The essentials
- Recognize the signs — Some signs of separation anxiety include vocalization, chewing, escape attempts, or relieving themselves in inappropriate areas when left alone.
- It’s important to rule out other factors — If the behavior occurs whether you’re there or not, this could point to another cause.
- Treatment usually requires a holistic approach — Positive reinforcement and gradual desensitization can help your dog learn that spending some time alone is okay. In severe cases, medications may be needed as well.
Some dogs are so emotionally attached to their owner, they experience mental and physical distress when they’re apart.
Separation anxiety in dogs can take on many forms and symptoms, including common problem behaviors like inappropriate peeing or pooping, barking, howling, chewing, or digging in their owner’s absence. In some instances, they may experience panic attacks. The good news is that there are several treatment options available to you.
Here’s what you need to know about addressing separation anxiety in dogs and how to help your canine friend feel confident and safe in your absence.
Signs of separation anxiety in dogs
Do you think your pet struggles with separation anxiety? Pet parents report several related behaviors and symptoms, including:
- Chewing, digging, and destruction. Some dogs with separation anxiety will chew on or dig at objects or destroy other household objects when left alone. This can result in self-injury, such as broken teeth, cut paws, and/or damaged nails.
- Pacing, restlessness, and agitation. Some anxious dogs will walk or trot along a specific path in a fixed pattern when left alone. Some will pace around in circular patterns, while others walk back and forth in straight lines.
- Barking and howling. A dog with separation anxiety might partake in excessive vocalization when left alone or separated from their owner. This kind of barking or howling is persistent, loud, and doesn’t seem to be triggered by anything except being left alone.
- Peeing and pooping. Some dogs might excessively or inappropriately leave puddles and poop piles when left alone due to their separation anxiety.
- Showing disinterest in eating/drinking. If your dog chooses not to eat or drink when you’re not home, it could be a sign that your dog is facing separation anxiety.
- Staring at the door. Some owners with indoor cameras may notice their dogs sitting or lying in wait at the door, waiting for their owner to return.
- Trembling. Excessive shaking and trembling can be a nervous response to being alone.
👉 If a dog exhibits any of these anxious behaviors while in the presence of their owner, they likely aren’t caused by separation anxiety. It’s best to see the vet to get to the bottom of what’s causing your pup’s distress.
Causes of separation anxiety in dogs
There is no conclusive evidence showing exactly why dogs develop separation anxiety. A lot of dogs who have been adopted from shelters exhibit this behavior problem — however, genetic influences have been seen in purebred dogs, as well. Any breed or mix can develop it, but working breeds like German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherds, and Catahoulas tend to develop separation anxiety more than some others.
Other possible causes can also trigger the disorder, such as:
- Change in residence. Moving to a new home is an environmental change that can be jarring, especially for your dog. With new smells and an unfamiliar landscape, your dog might feel out of their element, which can trigger them to rely more heavily on your presence for comfort.
- New owner or family. If your pet has a prior history of being abandoned or surrendered to a shelter, it can affect how they form bonds. As a result, living with a new person or family can trigger transient separation anxiety until they feel safe.
- Changes in household membership. The sudden absence of a resident family member (i.e. a death in the family or a specific person moving away) can lead to the onset of separation anxiety, particularly if that person was a regular part of your dog’s routine and life.
- Schedule changes. Routine changes (i.e. when or how long a dog is left alone) are another common reason for dogs developing separation anxiety, which is why a slow transition to a new routine is best to ease the fear.
Diagnosing separation anxiety in dogs
Getting a diagnosis of separation anxiety in dogs is the first step to helping your furry friend feel better. Here are a few steps you can take to support them through the process:
- Rule out medical problems — Some medical conditions can mimic symptoms of separation anxiety. If you haven’t yet, consider contacting your veterinarian to find out whether or not medical issues could be contributing to these problems.
- Observe them when you’re home — Dogs who have behavioral problems while you’re with them could still be doing these things to grab your attention, especially if they’re bored. However, these bad behaviors could also be a good indication that something else is going on — like anxiety.
- Determine their normal behavior — Some breeds such as the Beagle are more prone to vocalize even when nothing is wrong. As a result, howling while you’re away might not be a sign of distress for these guys. However, it could be an indication of distress if it was coming from your quiet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Dr. Dwight AlleyneDiagnosis of separation anxiety is based on history provided by the owner about the pet's behavior and observing the pet's interaction when with the owner and when they are away.
Training and counterconditioning
Not all separation anxiety in dogs can be treated without a professional and it’s important to find the right solution for you and your dog. However, if you and your vet have determined that your pooch’s anxiety is mild and trainable at home, we have the steps to start.
Preventing separation anxiety
Separation anxiety in puppies and dogs isn’t always preventable, despite your best efforts. However, there are a few things you can try:
Behaviors resembling dog separation anxiety
Other issues may sometimes present like separation anxiety, so it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of how your dog is acting while you’re home and away to determine how to proceed with treatment.
Addressing and managing your furry friend’s separation anxiety requires patience and a commitment to building a strong, lasting bond with them. By learning about positive training techniques and how to present them to your dog, you’re taking the first step in alleviating their anxiety and promoting a happier lifestyle. Each dog is different — so it’s important to remain adaptable in your approach.
With time and consistency, you can make a big change in your dog’s well-being. We’re cheering you on!
Frequently asked questions
Do dogs ever get over separation anxiety?
Separation anxiety in pups can be progressive, meaning without intervention it can get worse over time. While most dogs can find some relief, some may see a full improvement with the proper plan in place. However, it’s important to understand that any new changes to their environment or routine could cause their anxious behaviors to resurface.
Would adopting another pet cure my dog’s separation anxiety?
Maybe! Some dogs find comfort with a new dog around or even a cat in their company. Others who are super attached to their human will likely still suffer from separation anxiety when their special person is away.
If you want to add a new pet to your family, you can always try to adopt another animal from the animal shelter. However, you’ll still likely have to deal with the root of the problem through training and positive reinforcement.
Does ignoring your dog help with separation anxiety?
Ignoring your dog when they’re presenting symptoms of separation anxiety may actually cause an increased probability of separation-related problems. Instead, it’s advised that you use techniques like positive reinforcement, counter-conditioning, and gradual departures to alleviate their stress.
What dog breeds have the most separation anxiety?
While individual temperaments and previous situations in dogs do play a role in whether they will present with separation anxiety, some breeds may be more susceptible. A study by Salonen et al shared that there is a statistical association of anxiety with factors such as size, sex, age, dogs’ resting place, etc.
It’s important to do your research before bringing a new furry friend into your home to create an environment best suited for their needs.
What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs?
Common signs of separation anxiety are pacing, chewing and digging, peeing and pooping inside the house, as well as barking and howling.
Does my dog actually need medicine for their separation anxiety?
In some cases, your pet may need drug therapy to overcome their separation-related distress. The extreme stress caused by the intensity of separation-related behaviors in your dog can be a serious issue you want to address. Some medications for a dog’s anxiety are fluoxetine and clomipramine, as studied in Gaultier et al . Short-acting medications such as trazodone can also be helpful during the early stages of treatment. The effect of concurrent administration of medications alongside conventional therapies can help solve such problems as presented in behavioral disorders.
The best thing that human owners can do for their pet is to consult with their veterinarian at the first sign of initially anxious behavior of puppies or adult dogs in their home.
What do I need to know about separation anxiety in dogs?
Adverse behaviors, such as vocalization and destruction, may occur in your pet dog during separation periods. Spending time understanding the signs of distress is crucial.
To understand if your dog has it, conduct a test of separation anxiety by gradually increasing alone time. From there, understand that the best way to address this serious condition is by making small changes to routines and using positive reinforcement and creating a secure environment to make them feel safe.