Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs (and a Step-by-Step Plan to Help)
What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs? Look for barking or howling, destructive chewing or digging at doors and windows, house-soiling, pacing, and drooling that happen only when your dog is alone or about to be. The fix is a gradual, step-by-step plan that teaches your dog that being alone is safe.
Key Takeaways
- Separation-related behavior shows up in about 6% to 9% of pet dogs in large studies: 6% of 13,715 Finnish dogs (Salonen et al., 2020) and 9.3% of 43,517 US dogs (Serpell & Powell, 2026).
- It’s one of the most common problems behavior clinics see. In one clinic, separation anxiety made up 22.6% of 952 cases, and 82.8% of those dogs had other behavior problems too (2014 study of 215 dogs).
- Noise sensitivity was the most common co-occurring problem (43.7%), so check for fireworks and storm fear too.
- The core treatment is gradual desensitization, starting with absences short enough that your dog never panics (ASPCA).
- Punishment makes it worse. Anxious behavior isn’t spite or disobedience (ASPCA, Sargisson, 2014).
- Medication can help, but it works best alongside behavior modification, not instead of it (Sargisson, 2014).
Coming home to shredded blinds, a soaked crate, or a note from the neighbors about howling is stressful for you and a sign your dog is struggling too. Separation anxiety is one of the most common problems veterinary behaviorists treat. It’s also one of the most misunderstood, because the behaviors look like “being bad” when they’re actually panic.
What is separation anxiety in dogs?
Separation anxiety is distress a dog feels when separated from the person or people they’re attached to. Sargisson’s 2014 review in Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports defines it as “distress in the absence of an attachment figure,” often alongside signs of strong attachment like following the owner from room to room.
Some dogs panic about being away from one specific person. Others panic about being alone at all and are fine with any human around. That difference matters for treatment. A dog in the second group may do well with a dog sitter or daycare while you train.
What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs?
The key feature of separation anxiety is timing: the behaviors happen when your dog is alone, or when your dog senses you’re about to leave. The ASPCA and the 215-dog clinic study list these as the most common signs:
- Vocalizing: barking, whining, or howling that starts soon after you leave and keeps going.
- Destruction aimed at exits: chewing door frames, scratching doors, and tearing at blinds or window sills. Damage clustered around exits is a big clue.
- House-soiling: urinating or defecating when left alone, even in a fully house-trained dog.
- Pacing and restlessness: walking a fixed path, circling, and being unable to settle.
- Escape attempts: breaking out of crates, bent crate bars, and broken teeth or torn nails, which can cause serious injuries.
- Drooling and panting: wet patches near the door or crate.
- Pre-departure anxiety: following you, trembling, or hiding when you pick up keys, put on shoes, or grab a bag.
- Over-the-top greetings: frantic, prolonged greetings when you come home.
Sargisson notes that problem behaviors tend to peak shortly after the owner leaves. That’s why a phone or pet camera recording of your first 20 to 30 minutes away is one of the most useful things you can bring to your vet.
Is it separation anxiety or something else?
Not every mess while you’re out is separation anxiety. The ASPCA lists several look-alikes to rule out first, and a vet exam is the right first step:
| What you see | Separation anxiety if… | Something else if… |
|---|---|---|
| Accidents indoors | Only when alone, in a house-trained dog | Also happens when you’re home: think medical issues (UTI, incontinence), incomplete house training, or marking |
| Chewing and destruction | Focused on doors, windows, and crates, with signs of panic | Random items like shoes or couch cushions, and a relaxed dog: likely boredom or a young dog’s need to chew |
| Barking | Continuous distress barking and howling starting soon after departure | Triggered by passersby or noises outside: alert or territorial barking |
| Pacing and restlessness | Starts as you prepare to leave and continues after | Happens at any time: consider pain, cognitive decline in seniors, or general anxiety |
| Crate escape | Frantic, with injuries or bent bars | Calm exit from a poorly latched crate |
What causes separation anxiety in dogs?
There’s rarely a single cause. Researchers point to a mix of genetics, early experiences, and life changes. Common triggers include a change in schedule (like returning to the office after working from home), moving house, a new owner or a stay in a shelter, the loss of a family member or another pet, and long stretches of never being alone. It often shows up alongside other anxieties. In the Finnish study, dogs with separation-related behavior were 4.1 times more likely to show hyperactivity or impulsivity.
Separation anxiety isn’t caused by “spoiling” your dog or letting them on the bed. It’s a fear response. Rescue dogs can be especially vulnerable in their first months. Our week-by-week rescue dog plan builds short, positive alone-time practice in from the start.
What is the step-by-step plan for separation anxiety in dogs?
The plan is gradual desensitization. You teach your dog, in very small steps, that being alone is safe. The rule behind every step: your dog should never reach full panic during training. If they do, the step was too big. This plan follows the approach described by the ASPCA and Sargisson (2014).
- See your vet first. Rule out medical causes of house-soiling or restlessness, and ask whether anti-anxiety medication makes sense for your dog. For moderate to severe cases, medication can make training possible.
- Stop the panic episodes (management). Every time your dog panics alone, it sets training back. While you work on this, arrange care so your dog isn’t left alone longer than they can handle: a friend, a dog sitter, daycare, or taking your dog with you. It’s temporary, but it matters.
- Record a baseline. Film a normal departure and note how long it takes before your dog shows stress. That number, even if it’s 30 seconds, is where you start.
- Take the meaning out of departure cues. Pick up your keys, put on your coat, or grab your bag several times a day, then sit back down. Repeat until your dog stops reacting. The ASPCA calls this addressing “predeparture anxiety.”
- Build independence at home. Practice out-of-sight stays and place training: step behind a door for a second, come back, reward calm. Build up to a few minutes in another room.
- Practice real departures, starting with seconds. Step out the door and come right back before your dog gets worried. Increase time in small, uneven steps (for example 10 sec, 5 sec, 20 sec, 15 sec, 30 sec). Mix in easy ones so it isn’t always getting harder. Watch the camera, and if you see pacing or crying, go back to the last easy duration.
- Keep hellos and goodbyes boring. Leave and return calmly. Save big greetings for after your dog has settled.
- Add a food puzzle for mild cases. For mild anxiety, the ASPCA suggests a stuffed food toy that takes 20 to 30 minutes to finish, given as you leave. For dogs who are too anxious to eat when you’re gone, skip this step. It won’t work until the fear is lower.
- Build to 40 minutes, then stretch. According to the ASPCA, once your dog can handle about 40 minutes alone calmly, you can usually increase the time in bigger jumps. Getting there often takes weeks to months of short daily sessions.
Does medication help separation anxiety in dogs?
Medication can help, especially for moderate to severe cases. Sargisson’s review notes that clomipramine or fluoxetine can support early treatment, but they work best combined with behavior modification, not as a replacement. Possible side effects include lethargy and reduced appetite. Vets usually taper medication gradually as behavior improves. Only your veterinarian can decide whether medication is right for your dog.
How long does it take to fix separation anxiety in dogs?
Mild cases often improve noticeably within a few weeks of consistent daily practice. Moderate to severe cases usually take several months. Progress isn’t a straight line. Expect good days and setbacks, especially after schedule changes, holidays, or scary events like fireworks. Since noise fear and separation anxiety often go together, our guide to helping a dog scared of fireworks is worth reading before New Year’s.
If you’re not seeing progress after a few weeks, or your dog is injuring themselves, ask your vet for a referral to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a certified separation anxiety trainer.
Tools that help with separation anxiety training
- Pet camera: the most important tool for this plan, so you can see exactly when stress starts.
- KONG Classic: stuff it with a frozen mix for mild cases.
- Lick mat: a calming activity during short absences.
- I’ll Be Home Soon by Patricia McConnell: a short, practical guide for owners.
- Don’t Leave Me! by Nicole Wilde: a more detailed step-by-step program.
As an Amazon Associate, Pups Gourmet Kitchen earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
For stuffing ideas, our lick mat recipes and long-lasting dog treat ideas make easy fillings. Not sure whether your dog’s behavior is stress or excitement? Start with signs your dog is stressed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of separation anxiety in dogs?
Early signs often show up before you leave: following you, trembling, or hiding when you pick up keys or put on shoes. Once you’re gone, look for barking or howling, scratching at doors, accidents, pacing, and drooling.
How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety or is just bored?
Record your dog when you leave. Separation anxiety looks like panic, such as pacing, crying at the door, and destruction aimed at exits, and it usually starts soon after departure. Boredom looks like relaxed chewing of random items, often later in the absence.
Should I crate a dog with separation anxiety?
Only if your dog is truly relaxed in the crate. Many dogs with separation anxiety panic when confined and can break teeth or nails trying to escape. Some do better with a safe room or a baby gate.
Will getting another dog help separation anxiety?
Sometimes, but not reliably. Dogs who panic about being away from a specific person usually aren’t comforted by another dog. Test it first with a friend’s dog or daycare before adopting.
Can separation anxiety in dogs be cured?
Most dogs improve significantly with gradual desensitization, and many can eventually be left alone for normal workdays. Severe cases may need medication and help from a veterinary behaviorist.
How long can a dog with separation anxiety be left alone?
Only as long as they can stay calm, which you find by filming. During training, arrange care for longer absences so your dog doesn’t panic and lose progress.
Does ignoring my dog before leaving help?
Keeping departures and arrivals low-key helps, but it isn’t a treatment by itself. Pair calm goodbyes with gradual desensitization to departures.
What medication is used for separation anxiety in dogs?
Vets sometimes prescribe clomipramine or fluoxetine, which work best combined with behavior modification. Only your veterinarian can decide if medication is right for your dog.
