Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Recognising the Signs & Understanding What’s Really Going On
Updated: 10 hours ago
Separation anxiety is a common behavioural issue in dogs, yet it is still widely misunderstood. Much of the advice you’ll find online is based on the idea that dogs are being naughty, disobedient or lacking boundaries when they bark, howl, destroy things or become unsettled when left alone.
If your dog is experiencing separation-related distress, these behaviours are a response to the fear and panic they feel when they are alone. Understanding what is actually happening can completely change the way you approach their behaviour. And importantly, separation anxiety is not your fault and it can be helped.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a fear based condition in which a dog experiences distress when they are left home alone or separated from a particular person.
Your dog is experiencing a genuine emotional response to separation, driven by fear and panic. They are not simply refusing to listen or trying to get their own way.
What Happens When a Dog Experiences Separation Anxiety?
When a dog with separation anxiety is left alone, their response is not simply behavioural. There are also significant changes happening within their brain and body.
For a dog experiencing separation-related distress, separation can trigger a fear response, with their brain responding as though they are facing a potential threat. Their brain detects this threat and activates the sympathetic nervous system, commonly known as the fight or flight response.
The sympathetic nervous system is designed to prepare the body to respond to danger. It causes a number of physiological changes including an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Pupils dilate, blood flow is redirected towards the muscles and energy is made readily available so the body is prepared to respond.
These changes happen automatically. Your dog isn't consciously deciding to enter a state of panic or deciding to behave in a certain way. Their nervous system is responding to what their brain perceives as a threat.
The exact response will vary from dog to dog. Some may become highly active and vocal while others may become very still, withdrawn or appear to shut down.
This is why the behaviour we see when a dog is left alone needs to be understood in the context of the emotional state driving it.
Common Signs of Separation Anxiety
Vocalisation
Barking, howling, whining or crying when left alone.
Destructive Behaviour
Shredding, chewing or damaging items in the home, often focused around doors, windows or areas associated with your departure.
Toileting Indoors
Urinating or defecating in the home despite being fully house trained. This can be a response to stress and distress rather than a house training issue.
Frantic Escape Attempts
Trying to get out of the home by scratching, chewing or pawing at doors and windows. In some cases, dogs can injure themselves while attempting to escape.
Pre-Departure Anxiety
Becoming unsettled as you prepare to leave, such as when you pick up your keys, put on your shoes, put on your coat or move towards the door. These behaviours can begin before you have even left the house.
The More Subtle Signs of Separation Anxiety
One common misconception is:
“My dog can't have separation anxiety, they don't bark when I leave.”
But separation anxiety doesn't always look like barking, howling or destruction. Some dogs experience significant distress while remaining relatively quiet.
So, let's take a look at some of the more subtle signs of separation anxiety that can easily go unnoticed.
Subtle Signs You Might Be Missing
Drooling or salivating
Vomiting
Panting
Pacing
Licking
Freezing
Withdrawing
Whale eye
Tail tucked
Cowering
Hiding
Trembling or shaking
Whining/low level crying
Ears pinned back
Hypervigilance
Your dog doesn't need to show all of these signs to be struggling with separation. These quieter signs are just as important to recognise. Your dog might not be destroying the house but that doesn’t mean they’re coping well with being alone.
Your Dog Isn't Being "Naughty"
These behaviours aren't your dog being “difficult”, naughty or disobedient. When your dog barks, cries, destroys things or toilets in the house when left alone, these behaviours are a response to the fear and panic they are experiencing.
Your dog isn't barking to annoy you. They aren't scratching at the door to punish you for leaving, and they aren't destroying the furniture because they're being spiteful.
They're struggling with being alone.
This is why punishment or telling your dog off won't address the underlying problem. If the behaviour is being driven by fear, we need to address the emotional response rather than simply trying to stop the behaviour.
Understanding this distinction is an important first step in helping your dog.
Separation Anxiety Can Be Helped
Seeing your dog struggle when they're left alone can be incredibly difficult, but separation anxiety isn't something you simply have to accept or live with.
With the right approach, dogs can learn that being alone is safe and gradually build their ability to cope with separation.
The process needs to be tailored to the individual dog and their current level of distress. It isn't about forcing them to “get used to it” or leaving them for longer and hoping they eventually settle.
With the right approach, dogs can gradually become more comfortable with being alone and build their ability to cope with separation.
Separation anxiety isn't your fault, and you're not alone in dealing with it. It can be helped.
Think Your Dog May Be Struggling With Separation Anxiety?
If you've recognised some of the signs in your own dog and aren't sure what to do next, I'm here to help.
I specialise exclusively in canine separation anxiety, providing personalised one to one support to help dogs feel more comfortable being left alone.
If you'd like to talk through your dog's situation, you can book a free discovery call below.
Or, if you're not quite ready to book, you can learn more about my Separation Anxiety Support Programme and see how I can help.
