Understanding and Managing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

A dog that panics when you leave isn't bored or being spiteful. It's in real distress, and some dogs find being alone very hard.

What separation anxiety looks like

• Heavy drooling, panting, trembling
• Refusing food
• Trying to escape
• Chewing, or scratching at doors and windows
• Barking, howling or whining
• Accidents indoors, even in a house-trained dog
• Pacing, and following you from room to room

The signs appear when the dog is alone or senses you're about to go. Many also have medical causes: indoor accidents can come from a urinary or bowel problem, and a dog that won't eat may be unwell. A vet should rule those out first, especially if the behaviour started suddenly.

Why some dogs develop it

Common triggers are a move, a change in the household or schedule, or the loss of a family member. Early history matters: rescue dogs with an unknown past, puppies taken from their mother too early, little puppy socialisation, a previous abandonment. Anxious, very attached or low-confidence dogs are also at higher risk.

What helps

Exercise before you leave

A walk of 30 to 60 minutes before you go is a reasonable aim. Keep the last few minutes calm, since lively play right before you leave can wind the dog up.

Low-key goodbyes and hellos

A big fuss makes leaving and returning feel like major events. Ignore the dog for 10 to 15 minutes before you go. When you come back, wait until it's calm before you greet it.

Build up alone time in small steps

Start with absences so short the dog doesn't react, then lengthen them.

1. Leave the room for 30 seconds.
2. Leave the room for a minute.
3. Leave the home for 5 minutes.
4. Work up to 30 minutes, then to hours.

If the dog gets distressed, go back a step. Also practise the cues: put on your coat and sit back down, pick up your keys and put them away, open the door and close it again. The aim is for these to stop meaning you're leaving.

Support during the day

A dog walker or sitter breaks up a long stretch alone. Another dog or cat comforts some dogs, but not all. Daycare gives company and supervision while you work: see our dog daycare.

What makes it worse

• Regular absences of 8 hours or more.
• Too little mental and physical activity.
• Rough play or tug-of-war.
• Free run of the whole home. A smaller, cosy area often feels safer, but don't force a dog into a crate if it panics there.

Setting up a safe space

Pick a quiet spot away from street noise, at a comfortable temperature. Add a bed or crate, water, safe toys and an old shirt that smells of you. Soft music or white noise covers outside sounds (play it while you're home too), and curtains help if the dog reacts to what it sees outside. A pheromone diffuser such as Adaptil is sometimes used, but evidence is mixed, so treat it as a small extra.

When to see a vet

Book a visit if the anxiety is severe or getting worse, if the dog hurts itself, or if training isn't working. The vet checks for medical causes first, then goes through the options. One is a behaviour programme with a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviourist, built around gradual desensitisation. Sometimes a vet prescribes anti-anxiety medication alongside training; that decision belongs to the vet. Supplements such as L-theanine or chamomile have limited evidence behind them, so check with your vet before giving anything.

Keeping progress going

Reward calm behaviour when the dog is alone, and keep walks, meals and departures at regular times. Film your dog while you're out to see what sets it off. For a puppy or newly adopted dog, start short spells alone early. Most dogs improve with patience, consistency and, where needed, professional help.

If you need a break

Dog boarding at MyPeterinarian is run by a veterinary clinic. You get a photo or video report every evening, and a vet is at the clinic during opening hours. You fill in one form on feeding, medicines and habits. Read more about dog boarding, or contact the clinic.