Imagine a young boy whose father, heading to war, tells him he’s now the “man of the house” and must protect his mother and sisters. The child faces not only the fear of losing his father but also the overwhelming burden of a task he’s unprepared for. For a dog with separation anxiety, every morning feels like their owner is going off to war. They don’t understand that their owner will return unharmed, nor do they realize they’re simply expected to relax during the absence.
In the United States, an estimated 10 to 14 percent of dogs suffer from varying degrees of separation anxiety, making it the second most common behavioral disorder after aggression for which owners seek professional help. It’s also a frequent reason dogs are surrendered to shelters by frustrated owners.
Domestic dogs descend from wolves and wild dogs, pack animals that hunt and raise young collaboratively, rarely leaving any member alone for long. Even a mother wolf left behind during a hunt has her litter or another female for company. When alone, wolves pace, whine, salivate, howl, and may harm themselves in efforts to reunite with their pack. In modern life, pets are often left alone for 8 to 10 hours daily, triggering similar distress in dogs, manifesting as separation anxiety.
Recognizing and Addressing Symptoms
The symptoms of separation anxiety are clear:
- Excessive vocalizing—whining, howling, barking
- Inappropriate urination or defecation, breaking housetraining
- Destructive behavior—digging, chewing objects
- Self-destructive behavior—licking or chewing skin and fur
- Depression—loss of appetite, listlessness
- Psychosomatic responses—excessive panting, pacing, salivating
- Overenthusiastic greetings upon the owner’s return
- Disproportionate attachment to their human
Despite frustrating behaviors like chewing through furniture, separation anxiety isn’t misbehavior. It’s an instinctual response to isolation, normal unless the dog is taught otherwise. Punishing these behaviors heightens anxiety, as the dog anticipates further reprimands, worsening the cycle.
Separation anxiety is most common in young dogs not taught that being alone is safe, or in dogs with histories of abandonment or shelter stays. Mature dogs rarely develop it unless triggered by a traumatic event, such as a break-in where the dog is harmed or confined. In older dogs, declining eyesight or hearing can increase dependency, leading to anxiety where none existed before.
The best prevention is training from puppyhood. Puppies should learn that solitude is temporary and safe through crate training, which builds confidence in a secure space. Owners can then gradually desensitize the puppy by simulating departures—putting on a coat, grabbing keys, stepping outside briefly, and returning before distress sets in, rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise. Over time, extend the absence until the puppy remains relaxed for hours, learning that their owner’s return is certain.
Owners often unknowingly exacerbate anxiety. Elaborate departure routines—grabbing shoes, coats, and briefcases while bidding emotional farewells—signal chaos, reinforcing the dog’s fear that leaving is catastrophic. The first hour alone is typically the peak of anxiety, with some dogs stressing at the sight of shoes. Similarly, enthusiastic homecoming greetings fuel excitement, heightening anxiety. Instead, owners should enter calmly, ignoring the dog’s antics, mimicking a pack leader’s indifference to subordinates, which dogs understand through body language.
Additional strategies to alleviate separation anxiety include:
- Distraction: Offer a special treat before leaving to shift the dog’s focus from departure.
- Background Noise: Leave a TV or radio on, or use DVDs designed for dogs with clips of other dogs playing, simulating pack presence.
- Crate Training: A crate provides a safe “den,” reducing stress if introduced gradually while the owner is home, avoiding association with abandonment.
- Exercise: A tired dog is calmer, benefiting from the endorphin boost of physical activity.
- Medication: In severe cases, veterinarians may prescribe Clomicalm, an anti-anxiety drug with antidepressant properties. It accelerates training and reduces suffering, but should be used under veterinary guidance, ideally with an animal behaviorist.
Untreated separation anxiety harms both the dog’s environment and their well-being. Severe cases lead to self-mutilation, chewing through doors, jumping through windows, or escaping, posing risks like traffic accidents or property damage. A treatable condition, separation anxiety requires patience and knowledge. Consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to develop an effective plan, ensuring your dog’s health and happiness.
