Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Causes & What Helps
Vet-reviewed via PetHealth+ · Last reviewed June 2026
Common signs
- Distress when you pick up keys, coat, or bag
- Barking, howling, or whining after you leave (neighbours may report this)
- Chewing doors, crates, or windowsills; scratched carpets
- Drooling, panting, or pacing
- Toileting indoors only when alone
- Refusal to eat when alone (will eat when someone is present)
These differ from boredom chewing, which tends to happen after longer periods and may not include vocal panic.
Why it happens
Dogs are social animals. Some develop an extreme attachment after changes such as rehoming, a move, loss of another pet, or a shift in work routine (e.g. post-lockdown return to office). Genetics and early experiences also play a role. Punishment after the fact does not help — the dog is frightened, not disobedient.
What helps
Gradual alone-time training — Leave for seconds, return calmly, reward relaxed behaviour, and increase duration only when your dog succeeds at the current step. Apps and cameras help you monitor without rushing back during whining (which can reinforce crying).
Predictable routine — Regular walks, feeding times, and a safe resting place reduce overall anxiety.
Enrichment — Long-lasting chews and puzzle feeders can occupy time, but they do not replace desensitisation.
Avoid triggers during training — Some dogs need weeks of practice at sub-threshold absences before real departures.
Professional support — A vet can rule out medical causes (e.g. incontinence, pain) and prescribe anti-anxiety medication alongside behaviour modification. Certified behaviourists design individual plans.
What not to do
- Do not punish destruction or toileting on return
- Do not get another dog solely as company — it rarely fixes the bond to you
- Do not lock an untrained dog in a crate if they panic inside it
Related guides: Dog body language · Fireworks and pets · How to care for a puppy
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety?
Signs include distress as you prepare to leave, destructive behaviour, vocalisation, and toileting indoors only when alone — often starting within minutes of your departure.
Will getting another dog fix separation anxiety?
Usually not — the anxiety is about separation from the person the dog is bonded to, not being alone in general.
Can separation anxiety be cured?
Many dogs improve significantly with desensitisation training, routine, and sometimes medication prescribed by a vet alongside a behaviour plan.
Is crate training good for separation anxiety?
Only if the dog already loves the crate. Forcing a anxious dog into a crate can worsen panic.