Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Dogs love being with their people. Whether they're accompanying you on an adventure outdoors or snuggling on the couch, dogs definitely deserve the title of best friend. But in some cases, a dog's need for attention can cause problems when you're not home, possibly putting your dog's health at risk.1 An estimated 76% of dogs experience separation anxiety.2
If your dog pees or poops in the house when alone, chews on your stuff or barks excessively when you're gone, they may not just be misbehaving. These can all be signs of separation anxiety in dogs—and the problem shouldn't be ignored.3
What Is Dog Separation Anxiety?
Dogs with separation anxiety are unable to cope with being alone. They get so upset when you're gone that they work themselves up into a stressed state, ending up damaging your property and possibly hurting themselves.1
If you're concerned your pup might have this problem, set up cameras in your house so you can see how your dog acts while she's alone. Dogs often start showing symptoms within just 10 minutes of being alone.3
Causes of separation anxiety in dogs
Separation anxiety can occur in dogs of all ages. Often, the cause is a big change or stressful event that happened and left them feeling more vulnerable.4 Some examples include:
- Sudden schedule changes, like children returning to school4
- Losing a pet or family member who shared the home4
- Moving to a new home1
- Developing a health condition that leaves them feeling vulnerable1
- Aging1
- Loud noises or something surprising happening when they're alone1
- A fear-inducing event, like a fire or accident4
- Being overly attached to an owner4
7 Major Symptoms of Dog Separation Anxiety
Major symptoms of separation anxiety might include the following:
1. Peeing or pooping in the house
Peeing or pooping in the house, especially if your dog is normally house-trained just fine, is a common separation anxiety symptom.1 In one survey, it was reported by 24% of dog owners dealing with separation anxiety.2
2. Destructive chewing or scratching
Destroying your property when you're gone can be another symptom. This is particularly concerning because your pup may hurt herself if it gets bad enough, like injuring her teeth or paws.1
3. Excessive barking when you're gone
In one survey, excessive barking or howling was the most common symptom of separation anxiety, reported by about 50% of dog owners.2 Your neighbors may complain to you about it or you may witness it on your home cameras.
4. Anxious actions like excessive pacing, licking or drooling
Anxiety may present itself through excessive, repetitive actions like pacing around your house (which can cause sore feet), excessively licking and pulling out fur1 or even excessive drooling.5
5. Not eating
Another symptom can involve your dog being reluctant to eat when you're not home.5
6. Extra clinginess when you're home
If your dog is extra clingy or attached to you, this can also be a symptom. Clinginess isn't always cute. It can be a sign of a problem.6
7. Escape attempts
Dogs with extreme separation anxiety may try to escape when you're gone, whether it's digging a hole in the backyard to get out or chewing holes around the door or windows.1
Steps To Help Treat Separation Anxiety
The treatment for separation anxiety may vary depending on your dog's personality and the severity of the problem. Just make sure you don't start punishing your dog for things she did while you were gone. That will make her feel more anxious, which could make the problem worse.3
Start socialization early
If you socialize and train your puppy well, you can teach them to enjoy alone time starting when they're young. In some cases, this can prevent separation anxiety from developing.7
Exercise your dog
If your dog has mild anxiety, regular exercise might be enough to keep him calmer.4 In one survey of dog owners, exercise was the most popular treatment for separation anxiety.2 Your veterinarian can recommend just how much exercise your dog needs.
Leave treats for counter-conditioning
Teach your dog that arrivals and departures are nothing to worry about (and can actually be good!). Be matter-of-fact when you leave, and don't give an overly emotional goodbye that could trigger stress.8
Give your pup a treat or special toy before you go so he associates your departure with something good happening.3 You might even wait to feed your dog breakfast until you're leaving to help make your departure a happier event.8
Give your pup fun things to do while you're gone
Helping your dog entertain herself may reduce mild separation anxiety. Puzzle toys can stimulate your dog's mind, preventing boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors while you're gone.4 For example, try a Kong toy smeared with peanut butter to keep her distracted.3 Interactive puzzle feeders that only release food when they're played with are also good.5
Practice being alone for short periods of time
Dogs with more severe separation anxiety may need desensitization training to address their fears. This involves slowly building up your pet's confidence by leaving your dog alone for longer and longer periods. Sometimes this can take a few weeks to a few months.9
Change up your "leaving home" routine
Your dog may figure out which sounds indicate you're leaving (like picking up your keys) and get stressed by the noise alone. Try changing up your routine so you don't trigger stress early. For example, pick up and carry your keys when you're not leaving. Open the garage door, but stay home. Or put your keys in your pocket early so the keys don't make noise when you're leaving.5
Use soothing music or background noise
Music is calming and can provide anxiety relief for dogs. In one survey, 26% of dog owners reported relying on calming music to help their pup when they weren't home.2
Try a crate
Crating can be a wonderful way to create a safe and comfortable routine for your dog or puppy.10 Some dogs love their crates and feel more secure and calm in them. But this varies depending on your dog's personality, and won't be a good solution for every dog.
Give your pup company when you're gone
If your dog can handle short periods of alone time, try hiring a dog walker to visit while you're at work. If he needs a lot of company, try leaving him at a doggie day care when you're gone.2
Does Your Dog Need Medication? When To See a Veterinarian
If you notice symptoms of separation anxiety, see your veterinarian to make sure there isn't a medical problem causing your dog's behavioral issues.9 For example, a urinary, endocrine or even neurological issue could be the source of the symptoms, rather than fear.4
After medical issues have been ruled out, your veterinarian may suggest behavioral modifications (like the ideas listed in this article), or in more severe cases, prescriptions4 such as anti-anxiety medication.1
Your veterinarian might also suggest over-the-counter calming pheromone sprays or supplements.4 One survey found that about 34% of dog owners use calming treats to help with separation anxiety.2
Pets Best Can Help You Keep Your Dog Healthy
Separation anxiety may feel overwhelming, but there is hope for you and your pup. Sometimes all it takes is a little exercise, interactive toys or a change in routine. Other times, you may need a veterinarian's or pet behaviorist's help. But with time and patience, many dogs can learn to feel safe and confident when home alone.
Investing in pet insurance is a great way to help you protect your dog from unexpected illnesses or accidents. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources/Citations
1. "Separation anxiety in dogs: Causes, symptoms, and treatment," (6/2023), Northwoods Veterinary Clinic, https://northwoodsvet.com/separation-anxiety-in-dogs-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-in-north-charleston-sc/, accessed March 18, 2024.
2. "Separation anxiety in dogs & dog owners in 2021," Kathryn Anderson (4/2023), CertaPet, https://www.certapet.com/separation-anxiety-in-dogs-survey/, accessed March 27, 2024.
3. "How to tell if your dog has separation anxiety and 5 things to do if she does," Dr. Kelly Ballantyne (8/2021), American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, https://avsab.org/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-has-separation-anxiety-and-5-things-to-do-if-she-does/, accessed March 18, 2024.
4. "What if this time it's forever? Canine separation anxiety," (8/2021), Bolton Veterinary Hospital, https://www.boltonvet.com/what-if-this-time-its-forever-canine-separation-anxiety/, accessed March 18, 2024.
5. "Separation anxiety in pets," (5/2020), Animal Hospital of Lewisville, https://animalhospitaloflewisville.com/blog/separation-anxiety-in-pets/, accessed March 18, 2024.
6. "Soothing separation anxiety," (7/2020), San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, https://www.sfspca.org/blog/soothing-separation-anxiety/, accessed March 18, 2024.
7. "Separation anxiety in dogs," Debra Horwitz and Gary Landsberg, VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/separation-anxiety-in-dogs, accessed March 18, 2024.
8. "Separation anxiety in pets: Your questions answered," Crystal Munguia (11/2020), University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet-health-columns/separation-anxiety-in-pets-faq/, accessed March 18, 2024.
9. "Bringing hope to dogs suffering from separation anxiety," Liz Jefferis (1/2021), Bay Path Humane Society, https://baypathhumane.org/bringing-hope-for-separation-anxiety/, accessed March 18, 2024.
10. "Best ways to crate train a dog with separation anxiety," Anthony Marcusa (7/2023), BestReviews, https://wgntv.com/reviews/br/pets-br/training-br/how-to-crate-train-a-dog-with-separation-anxiety/, accessed March 18, 2024.