How Can You Help Separation Anxiety in Dogs

As inherently social animals, dogs aren’t instinctively equipped to cope with being by themselves, and without learning how to deal with being away from you, they can develop separation anxiety

As responsible pet parents, it’s up to us to teach our dogs to feel confident and comfortable when alone so they can better adapt to our lifestyle changes.

This guide will help you understand separation anxiety better, covering its signs, strategies to reduce symptoms, and suggested treatments.

It’s important to note that there are no “quick fixes” for behaviours that stem from emotional distress. Seeking professional help is highly recommended with a serious condition like separation anxiety as the steps to treat must be compassionate, gradual, and mindful - it’s not as simple as ‘waiting for your dog to get used to’ being left alone.

What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety in dogs is a behavioural issue where they experience extreme stress, fear, or panic when left alone. It’s a genuine, fear-based emotional response that stems from a deep attachment to their owner and goes far beyond the dog simply ‘wanting company.’

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety can display a range of problematic and harmful behaviours like self-mutilation, destructive digging, or excessive barking.

It not only affects the dog’s emotional and physical well-being but also, the owner. Being the owner of a dog with separation anxiety can bring on intense feelings of guilt or helplessness upon leaving, or feelings of anxiety upon returning, not knowing what potentially confronting situation will be there waiting.

Addressing separation anxiety involves understanding what separation-related behaviours (SRBs) look like and identifying the signs early before they escalate into fixed destructive habits or a deeply ingrained state of emotional distress.

Separation Anxiety Symptoms in Dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs often arises when a routine involving human companionship suddenly changes e.g. moving house, being rehomed, death of the owner, or a child moving away from home. Symptoms can manifest in behavioural, physical, and emotional ways, and vary from milder separation-related behaviours (SRBs) to more severe signs of anxiety, generally within 30 minutes of the owner's departure.

Not all SRBs escalate into full-blown separation anxiety, but they do give us an indication that the dog is experiencing underlying stress when left on their own.

Below are several indicators to look for when identifying if your dog struggles with being separate from you:

Behavioural Symptoms:

Destructive behaviours (chewing, scratching, destroying household items)
Excessive vocalisation (persistent barking, howling, or whining)
Inappropriate toileting despite being house-trained
Frantic escape attempts
Self-harming actions like excessive licking or chewing

Physical and Emotional Signs:

Trembling and uncontrolled panting
Continuous pacing
Excessive salivation/drooling
Hyper-attachment behaviours like constantly following the owner
Persistent restlessness and inability to settle
Compulsive chewing of owner-scented items

Being able to identify these signs and intervene early can prevent the escalation of more serious separation anxiety.

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Before we dive into a few tips and tricks for managing separation anxiety, it’s again important for us to understand the seriousness of this condition. Separation anxiety is not just a behavioural quirk or trivial habit, it’s a real emotional response that reflects:

Genuine distress and a sense of feeling unsafe when left alone.
Fundamental emotions that even we, as humans, can empathise with.If you suspect your dog may have separation anxiety, the first step is to consult your veterinarian. Sudden or unexplained symptoms might be linked to underlying medical issues, which need to be ruled out before starting any behavioural treatment.For more severe cases, it’s highly recommended that you enlist the help of a professional who specialises in treating separation anxiety. They can assess your specific situation and create a tailored Behaviour Modification Plan to promptly and effectively treat your dog. Remember, the longer a dog with Separation Anxiety is left untreated, the worse and more severe the condition will become. Being proactive is key.

Training and Desensitisation Techniques

The goal of treating separation anxiety is to fundamentally change your dog's understanding of what it means to be alone, so they learn to be by themselves without experiencing stress, fear, distress, or panic.

Helping your dog change how they feel about something takes time and the right approach. Two proven techniques, desensitisation and counter-conditioning, can make a big difference. These methods are carefully adjusted to suit each dog and their owner and may include things like:

Pre-departure cues desensitisation: teaching them not to associate actions, like grabbing keys or putting on shoes, with you leaving.
Independence training:encouraging them to spend time away from you, while you’re still at home, building their overall confidence.
Brief separations: starting from as short as 1-2 seconds, short absences from you gradually teaches them not to fear being alone.
Enrichment activities:puzzle toys, long-lasting chews, or snuffle mats keeping them mentally occupied while creating a positive association.
Practising calm exits and returns:keeping our arrival and departure calm means we don’t reinforce their feelings of distress.
Crate training (teaching a settle command):giving your dog a safe haven where they can relax and settle in.

Punishment should never be used when training an anxious dog, as it can worsen their condition. Separation anxiety is driven by fear, not disobedience or stubbornness. Your dog isn’t choosing to behave this way.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment

While we can’t always control how our dogs feel about being left alone, we can create environments that support their recovery and help them feel more secure.

At home, designate a specific area for your dog that is all theirs - this could be a crate, a bed, or a small section of a room. Think of it like your dog’s very own bedroom, a place where they can safely rest undisturbed. Make it cosy and inviting with their favourite bed, toys, long-lasting chews, or even clothing that smells like you.

Some dogs find comfort in ‘den-like’ spaces, such as a covered crate; this paired with calming music or leaving the TV on for background noise can create a calm and soothing environment in your absence.

For some dogs, a reputable dog daycare provider, like Kip Happy Stays, is another safe and comfortable environment to consider. Our dog daycares provide daily routines, socialisation opportunities, and general exercise and training to enrich your dog mentally and physically throughout the day, while you’re at work.

Knowing your dog is cared for by experienced professionals, and is not alone at home, gives you peace of mind - which can be much needed!

Establishing a Consistent Routine

Another thing that is within our control is establishing some daily routines with our dogs. Dogs thrive on routine because it provides them with a sense of security and predictability. A consistent schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and alone time helps reduce anxiety and build confidence through clarity by providing a clear picture of what to expect.

Keep routines flexible yet predictable, don’t be too rigid to give yourself some leeway. For example:

Take your dog for a walk at roughly the same time each day, but don’t stress about exact minutes. Give yourself a window e.g. walks start between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm on weekdays
Feed your dog breakfast each morning, but vary how it’s delivered. Sometimes through training sessions, other times scattered across the lawn for enrichment.

To help your dog adjust to being left alone, alter your departure routine slightly. For instance, pick up your keys or put on your shoes but sit on the couch instead of heading out the door. This will start to break the association between certain cues and the dog being left alone.

Remaining calm and in control when adjusting routine is key to having your dog adapt to change with ease.

Consider Dog Boarding as a Short-Term Solution

Dog boarding can be a valuable short-term option when managing separation anxiety, especially during travel or other situations where you’re unable to provide consistent care. It’s more than okay to seek additional support, it can make a world of difference for both you and your dog.

When considering dog boarding, choose a reputable facility, like Kip Happy Stays, that has professionally trained staff experienced in managing separation-related issues. Our dog boarding options offers structured daily routines, quality companionship, and enriching activities that keep dogs mentally and physically fulfilled

However, it’s essential to note that boarding isn’t suitable for all dogs, especially those with severe separation anxiety. Some dogs may find the boarding environment too overwhelming and stressful.

Professional Help and Treatment Options

Earlier in this blog, we briefly touched on the differences between a clinical diagnosis of Separation Anxiety and Separation-Related Behaviours (SRBs). The distinguishing factor is that while all dogs with Separation Anxiety will display SRBs, not all dogs exhibiting SRBs have Separation Anxiety

The onset of any SRB should prompt a consultation with your veterinarian. It’s crucial to first rule out potential medical issues that could be contributing to their behaviour. Once a medical cause can be ruled out, the next step is to understand the underlying motivation behind the behaviour:

Is your dog genuinely distressed or panicked when left alone?
A key indicator of emotional distress is the intensity of their behaviour and their inability to recover quickly from an overwhelming experience. Setting up a camera to observe your dog while you’re away can provide valuable insight into their reactions.
Could these behaviours stem from a lack of exercise, mental stimulation, or overall fulfilment?
Some dogs develop SRBs simply because they’re bored or under-stimulated. Try increasing their physical exercise, brain training, and enrichment activities to see if their behaviour improves. If there’s no change, their distress is more likely rooted in anxiety rather than boredom.

Dog Separation Anxiety Medication

Firstly, if you’re considering medication for your dog, always seek advice from your veterinarian, as they can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment.

For some dogs, medication can be a helpful tool in treating Separation Anxiety, but it’s important to note that it is not a standalone solution - medication alone will not fix the issue. It should always be used alongside training and behaviour modification to address the root cause of the anxiety.

Your veterinarian might prescribe anti-anxiety medications or recommend natural supplements to help ease stress and create a calmer state of mind. Medications, such as SSRIs or benzodiazepines, can help regulate emotions while training techniques address the root cause and help your dog learn better-coping strategies.

Behavioural Therapy and Consultation with a Veterinarian

Behavioural therapy focuses on gradually changing your dog’s emotional response to being alone, helping them develop confidence and independence. This treatment for Separation Anxiety is the most effective with the help of a trained professional with successful experience in treating and rehabilitating dogs with this condition. This could be a dog or animal behaviourist, a vet behaviourist, or a certified, professional dog training facility that uses evidence-based techniques like Counter Conditioning and Desensitisation, like Kip.

Seeking professional support isn’t just for severe cases of anxiety, it can also be invaluable to owners who feel overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure of how to manage their dog’s behaviour and need help seeing the forest from the trees. Stress and frustration can impact our ability to stay calm, in control, and consistent with training, all of which are essential when working with an emotionally distressed dog.

Working with a professional means they can assess anxiety levels and create an individualised treatment plan for your specific situation, effectively helping you build your dog’s resilience to being alone.

Prevention: How to Avoid Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Preventing Separation Anxiety starts with building a foundation of confidence, independence and resilience in puppyhood, particularly during the Critical Period of Socialisation (approx. 3-14 weeks of age)

Socialisation and exposure to various people, animals, and environments during this period builds a puppy’s confidence, adaptability, and emotional stability. Well-socialised puppies are less likely to develop anxiety-related behaviours later in life.

Teaching independence is another component as, remember, dogs aren’t instinctively equipped to cope with being by themselves:

Encourage independent play (e.g., puppy playing with a toy solo) and
Practice controlled separation to teach them to enjoy their own company.
Crate training also helps teach independence as it provides a calm, safe space that helps puppies feel comfortable on their own.

Building resilience involves adding predictable daily routines, giving them regular exercise and providing activities for mental stimulation.

Additionally, to prevent fear-based reactions we can:

Remain calm in response to signs of distress because they can pick up on our emotional states.
Expose them to various noises (bins being taken out, thunder, doorbells, dropped items etc) in a positive way.

Get in Touch with Kip for Expert Training, Boarding and Daycare to Help Dogs with Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a serious, fear-based condition that can be tough on both dogs and their owners. But with the right approach, your dog can learn to feel safe and confident when left alone.

Keep an eye out for early signs of separation-related behaviours like excessive barking, destructive tendencies, or restlessness. The sooner you step in, the easier it is to prevent these behaviours from becoming ingrained habits. Here’s how you can help:

Check with your vet: to rule out any medical issues
Observe the cause: is it distress or just boredom?
Incorporate more exercise & brain training: to reduce boredom.
Stick to daily routines: for feeding, walks, and leaving & returning.
Work with professionals: training, behaviour modification plans, and, if needed, medication.
Stay patient & calm: progress takes time, but your dog will feel more secure with a calm and consistent approach.

At Kip, we’re here to support both you and your dog. Our cat and dog boarding, dog daycare, and dog training services across Australia provide a safe, structured, and enriching environment, helping dogs build confidence while giving you peace of mind.

Need support? Get in touch with Kip today to see how our trainers can help you.