You come home to a chewed door frame, a puddle by the back door, and a neighbour who mentions your dog “had a good old howl”. It’s natural to wonder: does my dog have separation anxiety, or is he just bored? You can’t tell from the damage alone, and neither can we. What you can do is watch what he does while you’re out, and that is the most useful thing you’ll bring to your vet or behaviourist.
A word on what this post is. We can’t diagnose your dog, and nor can a website. What follows is what to look for, how to record it, and what else it could be, so that you can ask for the right help.
What are the signs of separation anxiety?
The Dogs Trust lists the main ones:
- Barking, whining, whimpering or howling.
- Pacing, jumping up, or standing between you and the front door.
- Chewing doorways, furniture or belongings, and toileting indoors.
- Trembling, panting or drooling, which can be subtle but still signal distress.
- Refusing food or chews you leave for him, or greeting you with overexcitement or not at all.
The PDSA adds that some dogs do the opposite: they become withdrawn and lie still, doing nothing, when left. That quiet version is easy to miss.
How do I find out what he does when I’m out?
You have to see it. The signs appear when he’s alone, so they can only be observed then. The Dogs Trust suggests setting up a phone on video, a camera, or a discreet view through a window, placed where he spends most of his time. Try a few positions to find the best view. Then review the footage for the signs above.
Look hardest at the first few minutes after you leave. Note when it starts, whether it eases off or builds, and what he’s doing when it does. A dog who is settled for an hour and then gets restless is telling you something different from one who panics as the door closes.
A few other clues from the Dogs Trust:
- If he’ll only eat or play with toys when you’re there, he’s more likely to be anxious.
- If he’s relaxed at first and only becomes unsettled after a long stretch, the cause may be being left too long, boredom or needing the toilet.
- If he’s crated or shut in, he may be struggling with the small space rather than with being alone.
What else could it be?
Boredom or frustration. The Dogs Trust says they shouldn’t be dismissed, because they can develop into anxiety over time. Our guide to telling anxious, overstimulated and bored dogs apart may help you sort out which you’re seeing.
A medical problem. The Dogs Trust gives the example of a urinary tract infection, which can make a dog restless and cause accidents indoors. Sudden changes in an older dog may have another cause; our guide to dementia in dogs covers it.
Not yet taught to be alone. The Dogs Trust says that most often the dog simply hasn’t learned that being alone is okay. That’s especially common in young puppies, and our guide to a puppy crying at night is the nearest thing we have to a first-weeks guide.
A change in routine. New working hours, a house move or a new home can set it off, for rescue dogs in particular. If you’re about to move, see our guide to moving house with a dog.
Step 1: See your vet
Book a check before you do anything else. The Dogs Trust advises a vet visit first if you suspect separation anxiety, particularly if the behaviour has changed recently, to rule out medical causes. Take your video. Our guide to finding a good vet can help if you need one.
What helps while you wait?
The Dogs Trust and PDSA agree on the basics:
- Avoid leaving him alone where you can. The Dogs Trust says this is the only way to stop it getting worse. Ask friends, family, a sitter or daycare to cover.
- Exercise him and let him toilet before you go, and leave a comfortable resting area with a chew and water.
- Keep departures and returns low-key.
- Teach settle training so that resting while you’re busy becomes a good choice.
The Dogs Trust is blunt about what not to do. Don’t scold him: dogs can’t connect punishment with something they did hours ago, and the guilty look is usually a reaction to your body language. Don’t get another dog as a fix. Don’t rely on crate training alone, as it may increase fear and carries a serious risk of injury if he panics. If you were hoping a crate would solve it, our crate training guide explains where it helps and where it doesn’t.
The Dogs Trust also says non-prescription products lack scientific evidence for treating this condition, so we won’t suggest a treat or supplement as an answer. Only a vet, along with a clinical or veterinary behaviourist, should decide whether medication has a place.
When to ask for specialist help
Early. The Dogs Trust says getting in touch with a qualified professional is the best way to stop the anxiety from getting worse, and that the only way to stop it is to change how your dog feels about being left. That usually means a plan of short absences, built up slowly. Our dog trainer directory lists reward-based trainers, though for separation anxiety your vet may refer you to an accredited behaviourist. Our guide to one-to-one dog training explains what a session involves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs?
Barking, howling or whining when alone, pacing, chewing doors or furniture, toileting indoors, drooling, panting, trembling, and refusing food or chews. Some dogs go quiet and withdrawn instead.
How do I know if it’s separation anxiety or boredom?
Record him while you’re out. A dog who is distressed soon after you leave, won’t eat or play alone, or shows trembling and drooling is more likely anxious. A dog who is calm at first and restless later may be bored or need the toilet. Your vet or behaviourist can help you interpret the footage.
Should I get a second dog to keep him company?
No. The Dogs Trust says another dog doesn’t address the anxiety and can create new problems.
Will crate training fix separation anxiety?
Not on its own. The Dogs Trust warns that it may increase fear and can lead to injury if the dog panics. Speak to your vet or behaviourist first.
When should I see a vet about separation anxiety?
As soon as you suspect it, especially if the behaviour is recent. A vet can rule out medical causes and refer you to an accredited behaviourist.
Written by Georgiana & Figo. Have a dog question we haven’t covered? Have a look around Calmshops or drop us a line.
