How to Stop Separation Anxiety in Dogs | A Guide for Pet Parents

If your dog tears things up or uses your house as a toilet when you leave, they might have separation anxiety. While some separation anxiety behaviors overlap with other things, like house training, there are ways to tell if your canine companion is struggling with being left alone.

Here, we’ll walk through the signs to look for and how to stop separation anxiety in dogs so you can help your furry friend relax and get back to their playful, happy self!

The Takeaways

1. Signs of separation anxiety in dogs include destructive behavior when they’re alone; barking, howling, or whining; seeming anxious or depressed before you leave; relieving themselves inside; and more.

2. Dogs can experience separation anxiety as a result of changes to their home, routine, or owners’ schedules. Dogs who’ve been abandoned are especially prone to separation anxiety.

3. To treat your dog’s separation anxiety, rule out other problems first, establish a routine, try counterconditioning, incorporate separation anxiety training, avoid leaving them alone during training, and give them plenty of exercise and interaction.

4. Always talk to a veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog.

   
   

Table of Contents

• Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

• Reasons Your Dog Might Experience Separation Anxiety

• Separation Anxiety or Something Else?

• How to Stop Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Photo by Monica Hudec on Unsplash

Destructive Behavior

Ever left for work with a clean house only to come home and find the place completely destroyed? Maybe rugs have been shredded, shoes have been chewed up, or your favorite throw pillow is now in slobbery, wet pieces.

This is a pretty clear sign that your dog is either desperately in need of some training or they’re struggling with separation anxiety.

Barking, Howling, or Whining

If your canine companion barks, howls, or whines nonstop within a few minutes after being left alone for no obvious reason, they most likely have separation anxiety.

Seeming Anxious or Depressed Before You Leave

We don’t have to tell you how smart dogs are. They quickly learn to pick up on cues, so when you start showing signs of leaving the house (grabbing your car keys, putting on your shoes, etc.), they notice.

If your furry friend has separation anxiety, those little cues can send them spiraling. They might whine, act depressed, pace, or even try to stop you from leaving.

Relieving Themselves Inside

Even fully house-trained dogs can have an accident here or there, especially when they get excited. But if your pup only seems to have these accidents in the house when they’re alone, then you might be dealing with separation anxiety.

Panting or Hypersalivation

Some dogs will pant or hypersalivate (drool more than usual) when they’re stressed. If your dog seems to be extra wet from drool after being left alone, it could be a sign of separation anxiety.

Escaping

Whether your dog stays inside or outside during the day, you probably have them confined to a certain area while you’re gone, like a fenced-in yard or a specific room of the house. Unfortunately, dogs with separation anxiety might try their best to get to you when you leave.

If you notice self-harming signs of your dog trying to escape (such as broken teeth, ripped nails, or cuts on their paws), the issue has become a health concern rather than just a behavioral issue. Reach out to your vet right away.

Eating Their Excrement

Have you ever seen your dog eat poop? Surprisingly, this is pretty common. Some dogs just love excrement! This unique preference can be caused by natural instincts or even curiosity.

However, eating excrement can also indicate that your dog is lacking certain nutrients, feels stressed (as with separation anxiety), or has a medical condition.

Important note: If you notice your dog suddenly exhibiting this behavior out of nowhere, or they show other symptoms along with this one, get them to a vet for a checkup.

Reasons Your Dog Might Experience Separation Anxiety

Dogs are creatures of habit and love routines. They thrive on predictability because it lets them know what to expect (like when they’ll get their next meal) and makes them feel safe.

So, naturally, any changes in their routine can lead to an increased risk of separation anxiety. Here are common reasons your dog might become anxious when left alone:

• Their owner no longer resides with them (because of a move to college, etc.)

• Their schedule changes abruptly (like if their favorite person gets a new job working the night shift instead of the day shift)

• The whole family (including your dog) moves to a new house

It’s important to note that rescued dogs and dogs that were abandoned are particularly susceptible to separation anxiety.

Separation Anxiety or Something Else?

As we mentioned earlier, some of the signs of separation anxiety in dogs are similar to other problems. For instance, your dog might urinate inside the house while they’re still in the process of being house trained.

Here’s how to know you’re dealing with separation anxiety and not something else:

• Your dog only exhibits the behavior when they’re left alone

• They constantly follow you around the house from room to room

• They seem to go absolutely crazy when you return home after being away for even a short time

• They misbehave or show signs of distress when you start getting ready to leave the house

  
  

How to Stop Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Photo by Joe Caione on Unsplash

Before we discuss how to stop separation anxiety in dogs, it’s important to mention that these solutions will work differently for every dog depending on their history and how severe their anxiety is.

1) Rule Out Other Problems

Before trying to treat your dog for separation anxiety, rule out other possible causes of their behaviors, such as:

• Health concerns

• Incomplete house training

• Behavioral problems

• Medication side effects

2) Establish a Routine

Remember, dogs crave predictability, so before beginning any kind of separation anxiety training for your pup, make sure you’re sticking to a consistent routine when it comes to feeding, potty breaks, play/exercise time, and rest.

3) Try Counterconditioning

Counterconditioning is the process of changing your dog’s reaction to a situation from aggressive, fearful, or anxious to relaxed and pleasant. You can do this by associating the triggering person, object, or situation (in this case, your leaving) with something your dog likes.

For example, try offering your dog a puzzle toy stuffed with treats or food that will take them a while to finish. Just make sure you take the toy away once you’re back home so your dog only associates it with being alone.

4) Incorporate Separation Anxiety Training

In some cases, counterconditioning is all your dog needs to feel happy and safe when you’re away. But for other dogs, that alone won’t cure their separation anxiety. You may need to practice separation anxiety training.

To start, you’ll want to lessen the anxiety your dog feels when they notice your departure cues (putting on your shoes or coat, etc.). Retrain them to believe that these cues don’t always mean you’re leaving.

For instance, put on your coat, grab your keys, and then sit down to watch television instead of leaving the house.

Once your dog has gotten used to these fake departure cues, start implementing graduated departures. This simply means being out of your dog’s sight for increasing periods of time.

Here’s what that might look like: Go into another room of the house and close the door for just a few minutes, gradually spending longer and longer in the other room. Then you can start with very quick trips outside the house, eventually leading to a full day away from home.

Note: Make sure to stop each step before your dog starts showing signs of anxiousness (like panting or pacing). They need to stay calm throughout the process for this training to work.

5) Avoid Leaving Your Dog Alone While Training

If you choose to attempt separation anxiety training with your dog, it’s important not to let them be alone until they’re fully trained. Obviously, that’s not always feasible. We all have to leave the house eventually!

Consider hiring a dog sitter, taking your furry friend to doggy daycare, or letting them stay with a family member during the times you need to be away from your house.

6) Give Your Dog Plenty of Exercise and Interactions

Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to be at their very best. Always give your canine friend plenty of time and space to exercise on their own, but, if possible, spend some intentional, active time with them before you leave the house every day.

The more you play with them, the happier (and less anxious) they’ll be!

7) Talk to Your Veterinarian

Any time you’re concerned about your furry friend, it’s a good idea to talk to a veterinarian. But it’s especially important if you’ve tried treating your dog’s separation anxiety on your own and nothing’s changed. In severe cases, your vet may recommend putting your dog on medication.

Let Us Help You Manage Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

You hate to see your dog unhappy. We get it! If your canine pal is destroying your house every time you go to work, they may have separation anxiety. Try the tips we listed above, and remember to reach out to your vet if you have questions or concerns.

And if you need a way to prevent separation anxiety before it starts, consider sending your pet to our Dog Day Care.

At Around the World Pet Resort, our experienced staff will love on your dog and give them plenty of time to play with other dogs, all in a carefully supervised environment where your pup can have fun while you’re out for the day.

If you’re ready to get your home back and help your dog feel better, reach out to us today to schedule their very own staycation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some dogs experience separation anxiety but not others?

Unfortunately, there’s no formula for predicting which dogs will develop separation anxiety and which ones won’t. Their history, genetics, past trauma, and disposition all play a role.

What should I do if I come home and my dog has made a mess?

The most important thing to remember is your dog’s not intentionally trying to upset you. They’re genuinely anxious.

It can be super frustrating having to clean up your dog’s destruction after a long day of work, but try not to take your frustration out on them. Avoid punishing your dog, stay calm, and quietly clean up.