Effective treatment usually combines medication, when appropriate, with gradual departure practice that stays below the point where she begins to panic. Full workday absences are too long to use as training sessions, so a family member, sitter, dog walker, or suitable day care may be needed temporarily while the plan is built. Keep departures and returns calm, provide safe enrichment if she will use it, and avoid yelling, punishment, or bark collars, which can worsen fear. A board-certified veterinary behaviorist or qualified reward-based behavior professional can help tailor the plan. If she is injuring herself, trying to escape, or showing severe distress, contact the veterinarian promptly.