Last Updated: 01/09/2025
Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Causes & Solutions
Separation anxiety is becoming a common problem in dogs. Read for solution and causes.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
Last Updated: 01/09/2025
Separation anxiety is becoming a common problem in dogs. Read for solution and causes.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
Does your furry friend turn into a Tasmanian devil when you grab your keys? Do they give your couch a ‘ruff’ time when you’re away? If your pup's separation anxiety is reaching new heights, don't worry! You're not alone. One in four dogs experiences this paw-sitively frustrating feeling. Let's work together to calm those separation blues and create a happier, more relaxed pup.
Our Vet Squad discuss what causes separation anxiety in dogs, the signs and the treatment options available, and tips to keep your dog calm and entertained while you're not home.
Separation Anxiety is the inability for a pet to be relaxed and calm when left home alone. In many cases, affected dogs will show undesirable behaviours associated with feeling anxious and stressed, just before the owner leaves the home or while they are away.
Prior to an owner leaving home, dogs may observe certain behaviours associated with their owners pending departure, such as putting on shoes, packing a bag or touching their car keys, causing their dog to begin feeling anxious.
Signs of anxiety prior to departure, often brought on by the dog observing certain 'getting ready' behaviours (such as putting on shoes, packing a bag or touching the car keys), can include following their owner closely, whining or vocalising, drooling or even aggression. These behaviours can escalate once the owner leaves the home, with severe cases resulting in the pet injuring themselves when left home alone.
Other Signs of Separation Anxiety
IMPORTANT Dogs with Separation Anxiety tend to show these behaviours only when the owner is getting ready to leave or has left the house.
It is important to note that some pets will exhibit these behaviours due to a lack of training or boredom. It is important to distinguish between whether a dog shows these behaviours only when their owners are away, or if they occur at other times of the day. For example, if a dog toilets inside just as much when their owner is home compared to away, they may just need more toilet training.
The treatment for Separation Anxiety in dogs is very much dependant on the individual dog and the severity of their anxiety. Some mild cases of anxiety may improve a lot with the support of an dog anxiety supplement, while moderate to more severe cases may require prescription medication and behavioural training. Outlined below are the current recommended treatment options.
A visit with a veterinarian or veterinary behaviourist is a good starting point to help develop a treatment plan based on the dogs individual needs and level of anxiety. It is important for the veterinarian to first rule out any other medical issues that may be affecting the dogs behaviour.
For dogs with severe anxiety or those that are at risk of injuring themselves, prescription medication may be a good starting point to help 'take the edge off' while implementing long term management strategies such as training.
Training is an important and effective treatment for Separation Anxiety and aims to desensitise pets from owners leaving the house and then returning. Hiring a professional behavioural trainer can be a great way to introduce training strategies that help correct the dog's individual behavioural issues.
There are many products available that can help promote feelings of calm in anxious dogs. These have been outlined below:
Providing dogs with something to do while an owner is away, is a great way to keep them occupied, distracted and decrease destructive behaviours. Getting into the habit of providing pets with a fun toy or treat when leaving the house, can give them something else to focus on, make the experience positive, while stimulating natural chewing instincts.
Interactive toys are a great way to keep dogs busy and distracted when home alone or during times of stress. There are plenty of interactive toys which dispense treats or encourage your pet to work for their food.
Durable rubber chew toys satisfy a dog's natural chewing urge while keeping them occupied. The addition of KONG Easy Treat Paste or Doggylicious Peanut Butter and dogs can spend hours trying to clean up every last morsel.
Dog lick mats are designed to keep pets stimulated and entertained, reduce boredom and anxiety, as well as slow those that eat too quickly. The flexible mat design and raised grooves allow food to be spread or sprinkled on the surface and encourage licking to retrieve the tasty treats, all while releasing relaxing endorphins. Lick mats can be loaded with pastes such as Creamy Treats or even some natural yoghurt.
Providing regular exercise is a great way to burn energy and provide important environmental enrichment. Dogs that are bored and full of energy are more likely to demonstrate destructive behaviour.
Exercising dogs prior to owners leaving them ensure that any 'pent up' energy has been expelled, allowing them to be more calm and relaxed. Try varying walking paths, visit the local dog park or try some agility training to help vary daily activity and keep things interesting.
For owners short on time, enrolling in doggy daycare or signing up to a dog walking service, can help provide important enrichment and most importantly....tire them out!!
By understanding the root causes of separation anxiety and implementing effective strategies, you can significantly improve your dog’s well-being. Remember, patience and consistency are key. With time and effort, you can help your furry friend overcome their anxiety and enjoy a happier, more relaxed life.
Separation anxiety can occur in dogs of all breeds and sizes, and may develop for a range of different reasons. It is particularly common in young dogs who have never fully adapted to being separated from their owners. Dogs with other anxiety disorders such as noise phobias are at increased risk of developing separation anxiety.
Common Causes of Separation Anxiety In Dogs:
There are a range of therapeutic diets available, designed to minimise stress and anxiety in dogs.
Royal Canin Calm contains milk-derived alpha-casozepine and adapted L-tryptophan, to help relieve stress and create a calming effect.
Royal Canin Relax Care contains fish hydrolysate, a natural supplement derived from fish protein which has demonstrated proven results for managing stress in dogs.
There are a range of natural supplements that can be added to your pet's daily regime to help minimise feelings of stress and anxiety.
Products such as Paw Blackmores Complete Calm, Thunder Wunder Calming Chews, and Vetalogica Tranquil Formula contain L-Tryptophan, a compound that has been demonstrated to help pets that suffer from behavioural issues such as aggression and general anxiety.
Zylkene is a non-medicated supplement for dogs that is derived from casein, a protein found in milk, and specially formulated to aid in the management of anxiety and stress. Zylkene is widely recommended by veterinarians, as it is highly palatable and comes in an easy to give capsule that can also be opened and sprinkled on food.
Adaptil is an odourless, man-made version of the pheromones that dogs naturally release when they feel content. The correct use of these products in and around the home can promote feelings of calm and combat undesirable behaviours caused by anxiety.
For indoor dogs plug in a diffuser in their favourite room, for outdoor dogs an Adaptil collar is a good option.
For more information on Adaptil, read our veterinary written article Your Guide To Adaptil.
Every dog loves treats! Calming treats are not only a delicious way to spoil your dog but are formulated with a unique blend of natural ingredients designed to relax and soothe.
Treats such as Vetalogica Hemp Clinical Calming Treats, Vitalitae Calming Biscuit Treats and Zamipet Happitreats contain a selection of natural ingredients such as hemp seed oil, L-Tryptophan, chamomile or valerian root, to promote feelings of calm during stressful events.
Looking for more information? Read our veterinary written article Hemp and Cannabis Oil For Pets.
Calming clothing for pets, work in a similar way to human calming products such as weighted blankets.
Products such as a dog thundershirt or Zendog Shirt apply gentle, constant pressure that releases calming endorphins that help relax anxious pets.
Providing your dog with a 'safe haven' that they can retreat to can help them feel more relaxed at home.
Cosy bolster beds and anxiety or calming dog beds, have raised soft walls to help pets feel safe and secure while resting and help them feel relaxed and calm.
Creating a 'den-like' space for larger dogs by using a dog crate covered partially with a blanket while small breed dogs may enjoy sleeping in a hideaway bed.
Not sure which bed to choose? Read our article Choosing a Pet Bed.
Playing calming music like soft rock or classical can reduce anxiety in dogs. This can manifest in decreased barking, slower breathing, and lower stress hormone levels. Music can also soothe pets during storms or other loud noises. Leaving gentle background noise, such as a radio or TV, can help ease separation anxiety in dogs left alone.
Long lasting dog treats such as Bully Sticks, Pig Ear Chews and Himalayan Dog Chews are a great way to keep dogs occupied and distracted when home alone.
Dental dog treats can also be long lasting but have the added benefits of reducing tartar and plaque build up as well as freshening breath. Recommended brands include Greenies, Whimzees and Oravet.
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
