Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Does your dog act up whenever you leave home? Is your pup having accidents in the house despite being fully house-trained? Are your neighbors complaining about excessive howling or barking while you’re away? 

These are all common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs, a behavioral condition that affects about 40% of pets. Dogs with separation anxiety get nervous when they realize you're leaving. Puppy training can help prevent separation anxiety in dogs, but ultimately, there’s a big chance your dog will experience separation anxiety at some point in their lives. 

When dogs with separation anxiety are left alone, they experience genuine panic and fear. This emotional distress can lead to destructive behavior in dogs, such as: 

• Peeing or pooping at home

• Chewing furniture, doors, or windowsills

• Barking, howling, or whining excessively 

• Pacing or restlessness

• Trying to escape 

In this guide, we'll explore how dogs develop separation anxiety, key signs to watch for, and evidence-based treatment options, from behavior modification techniques to medication. Whether your dog has mild anxiety or severe symptoms, there are proven strategies to help them feel calm and secure when left alone. 

Common signs of separation anxiety in dogs

Behavioral experts explain that dogs with separation anxiety will often display specific body language cues before and during episodes of distress, such as: 

• Lip or nose licking (stress signal) 

• Freezing in place or cowering

• Pacing or restlessness

• Pinning their ears back 

• Excessive drooling or salivation 

• Yawning when they’re not tired

• Dilated pupils

  
  

Signs can start appearing as soon as your furry pal realizes you're leaving. Here are some other stronger symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs to look out for: 

Accidents around the house

If your house-trained furry pal suddenly starts having accidents when you’re away, this could be a sign of separation anxiety. The intense stress and panic some dogs experience when left alone can actually lead to the loss of bladder or bowel control. 

Nevertheless, urinary tract infections, digestive issues, and other health problems can also cause them to have accidents. It’s important to schedule a vet visit to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Remember, routine vet visits and virtual consultations through Televet are both included in Kanguro’s pet insurance wellness plan. 

In some cases, dogs with separation anxiety may also engage in coprophagia, which is when they eat their own feces after defecating. While the exact cause isn't fully understood, this behavior may be an attempt to hide evidence of the accident due to previous punishment or a response to extreme anxiety. While coprophagia is distressing to witness, it's typically not medically dangerous unless your dog has parasites or other health issues. However, if you observe this behavior, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying problems and discuss treatment options.

Persistent barking and howling

When dogs develop separation anxiety, they might start barking and howling persistently any time they’re left alone. This typically begins within minutes of your departure and can go on for hours. Unlike occasional barking at a passerby, separation anxiety vocalization is persistent. In plain dog language, it means your dog is calling for you to come back home. 

Destructive chewing

Chewing, scratching, and digging are all examples of destructive behavior in dogs with separation anxiety. Pups usually target doors, door frames, windows, and windowsills because they’re trying to escape confinement. They might also chew objects that carry your scent, like pillows, shoes, or personal items. 

Although it might seem like naughty behavior, this type of destruction is usually frantic, focused, and occurs within the first 30 minutes of your departure. This behavior can lead to serious self-injury, like broken teeth, scraped or bleeding paws, or damaged nails. 

Trying to run away

Dogs with severe separation anxiety might try to escape their confinement area or even the house itself. They dig at doors, chew windows, break crates, or scratch walls and floors near exit points. These behaviors are caused by panic: your dog is literally trying to break free to find you. 

Unfortunately, these escape attempts can pose a risk to your pup. First, dogs can injure themselves trying to break through barriers. And if they succeed in escaping, they could run into traffic or get lost. 

Causes of separation anxiety in dogs

Ever wonder why your furry family member gets anxious when you leave? There are several reasons dogs develop separation anxiety. Sometimes, it’s not even a specific trigger; some pups are naturally more sensitive or deeply attached to their pet parents. 

Understanding the causes of separation anxiety in dogs can help you identify what’s affecting your four-legged family member and find the right solution. Here are the most common culprits: 

A major change in the family

Your dog is incredibly receptive to family dynamics. Any major change, such as a new family member, another pet, or a departing family member, can trigger separation anxiety. Dogs quickly notice any major changes to the family, so whether you’re bringing a new baby home or sending off a child to college, you can expect your pup to notice and react to these changes. 

After all, these changes shake up your pup’s routine and sense of security. A new baby means less time to play ball, and losing a beloved family member hurts. If your furry friend is acting anxious after a big family change, they’re trying to communicate that their world feels uncertain. 

A change in your schedule 

Dogs are highly sensitive and will immediately notice any changes to their routine. Dogs develop separation anxiety when a dramatic schedule change disrupts their sense of security. Common triggers include: 

• Starting a new job with longer hours 

• Returning to the office after working from home 

• Increased travel 

• Kids returning to school after a long break 

The pandemic caused a lot of separation anxiety in dogs. After spending over a year with their pet parents at home all day, every day, many pups suddenly found themselves alone again for the first time. If your furry pal struggles when you leave after spending time together during COVID, you might be dealing with “post-pandemic separation anxiety.” The good news is that with patience and training, most dogs can learn how to feel comfortable alone again. 

Moving to a new home

Like you, your dog feels more secure in familiar surroundings. Moving to a new home means unfamiliar smells, new sounds, and none of the cozy spots they’ve grown accustomed to. While they adjust, dogs can develop temporary separation anxiety as they get used to a new territory. 

These are typically mild cases of separation anxiety that resolve on their own after a few weeks once your pup settles into their new home. Speed up the process by keeping a consistent routine and setting up a comfy space with their favorite toys and treats. 

Traumatic past experiences, like neglect or abuse

Rescue dogs and pups with a history of trauma, neglect, or abuse often struggle with separation anxiety. If your dog had a rough start in life, they may have experienced: 

• Being abandoned by previous owners 

• Living in multiple homes 

• Periods of neglect or isolation 

• Abuse 

While your rescue dog might not show signs of separation anxiety right away, this can surface weeks or months after adoption. These signs start appearing once your dog feels safe enough to show their true feelings, and it means they feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable around you. 

Adopting a dog with a traumatic background requires patience, since separation anxiety from past trauma takes time to heal. But with love, patience, and help from a veterinary behaviorist, most dogs gradually learn to feel secure. 

Treatment for separation anxiety in dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is often misunderstood as bad behavior, when really your pup is scared, overwhelmed, and trying to communicate their distress the only way they know how. Punishing or scolding a dog with separation anxiety will only make things worse. What your furry friend needs is understanding and support from their pet parents, not discipline. 

The key to treating a dog with separation anxiety is building trust and creating routines that help your dog feel confident and secure. For mild cases of separation anxiety, there are several techniques you can try at home. More severe cases typically require professional help from a veterinary behaviorist who specializes in behavioral modification for separation anxiety. 

Here’s a breakdown of treatment options, from simple home strategies to professional interventions: 

Keep departures and arrivals low-key

One of the simplest changes you can make in your own behavior as a pet parent is to stop making a big deal when leaving or coming home. When departures and arrivals are dramatic, your dog picks up on that energy and gets more anxious. 

Experts actually recommend ignoring your pup for about 15 minutes before leaving and 15 minutes after coming home. It’s hard, but this means replacing excited hellos and long, emotional goodbyes with calm, neutral energy. Although hard at first, this low-key approach helps your dog see your comings and goings as no big deal. 

Desensitization: practice leaving without leaving

Desensitization is one of the most effective treatments for separation anxiety in dogs. The goal is to teach your pup that being alone is safe and temporary.

First, start with separations that are shorter than the time it takes for your dog to become anxious. For example, if your dog gets stressed after 10 minutes alone, begin with 5-minute absences. Over time, you can slowly increase the duration as your furry friend builds confidence.

How to practice leaving without leaving: 

• Pick up your keys and put on your shoes, but don’t go anywhere 

• Walk to the door, open it, and close it without leaving 

• Step outside for 30 minutes and then come back 

• Gradually increase your time spent outside by a minute at a time

The key here is consistency and patience. Through repeated experience, your dog will learn that even when you leave, you always return. For severe cases of separation anxiety, working with a veterinary behaviorist can help create a customized desensitization plan that fits your dog’s specific needs. 

Counterconditioning: creating positive associations

Counterconditioning is a technique that helps change your dog’s emotional response to being alone, from fear and anxiety into something positive and pleasant. 

Whenever you’re about to leave, give your dog something special they love, like a puzzle toy filled with peanut butter, a long-lasting chew toy, or a treat-dispensing toy. The key here is that this special treat only appears when you leave. 

As soon as you return home, take the treat away. This teaches your furry friend that your departure actually brings something wonderful, not something scary. Over time, your dog will start associating your leaving with getting their favorite treat, which can help reduce anxiety. 

Set your pup up for success

Before heading out, make sure your furry friend has everything they need to stay comfortable and entertained. A dog who just had all of their needs met is less likely to get anxious: 

• Fresh water: Always leave clean drinking water 

• Bathroom break: Make sure to take them out on a walk right before leaving 

• Food: Feed them before you go, or leave food out for them if you’ll be gone during mealtime

• Entertainment: Leave out their favorite toys and their special puzzle toy with treats 

• Comfort sounds: Leave on calming music or the TV on

• Comfortable temperature: Make sure they won’t get hot or cold 

• Exercise: A tired dog is a happy dog. Take them on a long walk or to a dog park, especially if you’re planning to be out of the house for a long time. 

Crate training

For some dogs, a crate can help reduce separation anxiety. But this is only effective if your pup sees their crate as a safe and comfortable den. If your dog loves their crate and voluntarily goes there to nap, it might help them feel more secure to stay inside while you’re gone. 

However, crating isn’t right for all dogs with separation anxiety. If your dog acts distressed when crated, then crating will only make their anxiety worse. 

Even if your dog loves their crate, you should never leave them confined for long periods of time. Extended crating can cause physical discomfort and increase anxiety for any dog. 

Dog separation anxiety medication and supplements

For moderate to severe cases of separation anxiety in dogs, medication or natural supplements may be necessary alongside behavioral training. Never give your dog any medication without consulting a veterinarian first. 

Remember, with Kanguro's pet insurance, you have 24/7 access to Televet, where you can get expert advice from a licensed vet via video or chat, any time of the day. This makes it easy to discuss whether dog separation anxiety medication might be right for your furry friend.

Common treatment options include: 

• Prescription anti-anxiety medication

• Natural supplements

• Dog-appeasing pheromones

• Calming chews

Each dog is unique, so work with your vet to find the right treatment for your pup.

If you've tried every method and your dog's separation anxiety remains severe, it may be that your furry friend truly can't be left alone safely. In these cases, consider:

• Bringing your dog to work if you work in a dog-friendly office

• Hiring a dog sitter 

• Enrolling your pup in doggy day care

• Working with a specialized veterinary behaviorist for intensive intervention 

Having a dog with severe separation anxiety doesn’t mean you failed. Every dog is different, and some pups need more emotional support than others. 

Other behaviors that look like separation anxiety

Before concluding that your pup has separation anxiety, it’s important to rule out other issues that look similar. Some behaviors that seem like anxiety are actually caused by poor training or boredom. True separation anxiety comes with distress and panic. If your dog is calm and relaxed while misbehaving, then it’s probably something else. 

Here are some common behaviors that often get mistaken for separation anxiety in dogs: 

Submissive or excitement urination

Some dogs pee when they’re feeling submissive, like during greetings, physical contact, or when being scolded. Submissive body language includes: 

• A lowered tail 

• Flattened ears 

• Crouching 

• Rolling over and exposing their belly 

Dogs, especially young ones, pee from excitement when someone arrives home. Both submissive and excitement urination usually improve with age and positive reinforcement training. In these cases, dogs aren’t distressed. If urination only happens during greetings, it’s probably not separation anxiety.

Incomplete house training

If your pup is having accidents around the house, they might need more house training practice. This is especially common with: 

• Young puppies who are still learning bathroom basics 

• Newly adopted dogs who are getting used to a new place 

• Incomplete house training 

If your dog was punished for accidents in the past, they may have learned to hold it when you’re around to avoid punishment. This looks like separation anxiety, but is actually a house-training issue based on fear. 

Dogs with incomplete house training won’t show other anxiety symptoms like destructive behavior, excessive barking, or distress. 

Normal puppy behavior

Puppies like exploring the world with their mouths. After all, they are teething, and they have lots of energy to burn. Destructive chewing and digging is normal puppy behavior, especially if it happens whether you’re home or away. 

Puppies with separation anxiety only destroy things when left alone, and also show other signs of distress, like pacing, whining, or drooling. Puppies, on the other hand, will happily chew your shoes right in front of you, and that’s a sign that it’s not separation anxiety. 

Boredom and under-stimulation

Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. When they don’t get enough exercise and play, they can become destructive out of boredom. 

The key difference between boredom and separation anxiety:

Bored dogs: Appear relaxed and content. Their destruction is casual and exploratory. 

Anxious dogs: Show obvious distress. Their destruction is intense and mostly focused on exit points. 

Here are a few things you can try if you suspect your pup is acting up due to boredom: 

• Increase daily exercise 

• Provide mental stimulation 

• Rotate toys often 

• Consider doggy daycare or a dog walker 

The key here is that a tired and stimulated dog is less likely to get into trouble, whether it’s from boredom or anxiety. 

Medical issues

Sometimes, what looks like separation anxiety is actually a medical problem. Urinary infections, digestive issues, and cognitive decline in senior dogs can cause symptoms that look a lot like separation anxiety in dogs. 

If your dog suddenly starts having accidents, becoming destructive, or shows behavior changes, schedule a vet visit to rule out medical causes first. Pet insurance with Kanguro includes routine vet visits, as well as a 24/7 Televet service that lets you consult a professional whenever you need. This is especially important for older dogs or for a well-adjusted dog that suddenly develops symptoms. 

Frequently asked questions

What can separation anxiety in dogs lead to?

Untreated separation anxiety in dogs can lead to both behavioral and physical problems. 

Behavioral problems: 

• Destructive chewing

• Excessive barking or howling 

• House soiling 

• Escape attempts 

• Scratching at doors and windows 

Physical problems: 

• Self-injury (broken teeth, damaged paws) 

• Digestive issues 

• Poor quality of life 

Are separation anxiety and separation distress the same?

Not exactly! Separation anxiety in dogs is a severe form of separation distress. Separation distress involves mild discomfort when your dog is alone. Separation anxiety, on the other hand, involves intense panic and stress that often leads to destructive or harmful behaviors like frantic escape attempts, self-injury, or prolonged distress vocalization. 

Can puppies have separation anxiety?

Yes, puppies can definitely develop separation anxiety, especially during their adjustment period. But puppies are the easiest to train. Early independence-building and alone-time training can prevent separation anxiety in dogs before it becomes a serious issue. Start teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone from day one to prevent serious problems later on. 

Can you prevent separation anxiety in dogs?

Yes! While some dogs are more pront to anxiety than others, here are some things you can do to prevent separation anxiety in dogs: 

• Start slow: Practice short periods of separation and gradually increase the time your dog is alone

• Create a safe space: Provide a comfortable area with toys, bedding, and access to water

• Build positive associations: Leave treats or puzzle toys when you go out so your dog associates alone time with something enjoyable

• Keep departures and arrivals calm: Avoid dramatic goodbyes and over-excited hellos to prevent triggering anxiety

• Maintain a consistent routine: Dogs thrive on predictability, so keep a regular schedule for walks, meals, and playtime 

• Provide exercise and mental stimulation: A well-exercised, mentally stimulated dog is calmer and less prone to anxiety.

• Practice desensitization: Work with gradual "departure cues" (picking up keys, putting on shoes) without actually leaving to reduce their impact

The earlier you start with these habits, the better chances you have of raising a confident and independent pup. 

Does pet insurance cover separation anxiety?

Yes! Most pet insurance plans, including Kanguro’s, cover separation anxiety treatment as long as it’s not considered a pre-existing condition. This typically includes veterinary consultations, diagnostic testing, and prescription anxiety medications. With Kanguro, you also get 24/7 access to Televet for immediate guidance whenever you notice symptoms. The key is enrolling before any issues arrive so that any future behavioral problems are covered. 

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