Coming home to chewed doors, a soiled floor or complaints from neighbors about barking can be heartbreaking. These can be signs that your dog is truly panicking when left alone. Separation anxiety in dogs is a real behavior condition, not spite or disobedience. Here’s how to recognize it and help your dog.
Quick Answer: Signs of separation anxiety include barking, howling, destructive chewing near doors or windows, house soiling, pacing, drooling and escape attempts, mainly when the dog is alone. Treatment involves gradual training to build tolerance for alone time, calm departures and arrivals, enrichment and sometimes anti-anxiety medication from your vet.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
| Sign | Notes |
|---|---|
| Vocalizing | Barking, howling or whining after you leave |
| Destruction | Chewing doors, window frames, crates |
| House soiling | Even in house-trained dogs |
| Pacing | Back and forth or in circles |
| Drooling or panting | Excessive |
| Escape attempts | Can cause injuries |
| Following you everywhere | Before departures |
| Not eating when alone | Even favorite treats |
VCA Animal Hospitals notes that these behaviors happen mainly when the dog is separated from its owner.
Is It Separation Anxiety or Something Else?
Other causes of similar behaviors include:
- Boredom or lack of exercise
- Incomplete house training
- Medical problems like urinary issues
- Noise phobias
- Age-related cognitive changes
A video recording of your dog when alone can help your vet tell the difference.
Common Triggers
- Changes in schedule, like returning to the office
- Moving homes
- Loss of a family member or pet
- Rehoming or shelter time
- A history of being left alone for long periods
Training Strategies
1. Start with tiny absences
- Step out the door for a few seconds, then return calmly.
- Gradually increase time, staying below the point where your dog gets anxious.
- Use a camera to watch your dog’s body language.
2. Desensitize departure cues
Pick up keys, put on shoes or grab a bag, then sit down. Repeat until these cues no longer cause anxiety.
3. Keep departures and arrivals calm
Skip emotional goodbyes. When you return, wait until your dog is calm before greeting.
4. Provide enrichment
- Food puzzles and stuffed chew toys when you leave
- Exercise before departures
- Sniff walks and training games
5. Create a safe space
Some dogs feel secure in a crate; others panic. Watch your dog’s response. A gated room may work better.
6. Avoid triggering panic
During training, avoid leaving your dog alone for longer than it can handle. Options include daycare, a pet sitter or a trusted friend.
What Not to Do
- Don’t punish your dog for anxiety-related behaviors.
- Don’t get another dog as a fix. It often doesn’t help.
- Don’t force crating if your dog panics.
Medication
Many dogs benefit from anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a vet, alongside training. Medication can lower anxiety enough for learning to happen. A veterinary behaviorist can help with severe cases.
Puppies and Prevention
- Practice short separations from the start.
- Teach your puppy to enjoy alone time with chew toys.
- Build independence with calm routines.
When to Call Your Vet
Call your vet if your dog:
- Injures itself trying to escape
- Has severe distress when alone
- Shows new anxiety, especially if older
- Isn’t improving with training
Sample Training Plan
| Week | Goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Practice departure cues without leaving; step outside for 5–30 seconds |
| Week 2 | Build to 1–5 minutes alone, staying below your dog’s anxiety threshold |
| Week 3 | Build to 10–20 minutes with a food puzzle |
| Week 4+ | Slowly extend time; watch the camera and back up if signs of stress appear |
Every dog progresses at its own pace. Short daily sessions work better than occasional long ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a second dog help?
Sometimes, but many dogs with separation anxiety are attached to people, not other dogs.
Do calming products work?
Pheromone diffusers, calming wraps and supplements help some dogs but aren’t a cure.
How long does it take to improve?
Often weeks to months of consistent training.
Can older dogs develop separation anxiety?
Yes, especially with hearing or vision loss or cognitive changes.
Is crate training good for anxious dogs?
It depends on the dog. Some find crates calming; others panic. Watch closely.
Should I leave the TV on?
Background noise helps some dogs, but it’s rarely enough on its own.
Are some breeds more prone?
Any dog can develop it. Dogs that have been rehomed or spent time in shelters may be at higher risk.
Can exercise help separation anxiety?
A good walk or play session before you leave can help your dog relax, but exercise alone rarely solves true separation anxiety.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you’re worried about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.
