Navigating Separation Anxiety in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Separation anxiety is a common issue that many dogs face. Working through this behavioral challenge requires a lot of patience and it can be hard for both dogs and their owners to deal with on a day-to-day basis. At Grand and Graham Pets in San Francisco, we specialize in caring for dogs with specific behavioral or care needs, including separation anxiety, so educating dog parents on this topic is our priority. We want to help you learn more about your dog’s unique separation anxiety issues including potential causes, treatment options, and what you should consider when finding care for them while you’re away from home.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety in dogs is when they experience high levels of stress when they’re separated from their “person”, typically the one who primarily cares for them. In dogs, the behaviors that stem from separation anxiety are more than just mild discomfort. These behaviors can be disruptive and challenging for pet parents to deal with. Excessive barking, destructive behavior around the house, and attempts to escape are all things that can come with having a dog that struggles with this type of anxiety.

What Are the Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

First things first, let’s talk about the signs of separation anxiety. If you think your dog may be dealing with this behavioral challenge, identifying these signs is an important first step in working through it:

Excessive Barking or Whining

One of the biggest signs of separation anxiety that you’ll notice is your dog consistently and continuously barking or whining for long periods when you leave the house. This barking and whining is typically high-pitched and easy to decipher as distress compared to an occasional bark.

Destructive Behavior

Another common sign associated with separation anxiety is destructive tendencies when left alone. This can be chewing on furniture, excessively scratching doors, or digging at the floors. These are all attempts to escape or relieve their anxiety, and these usually only happen when they’re left alone.

Pacing

Some dogs show separation anxiety through continuous pacing. This usually happens in specific patterns like walking back and forth on the same path around the room or your home. It’s a repetitive movement that shows their discomfort in being left alone or separated from their owner. 

Inconvenient Urination or Defecation

Sometimes dogs who are experiencing separation anxiety might go potty indoors, even if they’re well house trained. If associated with their anxiety, you’ll likely only notice this behavior happening when you leave home. If this is the case, keep in mind that it’s probably tied to their separation anxiety issues rather than being a lapse or regression in their potty training. 

Attempts to Escape

In certain cases, dogs who struggle with extreme separation anxiety may try to escape their crate or the home through repetitive clawing or chewing. As you can imagine or may have experienced, this intense behavior can lead to them injuring themselves which goes to show how much distress they’re truly experiencing. 

What Causes Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety can develop for a variety of different reasons, both from experiences they’ve had early in their lives and from changes to their environment. Let’s talk through some of the most common causes we can identify:

Changes in Routine

Some dogs don’t take to change very well, even if it may seem small. Dogs are creatures of habit and they tend to thrive on consistency and routines, so sudden transitions like going back to work or moving homes can trigger their separation anxiety symptoms.

Trauma or Loss

Dogs who have gone through intense traumatic experiences like abuse, abandonment, or losing a loved family member can develop increased separation anxiety. Dogs become really attached to their owners, and this strong bond can make traumatic experiences difficult for them. This trauma-related separation anxiety is particularly common in rescue dogs who have gone through home after home or shelter after shelter. 

Genetics

While not always the case, certain breeds like Spanish Water dogs and mixed breeds are genetically predisposed to higher anxiety, which can lead to more separation-related stress.

Is Your Dog Really Dealing with Separation Anxiety or Is It Something Else?

While the signs we’ve just discussed are all indicators of separation anxiety, it’s important to note that some of these signs can be related to other health conditions. This is why we always recommend chatting with a trusted vet who can help you pinpoint the cause of your dog’s behaviors and rule out any other health concerns.

Medical Conditions

Symptoms of certain medical conditions are similar to the signs of separation anxiety. For example, a dog who has a urinary tract infection or digestive issue can also experience inconvenient urination or defecation. Consulting your vet is your first step in getting to the bottom of your dog’s unique health concerns.

Other Behavioral Problems

There are some other behavioral issues, like reactivity or aggression, that can present in similar ways to separation anxiety. These signs can also stem from a lack of exercise or stimulation. If you have a high-energy dog that requires lots of physical exercise, but they’re staying inside the majority of the time, this can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing up furniture. Their day-to-day needs (especially specific to their breed) are important to keep in mind. Sometimes something as simple as offering more outside time can curb these behaviors and reduce the symptoms that resemble separation anxiety.

What Age Does Separation Anxiety Start in Dogs?

Separation-related stress doesn’t start at the same time for all dogs. It’s dependent on their experiences and genetics. Puppies and young dogs tend to be particularly susceptible as they learn to adjust to being away from their caregivers for certain periods, but it can also develop in adult dogs who have experienced some sort of trauma or big life changes. 

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in Dogs

If you’re a dog parent looking to work through and better manage your dog’s separation anxiety-related symptoms, we applaud you. In working with dogs who experience these issues every day, we know how challenging it can be and how much patience it requires. On the bright side, there are methods that you can begin to implement at home that can make a significant difference for both you and your dog.

Home Remedies for Separation Anxiety in Dogs

While we do recommend meeting with your vet or a behavioral specialist to work through the anxiety-related issues specific to your dog, there are absolutely things you can work into your home life to help your dog feel calmer and more secure when you need to leave them alone. 

Before Leaving the House:

Consider preparing your dog with activities that will help calm them before you need to leave. Taking them for a nice walk or engaging them in a fun play session can help reduce their anxiety and release pent-up energy. This may mean you need to allocate some extra time to your getting ready process, but it can make a big difference in their behavior when you’re gone. 

Using Enrichment Toys and Activities

Having some toys in the house that keep your dog engaged and provide great opportunities for mental stimulation can be a huge help. Think puzzle toys or food dispensing toys– these things are great for keeping them distracted and entertained, so their focus isn’t solely on you not being there. Don’t be afraid to play around with different toys when you’re with them at home to see what they take well to. 

Creating a Safe Space

If you have a dog that has separation anxiety issues, you likely need to ‘proof’ your home more than the average dog owner. This means moving anything that could be potentially harmful to your dog out of reach in the event they become stressed, but also creating a calm environment that promotes relaxation. Some dogs prefer a smaller, cozy space, like sticking to a designated room that contains their bed and some favorite toys. Even playing white noise can be a great strategy to keep them calm, especially for dogs who are particularly sensitive to outside sounds. 

When to Get Professional Help

If you find your dog’s anxiety-related symptoms are intense and consistent, and the home remedies don’t seem to be much of a help, it’s time to seek professional guidance. A certified dog trainer, behavioral specialist, or veterinarian can help you pinpoint triggers and come up with a course of action to combat these anxiety-related tendencies your dog is experiencing. Getting a professional opinion can make such a big difference in improving day-to-day life for both you and your dog.

Finding Care for Your Dog With Separation Anxiety While You’re Away

One of the most challenging parts of having a dog with intense separation anxiety is finding the right care for them while you’re away. Chances are, you’re going to need to leave them at some point in their life whether it be for a work trip, to see family and friends, or just travel in general. Because they require additional attention and, oftentimes, a specific care approach, hiring a professional in-home pet sitter can be a fantastic option. Our team at Grand and Graham Pets, based in San Francisco, provides private in-home pet care in the San Francisco area and we specialize in caring for dogs with behavioral issues and those who have specific care needs.

Having someone trusted to come to your house to dog sit eliminates the stress of trying to find a facility that will provide the extra attention your dog needs, transporting them there, and worrying about how they will handle being around other dogs. We come to your home and stick to the routines you have in place, so you can have peace of mind that your dog is safe and secure while you’re gone. 

FAQs: Managing Separation Anxiety

How long does it take to resolve?

The time it takes to work through anxiety issues can vary based on the dog’s personality and how consistent you are in their care plan. For some dogs, this can be a matter of a few weeks but for others, it can take months or even years. The more consistent and patient you can be, the smoother the process will be for both of you.

How to train anxiety out of a dog?

Training anxiety out of a dog entirely can’t be guaranteed, but there are measures you can take to significantly improve their tolerance to being alone. This may start with short periods away, rewarding their calm behavior, and gradually extending the amount of time you’re gone. 

Can separation anxiety in dogs be prevented?

If you get a puppy or young dog, there are things you can do from the start to help curb anxiety-related tendencies. Getting them used to socialization with other dogs early on, positive reinforcement after being alone, and putting consistent routines in place are all things that you can do to set a stable foundation from the beginning. 

Supporting Your Dog Through Separation Anxiety

Having a dog with separation anxiety issues can be a really challenging experience. Doing research for this behavioral disorder is an amazing first step. Taking the time to work through your dog’s anxious tendencies shows how great of a dog parent you are–we know how much patience this process takes! If you’re based in San Francisco and you’re looking for in-home pet-sitting options, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Grand and Graham Pets. We’re happy to walk you through our process and set up an in-person meeting to see if we’re a good fit.