Last updated on: July 15, 2025
One of the most widely heard complaints of dog caretakers is that their dog is an angel in their presence but turns into the devil when left alone. Their dogs might howl, defecate, urinate, chew, barf, dig or finally try to escape. These behavioral issues indicate that the dog not only needs better house training but might also be suffering from separation anxiety. If your dog’s problems are accompanied by other behaviors like showing anxiety or clinginess when you prepare to go out, these are indicative towards your dog suffering from separation anxiety and not that your dog is not properly house trained. Separation anxiety occurs in dogs when they become upset due to being away from their guardians. If a dog suffering from separation anxiety tries to escape, it is extreme and might result in house destruction and self-injury (WebMD).
Approximately 20% of dogs may experience separation anxiety, with 8/10 struggling when left alone for extended periods.
“Separation anxiety is like a human panic attack—dogs feel intense distress when left alone, but with consistent training, we can help them feel safe,” says Tina Flores, KPA-CTP, CSAT, a certified separation anxiety trainer.
Topics covered in this blog post
Separation Anxiety in dogs
Anxious puppies or dogs might display different kinds of behavior when their parents are getting ready to leave. Some might become agitated while others might become depressed or anxious before their guardians depart. Some would even try to prevent their parents from leaving the house at all.
The moment their guardians leave, such dogs would begin howling, barking, and displaying other stress-related behaviors within a very short time, usually minutes. When the guardian comes back, the dog will greet him or her like he hasn’t seen his parent in ages.
The purpose of treating a dog who is suffering from separation anxiety is to resolve the underlying anxiety by reprogramming the dog’s brain to enjoy, or at least be tolerant of, being left alone. This kind of behavior modification can be achieved by setting up an environment that provokes distress without experiencing any kind of anxiety or fear.
Before you start reprogramming your dogs behavior, you need to know the reasons behind separation anxiety in dogs.
Causes of separation anxiety
So far, there has been no concrete evidence to indicate why exactly dogs develop separation anxiety. However, observation of dogs coming from different environments has indicated that this kind of behavior problem is more often observed in dogs who were adopted from shelters than in those who were living with a single family from the time of puppyhood. The following situations are most likely to trigger separation anxiety in dogs:
Change of family or guardian
Being surrendered to a shelter or abandoned, or suddenly being given to a new family or guardian, can trigger separation anxiety. Since such dogs don’t understand why they are being sent away, it causes a lot of stress on them.
Change in schedule
Dogs are used to a specific schedule. If there is a sudden change in the schedule, specifically in terms of when they are left alone, it can lead to the development of separation anxiety. For example, you were with your dog for the past four months due to the lockdown. Your dog sees you 24/7. Now suddenly you have to go back to your job, and your dog is left alone for 6 to 7 hours. Such a change might lead to the development of separation anxiety in your dog.
Residence change
Dogs don’t like changes in the environment. A change in residence can trigger separation anxiety.
Change in the household members
The sudden absence of a family member or your moving away can trigger separation anxiety.
Now that you know the reasons behind separation anxiety in dogs, the next thing to know are the symptoms your dog is likely to display if he/she is suffering from separation anxiety.
Symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs
Barking and howling
A dog who suffers from separation anxiety might immediately start barking or howling when left alone or is separated from his or her guardian. Howling or barking, which stems from separation anxiety, is persistent and does not seem to be triggered by anything except the fear of being alone.
Urinating and defecating
If your dog urinates or defecates in your presence, he or she most likely needs better house training. However, if this behavior always gets manifested in your absence, then your dog is most likely suffering from separation anxiety.
Chewing, digging and destruction
Some dogs suffering from separation anxiety tend to chew on objects like windowsills or door frames. They will try to dig at the doorways and the doors and destroy the house furniture. Such behaviors can cause harm to your dog. Your dog may end up with torn paws, damaged nails, or broken teeth. In some severe cases, dogs have tried to escape through the window and got impaled by the broken glass of the windows. If this behavior is not caused by separation anxiety, this may be exhibited even when the guardians are around.
Pacing
Some dogs will trot on a fixed spot in a fixed pattern when they’re alone or separated from their guardians. The spacing behavior can either be in a circular pattern or it can be back and forth in a straight line. Similar to the chewing and digging behavior, if this behavior is triggered by separation anxiety, it will not be observed when the dog guardians are present.
Coprophagia
Coprophagia is a behavioral disorder when which dogs defecate and consume some or all of their excrement. If this behavior is performed in the absence of the guardians, then it most likely stems from separation anxiety.
Escaping behavior
If your dog has separation anxiety, there is a high likelihood that your dog will try to escape from the house to search for you. The escaping behavior further increases if the dog is confined. Your dog may triy to chew or dig through anything in his way. This can lead to the infliction of self-injury like cut and scrapes, damaged nails, etc. This behavior will specifically be seen when the guardian is not around (ASPCA).
Diagnosis: How Vets Confirm Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Veterinarians and behaviorists diagnose separation anxiety by observing behaviors like destructive chewing, excessive barking, or house soiling when the dog is alone, while ruling out medical conditions like diabetes or urinary infections. “Early intervention is key. Dogs with untreated anxiety may develop chronic stress, impacting their overall health,” says Dr. Ilana Reisner, DVM, PhD, DACVB (Veterinary Partner).
Diagnosis typically involves:
Video Evidence: Record your dog’s behavior during the first 30–60 minutes alone to capture signs like pacing or vocalizing.
Medical Tests: Blood and urine tests to exclude conditions like diabetes.
Behavioral Assessment: A veterinary behaviorist or certified trainer evaluates triggers, such as departure cues, using questionnaires like those in VetCompass studies.
If your dog shows symptoms, consult a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or a veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB) for a tailored plan (PetMD).
Breed-Specific Risks for Separation Anxiety
Certain breeds are more prone to separation anxiety due to their temperament or attachment tendencies. VetCompass research indicates that breeds like German Shepherds, Terriers (e.g., Yorkshire, Jack Russell), and Labrador Retrievers are at higher risk, especially if sourced from shelters. Approximately 20% of dogs may experience separation anxiety, with females and shelter dogs showing elevated risks (PMC (NCBI), 2020).
Here’s a quick breakdown:
High-Risk Breeds: German Shepherds (31.7% prevalence in some studies), Terriers, Labrador Retrievers.
Moderate Risk: Border Collies, Golden Retrievers.
Lower Risk: Boxers, Greyhounds (less attachment-driven).
Shelter dogs or those separated from litters before 60 days are more susceptible. My German Shepherd-Pitbull mix, Delta, showed clingy behavior early on, which prompted me to monitor him closely for anxiety signs.
Normal Behavior vs. Separation Anxiety
To help distinguish separation anxiety, here’s a comparison of normal dog behaviors versus anxiety-driven ones:
Behavior | Normal Behavior | Separation Anxiety Behavior |
|---|---|---|
Barking | Occasional, triggered by external stimuli | Excessive barking or howling when alone |
Chewing | Chews toys or items when playing | Destructive chewing (e.g., door frames) when alone |
Urination/Defecation | Normal schedule, no accidents | House soiling only when owner is absent |
Activity Level | Relaxed or playful when alone | Pacing, restlessness, or escape attempts |
Greeting | Happy but calm upon owner’s return | Excessive, frantic greeting behavior |
Behavioral problems to rule out
Sometimes it is hard to understand whether the inappropriate behavior displayed by the dog is due to separation anxiety or not. A few of the behavioral problems can lead to similar symptoms. Before reaching the conclusion that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, it is important that you rule out the following behavioral problems:
Incomplete house training
If your dog is constantly urinating in the house, even in your presence, he or she is most likely incompletely house trained. Your dog’s house training was either incomplete or it involved punishment.
Urine marking
Some dogs will urinate in the house as a part of marking the house with her scent. Dogs are territorial creatures. They use scent to market their territory. If your dog is lifting a leg to urinate, he or she is most likely marking his or her territory.
Boredom
Dogs get bored very easily and need constant mental stimulation. Some dogs can become disruptive when left alone. These dogs don’t appear to be anxious otherwise.
Juvenile destruction
Dogs are known to chew everything in sight during their puppyhood stages. This behavior will be displayed in front of the guardians as well as when they are away.
Excessive howling or barking
There are certain breeds of dogs that are known to bark more than others. Some dogs also however, bark in response to various stimuli present in the environment like unfamiliar sounds, sights, sirens, etc. They would vocalize their happiness when their guardians came home and their distress when their guardians were away.
Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?
Answer these yes/no questions to assess if your dog may have separation anxiety. Consult a vet for a professional diagnosis.
- Does your dog bark or howl excessively when left alone?
- Yes
- No
- Does your dog chew destructively (e.g., door frames) only when you’re gone?
- Yes
- No
- Does your dog urinate or defecate indoors when left alone, despite being house-trained?
- Yes
- No
- Does your dog pace or try to escape when you’re not home?
- Yes
- No
- Does your dog show frantic excitement when you return home?
- Yes
- No
- Does your dog follow you excessively or panic at departure cues (e.g., picking up keys)?
- Yes
- No
Results:
- 4–6 Yes answers: Your dog may have separation anxiety. Multiple symptoms suggest distress when alone. Consult a vet or certified behaviorist for a diagnosis.
- 2–3 Yes answers: Your dog shows some signs of separation anxiety. Monitor behaviors with a webcam (e.g., Furbo) and try desensitization training.
- 0–1 Yes answers: Your dog shows minimal signs of separation anxiety. Keep monitoring and maintain consistent routines to prevent issues.
2025 Insights: AI Diagnostics for Separation Anxiety
In 2025, AI-driven tools are transforming how we detect separation anxiety. Machine learning algorithms analyze video footage and wearable sensor data (e.g., heart rate, movement) to identify anxiety patterns before severe behaviors emerge. A DVM360 article highlights AI’s role in faster behavioral diagnostics, enabling earlier interventions. For example, devices like PetPace collars track activity and stress indicators, helping guardians monitor dogs remotely. These tools complement traditional methods, making it easier to spot issues like pacing or vocalizing within the first 10 minutes of solitude.
Curing separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is not a lifelong problem. It can easily be cured. To cure separation anxiety in dogs, you must employ counter-conditioning and desensitization methods. Counterconditioning focuses on redirecting the brain of the pup toward more enjoyable activities. If your pup has enough things to do when you are at work or not at home, it is less likely that your pup will feel anxious in your absence.
If you are having a hard time dealing with separation anxiety on your own, you can enlist the help of a dog trainer or dog behaviorist. Alternatively, you can also enroll your dog in doggy daycare. This way, when you are out, you can leave your dog at the daycare so that your dog will have company and will not get bored or feel stressed out (RSPCA).
What do not do?
If you are struggling with separation anxiety, scolding, hitting or punishing your dog is not going to move the problem. The first thing that you need to understand is separation anxiety. The reason your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety is that he is upset and in distress. If you decide to punish your dog, it might just increase his distress and instead of reducing it. Therefore, punishing your dog is not the right way to tackle the problem, period.
Symptoms and Treatments for Separation Anxiety
Symptom | Treatment Options |
|---|---|
Excessive barking/howling | Desensitization, Adaptil diffuser, anti-anxiety meds (AKC) |
Destructive chewing | Counterconditioning, Kong toys, and behaviorist consultation |
House soiling | Routine training, vet check for medical issues |
Pacing/restlessness | Exercise, calming supplements (e.g., Solliquin) (VCA Hospitals) |
Excessive greeting | Gradual departure training, reward calm behavior |
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Conclusion
Now that you know the common symptoms of dog anxiety, have you noticed your dog display any of the above-mentioned symptoms? If yes, what did you to about it? There are many ways to treat separation anxiety in dogs. The best way is behavioral reprogramming so that your dog understands that it’s all right to be left alone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Signs include excessive barking, destructive chewing, house soiling, pacing, and frantic greetings when you return, occurring only when alone.
Treatment varies by dog—mild cases may improve in 1–3 months with consistent desensitization, while severe cases may take 6–12 months or require lifelong management.
Yes, anti-anxiety medications like trazodone or fluoxetine, prescribed by a vet, can reduce distress and aid training in severe cases.
Encourage independence early by leaving your dog alone for short periods, maintaining stable routines, and avoiding punishment (Dogs Trust).
About the Author
Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya is the founder and guiding force behind The Happy Puppers, combining a Ph.D. in Immunology with decades of direct canine care experience. Her passion for the well-being of dogs has taken many forms:
- Academic & Scientific Rigor – Dr. Shruti applies a science-based approach to pet care, enriched by her training in immunology.
- Hands-On Street Work – Over the past 10+ years, she has personally cared for 30+ street dogs, tending to their health, training, and rehabilitation, even as she relocated and continued caregiving with 15 dogs, and currently supports 5 local neighborhood dogs outside her apartment.
- Instinctual Bond with Dogs – From stray pups to fostered companions, even strangers recognize her as a safe and trusted friend to dogs—drawn to her calm presence and empathy.
- Personal Pack – She’s the proud canine mom of Delta, a German Shepherd–Pitbull mix; Zeus, an energetic Labrador mix; and Alpha, a curious Indian pariah pup—each inspiring her mission through their daily lives.
Through The Happy Puppers, Dr. Shruti shares science-backed advice, empathetic insight, and evidence-based tips designed to empower dog guardians worldwide. The purpose of this is to blend real-world experience with academic expertise, helping every dog feel safe, loved, and thriving.
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Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional veterinary or grooming advice. Consult a veterinarian for specific dietary concerns.
References
- Dogs Trust, 2023. Separation Anxiety in Dogs
- ASPCA, 2020. Common Dog Behavior Issues: Separation Anxiety.
- PetMD, 2024. Separation Anxiety in Dogs.
- RSPCA, 2023. Separation Related Behaviour.
- VCA Hospitals, 2023. Separation Anxiety in Dogs.
- PMC, 2020. Separation Anxiety in Dogs.
- AKC, 2025. Dog Separation Anxiety: How to Help.
- WebMD, 2023. Separation Anxiety in Dogs.
- Veterinary Partner, 2021. Separation Anxiety in Dogs.
