Introduction
Separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue in dogs that involves displaying distress behaviors like vocalizing, destructive behavior, and eliminative behavior when left alone or separated from their owners. Separation anxiety is thought to affect around 14-20% of dogs, though some studies suggest the prevalence may be lower around 6% (Salonen et al., 2020). It tends to be more prevalent in certain breeds like retrievers, German shepherds, and basenji dogs. The central feature of separation anxiety is the dog being excessively attached to the owner and unable to comfortably be alone. It’s important to distinguish separation anxiety from general excitability, as the behaviors stem from a true phobia of being left alone rather than simple boredom or excess energy.
Breeds Most Prone to Separation Anxiety
Certain dog breeds are more prone to developing separation anxiety than others. This is often due to their breeding history and innate personality traits. Some of the breeds most susceptible to separation distress include:
Australian Shepherds – This highly energetic and intelligent breed was developed to work closely with people while herding livestock. They thrive on constant activity and attention. Being left alone can stress them out (Country Living).
Vizslas – Bred as loyal hunting companions, Vizslas form extremely close bonds with their owners. They do not cope well when separated from their people for long periods (Furbo).
German Shepherds – Known for their protectiveness and loyalty, German Shepherds tend to be anxious when left alone by their family members. They may exhibit destructive behaviors due to stress and boredom.
Labrador Retrievers – America’s most popular dog breed is also prone to separation anxiety due to their affectionate, people-pleasing nature. They thrive on human interaction and can become quite distressed when left alone.
Yorkshire Terriers – Yorkies were originally bred to hunt rats, but became popular companion dogs. They form strong attachments to their owners and do not like being separated for long periods of time.
Reasons for Separation Anxiety
One of the main reasons dogs experience separation anxiety is due to their naturally social nature. Dogs are pack animals that thrive when they have company.1 Being isolated for long periods goes against their evolutionary social instincts. Lack of proper socialization as a puppy can contribute to separation anxiety later in life.2 Without positive interactions during this critical developmental stage, dogs fail to gain confidence in being alone.
Traumatic experiences like long periods at shelters or puppy mills can also lead to separation anxiety.3 The boredom and isolation in these facilities causes severe distress. Later when adopted into homes, dogs may panic when left alone, fearing their family may not return.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety often exhibit behaviors aimed at escaping or reuniting with their owners. Common signs include:
- Destructive behavior: Dogs may scratch doors or destroy items like furniture out of panic when alone. They attempt to self-soothe through destructive chewing or other repetitive behaviors. According to the ASPCA, this is one of the most reliable signs of separation anxiety in dogs.1
- Barking/whining: Dogs vocalize with anxious barking, whining or howling when left alone or separated from their owner. This vocalization persists until the owner returns. It’s one of the most common symptoms according to the Humane Society.2
- Pacing: Dogs may pace or run back and forth while anxiously awaiting their owner’s return. This constant motion is a self-soothing behavior.
- Chewing: Dogs may obsessively lick themselves or chew on objects, their own fur or body parts. According to the RSPCA, excessive paw licking in particular can indicate separation anxiety.3
- Escaping: Dogs may try to flee the confined area or house where they were left. Some dogs with separation anxiety are expert escape artists.
Risk Factors
Certain dogs are more prone to developing separation anxiety than others. According to a 2001 study, the biggest risk factors include:
Adopted/rescued dogs: Dogs from shelters and rescues are more likely to have separation anxiety, possibly due to a history of abandonment or unpredictable living situations. This can lead to attachment issues and fear of being left again.
Dogs obtained from pet stores: Pet store puppies taken away from littermates early are also at higher risk. Early maternal separation can negatively impact normal social development.
Certain breeds: Breeds prone to attachment like Labrador and Golden Retrievers tend to be more anxious when alone. Herding breeds like Border Collies or German Shepherds are also at higher risk. Their instinct to work closely with owners can manifest as separation anxiety.
Lack of early socialization: Dogs without adequate positive human interaction during critical developmental stages are more likely to struggle when their owner leaves. Early socialization prevents over-attachment and builds confidence.
Prevention
Preventing separation anxiety in dogs requires starting training and socialization early as a puppy. Puppies that are properly socialized and exposed to being alone are less likely to develop separation anxiety as adults. According to Bond Vet, important steps include:
- Socializing the puppy and exposing it to new people, places, sights, and sounds.
- Providing enrichment through interactive toys, food puzzles, and access to outdoor spaces.
- Establishing a routine so the puppy learns when to expect attention and when it will be left alone.
- Crate training the puppy to help it feel secure and comfortable when confined.
Owners should start leaving puppies alone in short intervals early on, gradually increasing the duration. This allows the puppy to learn being alone is okay and prevents anxiety from developing. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and meeting the puppy’s needs are key to prevention.
Treatment
There are several options for treating separation anxiety in dogs. The main treatment methods include:
Behavior Modification
Behavior modification techniques like counterconditioning are often the first line of treatment for separation anxiety. As explained by the ASPCA, counterconditioning changes the dog’s negative association with being left alone to a positive one by pairing departures with something the dog enjoys, like treats. gradual exposure to short departures and absences can also help the dog learn being alone is not dangerous.
Medication
In some cases, anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed by a veterinarian to help reduce a dog’s anxiety levels. Medications like fluoxetine and clomipramine have been shown to be effective for separation anxiety. Medication can be useful alongside behavior modification training.
Pheromones
Synthetic pheromones like Adaptil mimic natural calming pheromones and may help relieve anxiety when sprayed around the home. However, studies on their effectiveness have been mixed.
Alternative Therapies
Some alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage therapy, or CBD oil may help, but more research is needed on their efficacy. These should not replace behavior modification but could provide additional support.
Tips for Owners
There are some helpful tips owners can follow to help ease their dog’s separation anxiety:
Exercise your dog before leaving the house. A good walk or play session can help tire your dog out before being left alone. The exercise can help reduce nervous energy.
Provide interactive toys to keep your dog occupied such as puzzle toys, Kongs stuffed with treats, or chew toys. Rotate the toys to keep your dog interested.
Start with short departures of 5-15 minutes and slowly increase the time. Come and go from the home without making a fuss. This can help desensitize your dog to your leaving.
Try to establish a routine around departures and keep your emotional displays minimal. The more predictable you are, the less anxious your dog may feel.
Consider hiring a dog walker to give your dog exercise and companionship during the day.
Ask your vet about anti-anxiety medication or natural calming supplements that may help while you work on training.
Act normal and ignore anxious behaviors before leaving. Don’t comfort your dog when they are anxious as this can reinforce the behavior.
Leave recently worn but unwashed clothing or a favorite toy which smells like you. Your scent can be comforting.
Keep arrivals low-key as well. Make sure your dog is calm before giving attention.
Be patient and consistent with any training for separation anxiety. Seeking professional help from a trainer or behaviorist can also be beneficial.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some mild cases of separation anxiety may be managed with at-home training and behavior modification techniques, more severe cases often require the help of a professional, such as a veterinary behaviorist or certified dog trainer. According to the ASPCA[1], it’s time to seek professional help if your dog’s separation anxiety doesn’t seem to be improving over time despite your best efforts. Additionally, the appearance of self-injury behaviors like chewing, scratching, or licking is a sign that the anxiety has progressed to a dangerous level and professional intervention is needed.
Dogs with severe separation anxiety may harm themselves when left alone by chewing on objects, scratching frantically at doors or windows, or even ingesting items like rocks or furniture stuffing. These self-destructive behaviors stem from extreme stress and panic and can pose a safety risk to the dog. A professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist can assess your dog’s specific anxiety triggers and underlying motivation for their actions in order to design a customized behavior modification plan. In some cases, antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication may be recommended in conjunction with training to help lessen your dog’s separation distress.
Getting professional help right away is key for dogs engaging in self-injury related to separation anxiety, as the longer these behaviors go on, the more ingrained they can become. Don’t wait and hope your dog just “grows out of it”—seek qualified assistance as soon as possible if you notice injuries or damage resulting from their extreme distress when home alone.
[1] https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety
Conclusion
Separation anxiety is a common and distressing condition observed across many dog breeds. Though some breeds seem more prone to developing it, any dog can suffer from separation distress when left alone. The key signs to watch for include destructive behavior, vocalizing, and inappropriate urination or defecation while owners are away.
Though difficult to manage, there are preventative steps owners can take to minimize separation anxiety in their dogs. Ensuring the dog feels safe and secure, providing enrichment activities when alone, and implementing gradual alone training can all help. Anti-anxiety products and behavioral modification plans may also be implemented under the guidance of a veterinary or training professional.
If owners observe symptoms of separation anxiety, it’s important to seek help from their vet right away. Left untreated, this condition will not resolve on its own and often escalates over time. With consistency and the right approach, dogs can overcome separation distress. Addressing it quickly leads to improved welfare for both dog and owner.