Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

1. Introduction

Separation anxiety in dogs is more common than you may think. In fact, separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons dogs are given up to shelters. Moreover, research has shown that some breeds are predisposed to increased anxiety when left alone. The link between dogs and humans is often referred to as a "sensitive dependence" where both parties can influence each other’s stress levels. Therefore, if a dog with separation anxiety is not helped, it can lead to serious mental and emotional repercussions for the pet, as well as a very stressful life for the dog owner. Although the exact cause of separation anxiety is not fully understood, recognizing that separation anxiety is a legitimate issue is the first step. Once the dog owner is aware of the condition, he or she will be able to take steps to address the problem and build a closer relationship with the dog.

Dogs are pack animals and are naturally bonded to other dogs and/or humans. In fact, studies have shown that dogs left alone for longer periods of time produce more stress-related hormones. Therefore, for dogs that already have increased stress from being home alone, extended periods could have an even bigger impact on their physical and psychological health. Separation anxiety can be compounded by other training struggles such as barking, whining, digging, pacing, and licking that can become destructive behavior. No matter how much the dog owner loves their dog, managing and keeping them becomes very difficult. Loss of sleep, decrease in quality of life since travel becomes very difficult, and frustration with the dog’s behavior leads to stress and physical issues for the dog owner.

Separation anxiety in dogs is a prevalent behavioral disorder that sparks anxiety and distress when they find themselves apart from their beloved pet parent. This condition typically reveals itself through excessive excitement, clinginess, and restlessness when the owner returns, creating a challenging situation for both the dog and their human companion. It can result in significant stress and emotional turmoil for the dog, often leading to damage around the home and financial strain for the owner. If you want to help your dog get accustomed to spending time alone without resorting to destructive behavior or distress, consider implementing these effective separation anxiety solutions. Your bond with your dog is undoubtedly special, characterized by their enthusiastic tail wags at your arrival and their constant desire to be by your side, as if their sole mission is to keep you safe. However, it's essential to occasionally loosen this tight bond. While you may enjoy a simple night out with friends, your dog might experience a whirlwind of emotions, unsure of where you've gone or when you'll return. Understanding separation anxiety in dogs is crucial for many pet owners. Recognizing the symptoms and learning how to help your furry friend stay calm in your absence can make a world of difference. So, what exactly is separation anxiety in dogs? It’s a condition where dogs exhibit signs of distress when left alone, affecting dogs of all ages and breeds.

2. Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

When it comes to our fur babies and their mental wellness, we need to understand when something is not right. One of the most common behavioral issues that can arise in dogs is separation anxiety. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early can be helpful if it progresses or worsens in the future. It is important to remember that each dog will have a different set of symptoms or none at all. The following are a few symptoms to watch out for and take note of. Symptoms of separation anxiety can be characterized in two main types: physical symptoms, which are the way your dog might try to expend the anxious energy throughout the day or night, and behavioral symptoms. Most dog owners can clearly see that their dog is trying to mitigate their anxiousness through different actions, where symptoms include: Physical symptoms: Barking a lot when alone, possibly developing a problem with excessive barking or whining. Whining, possibly developing a problem with excessive barking or whining. Howling when alone. Destructive behavior, often through scratching on doors and windows. Chewing on inanimate objects around the home. Behavioral symptoms can include: Attempting persistent escape. Leaving behind globs of drool on various surfaces, often pooled in exposed sunlight, warm areas, or when sick. Showing signs of stress, such as missing their owner after the owner has left. Change in appetite, often refusing to eat, drinking little, or becoming anorexic until the owner returns. Pacing and spinning in circles many times before they lay down, which might develop into a repetitive behavior problem. Depressed behavior, such as an unhappy or sad facial expression.

2.1. Physical Symptoms

Some owners find it hard to believe that their dogs can feel separation anxiety. However, their symptoms tell a story that cannot be ignored. Physical signs indicate that a dog may be feeling smothered by being left alone. Symptoms include barking that continues the entire time that the owner is gone, howling, and often the destruction of property. Another clear indication that a dog has separation anxiety is urinating or defecating indoors. Even though house-trained, dogs suffering from this disorder will urinate and/or defecate indoors when they are alone or think they are alone. As a result of stress, many dogs will drool, salivate, or slobber more in the owner’s absence. Many dogs that have separation anxiety will bark, howl, or cry the entire time that their owners are gone. Separation anxiety barking that is often caused by an owner’s departure usually manifests itself when the dog is alone. The same dog can be perfectly well-behaved when his or her owner is at home. Dogs that destroy property by chewing on wood moldings, door frames, window casings, window sills, or electric or power cords are likely to be dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs that have separation anxiety or vision impairment will often eliminate in the house when they are left alone or by themselves. Again, separation anxiety is a symptom of distress; dog-training techniques can be valuable, but psychological causes have to be also addressed.

2.2. Behavioral Symptoms

The behavioral symptoms displayed by suffering dogs can be dependent on a range of contexts, such as life experiences and personality, which means that the range of behavioral symptoms seen can differ greatly from dog to dog. There are, however, typical behaviors that occur with greater regularity in SAS dogs. Behavioral symptoms can reflect an attempt by dogs to reunite themselves with their owner. These signs can include dogs that want to escape by attempting to scratch at the door, biting door frames until they are bloody, and wearing down their teeth in some instances, tearing curtains, chewing through the cage, opening locked doors, digging to get out of a room, or jumping through glass windows. Behaviors might also appear in other forms. These can include overly affectionate behavior around people, an increased need to follow the owner around the house, and sleeping in the owner’s room. To feel more secure around their owner, some dogs will adopt these behaviors more generally. In summary, they may exhibit constant signs of stress when the owner is not available.

Many dogs will constantly stay with their owner when the owner is around and even attempt to prevent their actions, like blocking the door frame to prevent them from leaving. They can panic and cause damage or injury to themselves and their environment when they leave or are left by their owners. Pacing, generally increased activity, excessive vocalization, emotional urination and defecation, and panting are some of the signs observed. It has been suggested that sound sensitivities and abnormally strong attachment behavior are also potential signs exhibited. Follow-up to the owner is also a common behavior for dogs with separation anxiety. While this can be seen as reducing the effect of staying home alone, it does in some cases appear to have the opposite effect, with the dog becoming an ever-constant assistant for the owner. These behaviors, in some cases, might be the result of the owners inadvertently exacerbating the problem by comforting the animal too unintentionally. For instance, petting a dog when it is showing fear only serves to reinforce the fear. Similarly, allowing a dog to stay in a room of the house it is otherwise not allowed in—such as the bedroom—if the dog is distressed at being unable to go with the owner is only likely to reinforce the dog’s conviction as to how truly unfair the situation is. Similarly, training the dog to know that something nice happens right after the owner leaves will strengthen the dog’s belief that there is good reason to panic when it leaves. Some dogs that have separation anxiety will seek out food, eat, and pace if left alone. However, this finding is not consistent for all dogs with the condition.

3. Causes of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is a mental health condition that results in excessive stress, similar to a panic attack. When dogs experience separation anxiety, they can be destructive, in addition to showing any of the following signs: barking, howling, or whining; urinating in the house; drooling; pacing; or other repetitive behaviors; excessive licking or chewing, which is often an attempt to self-soothe; and vomiting or diarrhea. Along with genetic predisposition, or as a result of environmental influences such as lack of proper socialization and training, many other triggers have been proposed as causes of separation anxiety in dogs.

The dog experiences sudden and/or multiple changes. This could be moving to a new home, a new owner, or losing an animal companion. Certain breeds may be more likely to develop anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to the behavior. Excessive attachment to one person has been shown to lead to separation anxiety. In these instances, dogs are likely to follow their primary owner from room to room. The longer the owner-inflicted stability and dominant frame of mind dependent relationship remains, the heavier and more demanding the dog’s reaction becomes. The typical result is that the dog will disable and otherwise make a public nuisance of itself until the owner returns. They are then greeted by an ecstatically happy dog. The owner interprets this as evidence of the dog’s unending love and devotion, and their own deeply confused belief in their dog’s complete dependence is thereby exhilarated.

4. Diagnosis and Evaluation

The diagnosis of separation anxiety in dogs can only be made by the veterinarian following a complete medical history and animal behavior history on the dog, an interview with the owner, and usually a physical examination, perhaps some lab work, and a description of the dog's behavior. One possible element of this physical examination is a rule-out for hypothyroidism. Because of the potential health and safety risks, it is very important that your pet gets a thorough evaluation to diagnose any anxiety problem before you start treatment.

A qualified animal behavior specialist can make recommendations that would improve the likelihood that the pet might be cured or improved. Although a competent animal behavior specialist might possess the expertise to recommend intervention, it is incumbent upon them to rule out underlying medical illness and differential behaviors before recommending intervention. An experienced professional will agree to work as part of a team in delivering the best service for the client and their animal. Every significant anxiety or fear must be evaluated to determine what it is about, the frequency and duration of the fear response, and the possible severity of the pet's problem. At least one in-office, in-home, or video evaluation can quickly help identify concerns. Evaluation for possible separation anxiety involves a full history of the fear event with a factorial approach. Variables that affect the underlying problem may include fear creators such as locations where behavior occurs, being alone or with multiple people, and what the dog does instead of fear behavior. Some tools can predict separation anxiety before behavior occurs.

5. Treatment Options for Separation Anxiety

The approach to treatment for separation anxiety is multi-faceted, with the use of behavior modification combined with potential anti-anxiety medications and supplements. Ample instruction on these methods is a must to enable the pet owner to assist their dog. Treatment should be based on recommendations from those who are best able to help with the proper approach to managing a dog with separation anxiety. Time investment is a must, as progress to resolve this issue is a slow, sometimes painfully slow, process. Dogs with separation anxiety are in a constant state of panic and terror; yet promising the pet owner that most pets may be helped to reduce these stress and anxiety levels can be reassuring to the dog owner. Behavior training: counter-conditioning and systematic desensitization. Situational management. Consistent daily routine. Medications and supplements. There are medications, supplements, and products labeled for dogs that may help to reduce arousal or anxiety. The approach to treatment options is to eliminate the element of surprise or the pet owner's or pet's expectations and for some, the demand for immediate relief for dogs who feel every measure of bug-eyed fear known. Educating the dog owner and giving relief and hope in suggested treatment options increases optimism and hope. In the most highly anxious of dogs, every baby step of progress needs to be encouraged, recommended, and praised. Hope is energizing!

Veterinarians diagnose separation anxiety by observing behavior patterns—since there’s no specific test, videos or descriptions of your dog’s actions when left alone are invaluable. Indoor pet cameras provide real-time insights that help your vet accurately assess symptoms.

Medication Options
Some medications work quickly to reduce anxiety, while others need a few weeks to take effect. Common options include trazodone, fluoxetine, and clomipramine. Be sure to follow your vet’s guidance on dosage and monitor your dog’s response to prevent adverse effects.
Setting Up a Safe Space for Your Dog
To keep your dog safe and reduce destructive behaviors, create a calming environment. Try placing a crate in a quiet spot with an Adaptil® diffuser nearby, and introduce positive associations by feeding and treating them there. Playing soft music can also soothe anxious dogs. Avoid forcing your dog into a crate, as this may increase their anxiety.
Behavioral Management Techniques
Help your dog adjust to your comings and goings by ignoring them immediately before leaving and upon returning. Regular exercise, a 30-minute walk before leaving, and short separations build their tolerance for alone time. If extended absences are unavoidable, consider alternatives like pet daycare, a trusted friend, or a pet sitter.
Ongoing Care and Medication
Recovery from separation anxiety is a gradual process. Behavioral modifications, often paired with medications, can make a difference. However, every dog’s response varies, so you and your veterinarian may need to try different treatments and adjust as necessary.
Preventing Separation Anxiety
While you can’t completely prevent separation anxiety, teaching your dog early on to enjoy solo time can help. Gradual exposure to separation, a consistent routine, and positive reinforcement are key. If a life change is coming—like a new job or family addition—give your dog time to adjust gradually.
With patience, compassion, and the guidance of a veterinary expert, you can help your dog find relief and independence, ensuring they’re happier and calmer when you’re away.

5.1. Behavioral Training Techniques

Owners can initiate behavior modification techniques, claiming to treat separation anxiety in dogs. These typically involve desensitizing the dog to the owner's departure and keeping the dog as calm as possible when the owner is away. The method of gradually increasing the time that the dog is left alone is designed to help foster a greater degree of independence in the dog. Behavioral training techniques that have been suggested to treat separation anxiety in dogs include: the client ignoring the dog totally for 15 to 20 minutes before leaving the house; the production of toys that are safe for dogs to use alone; the use of a crate for confinement; and counter-conditioning.

Crate training: Teaching the dog to be alone and to accept the crate as a safe and secure location when the owner or the family is away. One caveat when using a crate is that it can allow the animal to control its immediate environment and the excretion of urine and feces. It also allows the owner to ensure that the animal does not engage in destructive activities that could hurt the dog or damage property. It is contraindicated if the dog becomes overly anxious when confined in tight places or is unsupervised for long periods and engages in excessive vocal behavior. Given this limitation, the dog may do well initially in a crate for short periods of time, with the owner in the home moving on to full-activity confinement in a crate. The crate should be used in conjunction with counter-conditioning, a process in which the dog is trained to relax and feel calm in the crate.

5.2. Medication and Supplements

Medications can add an important layer of support for dogs with separation anxiety, especially for moderate to severe cases. While behavioral treatment techniques are typically the first line of defense, some dogs need medications to help create lasting behavior change. In many cases, veterinarians will suggest a combination of behavior modification plus medication. The types of medication can vary, but most are designed to help reduce chronic anxiety—some block stress chemicals like antidepressants, while others help manage symptoms of fear or anxiety. Some dogs require daily medications, while others get as-needed support.

Natural calming supplements are also available that can help dogs cope with anxiety overall. Some natural ingredients, like herbs and hormone-mimicking pheromones, are thought to have a calming effect on dogs that can reduce certain anxiety symptoms. In consultation with your veterinarian, dogs with certain lifestyle or health issues can also take natural supplements that support overall calm for vulnerable and segmented populations with a primary supporting role for younger adult dogs. It is essential for the pet owner to speak with a veterinarian before using any supplement or medication to manage a dog’s anxiety. Understanding side effects and possible long-term impacts and carefully weighing the pros and cons of any medication is a highly responsible and important piece of pet ownership. Treating canine separation anxiety should take a multifaceted approach that can generally be described as a mixture of behavior modification plus medication to facilitate behavior modification.

References:

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