Understanding separation anxiety in dogs

We’ve all seen how happy our dogs are when we return home, but what are they like when we’re away from them? Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety without us knowing, and this can have a significant effect on their mental and physical health.

In this blog, we’ll explain what causes separation anxiety, how to look out for the main signs and the best methods for treating this behaviour.

Here at VetUK, we have a range of calming products for dogs that work to help your furry friend feel safe and comfortable.

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety is a stress response in dogs that is a reaction to you leaving the home or being separated from their main caregiver. This is a behavioural condition that stems from attachment issues or fear and should not be treated as bad behaviour.

What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs?

A dog who isn’t showing any symptoms of anxiety will be calm when you leave the house. They should easily fall asleep or play happily with toys.

Separation anxiety can be hard to spot because you’re not physically there to observe your dog’s behaviour, and there are often no visible signs of stress when you return.

Another family member or a camera may be able to observe your dog to accurately identify if there are signs of anxiety while you’re away from your pet.

Here are the main signs of separation anxiety in your dog:

Physical behaviours, including sitting with ears flat to their head or tucking their tail under their tummy.
Excessive drooling or repeatedly licking lips
Panting or trembling

The more extreme signs can include:

Running between rooms to look out of windows or pacing
Barking or howling when left alone
Urinating and defecating in the house when alone
Destroying objects like furniture, shoes and carpets. This can also cause injuries like damaged claws and teeth, so if you notice this behaviour, you should always inspect your dog.
Digging or pawing at exits to try to escape

Some of these behaviours can be caused by other issues, like poor house training, but the main indication that this is separation anxiety is that it only occurs once you leave the house. Some dogs may even start displaying anxiety symptoms before you leave the house. If your dog knows you’re getting ready for work or to leave for the day, certain triggers like packing your bag or putting on your shoes can cause anxiety.

These behaviours include:

Following you around the house
Seeking extra attention
Trying to block the door or prevent you from leaving.

Why do dogs develop separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common problem for dog owners. It’s seen more regularly in dogs who have been adopted from shelters rather than dogs who have been in the same family since they were puppies. Adopted dogs may have experienced loss or come from previously troubled homes, and this can trigger anxiety going forward.

Other common reasons for developing this behaviour include:

Change of owner – This can be a result of abandonment, being given to a shelter or given away to a new family.
Change of schedule – This may be caused by a change of jobs that requires a former home worker to be out of the house for long periods.
Moving house – This can be unsettling for dogs.
Family changes – A death in the family or someone vacating the household.
Medical conditions – An underlying health issue can lead to separation anxiety. Issues like old age, UTIs, diabetes or neurological conditions can all affect your dog’s behaviour and lead them to develop anxiety around being away from their owner.

How to treat separation anxiety

Some adult dogs may be anxious when you leave because they were never taught to settle on their own as a pup. The most common treatment involves retraining the brain to understand that being alone isn’t frightening and can be rewarding. This is called counterconditioning.

Counter Conditioning

There are a few methods to help condition your dog, but one is by using treats:

Give your dog a treat or a treat puzzle that will take 20 or 30 minutes to finish. Give this to the dog in a safe place, such as their bed.
Begin moving away slowly, step by step and don’t actively engage with their activity. Repeat this process a number of times, moving further away so that your dog doesn’t react.
If at any time your dog panics and tries to follow you, the process has to begin again.

Your dog should never get to the point of full-blown anxiety during this training, as it is only a low-intensity task. This training aims to teach dogs that they don’t need to be afraid and can feel calm and comfortable in a safe place and situation.

Wear outdoor clothes around the house

For dogs who get anxious at the first sign of you getting ready to leave the house, it may help to wear outdoor clothes inside for periods of time. It may seem funny to watch TV in your coat, but this can work to desensitise your dog.

Treat your dog with empathy

It’s important to remember that punishing your dog or getting angry won’t work to stop any undesirable behaviour. Your dog won’t associate the reprimand with their behaviour, and this can cause further anxiety and confusion. Empathy and understanding of the anxiety is the best way to find a resolution.

Ensure your dog has company.

The easiest way to combat this behaviour and ensure your dog stays calm and happy is to arrange company for them. This can include:

Take your dog to work if possible, so they aren’t left alone.
Ask friends or family to stay with your dog.
Employ a dog sitter or take your pup to doggy daycare.

Increase mental stimulation

It’s common for humans to be told that exercise and stimulation can increase mental health, and this concept also applies to dogs. You can try:

Taking your dog on walks, swims or runs
Playing interactive games such as tug of war or fetch
Taking your dog to new or different places.
Finding dog walking buddies to stimulate your pet further.
Investing in interactive dog toys.
Training classes.

Calming products

There are a number of dog behaviour and calming products you can try with your dog to help them feel more relaxed when you need to be separated from them.

Stress and calming supplements
Calming dog treats
Pheromone products like diffusers or collar attachments like CalmDown

Contact a vet

If you have any concerns that your dog’s behaviour is being caused by a medical condition, then it is always best to speak to your vet. They can prescribe veterinary medications to help with anxiety and also diagnose any underlying conditions that may need additional treatment.

Help your dog become confident with the right care

Knowing the signs and methods for treating separation anxiety will allow you to give your dog the best care possible, but if you need advice and guidance, your vet will be able to help. With a patient training plan, continued support and empathy towards your dog, your dog can overcome their anxiety and regain their confidence to be away from you.

If you’re searching for the right products to help support your dog’s recovery, we have a range of trusted pet products available at VetUK. We also have an expert team on hand to help advise you on the right supplements, tools and training supplies. Get in touch today, and we’ll be happy to help.