Health & wellness
Few things tug at the heart more than knowing your dog struggles when you’re not home. If your usually happy companion becomes distressed the moment you grab your keys, you’re not alone. Separation anxiety in dogs is more common than many pet parents realise.
The good news? With the right support, patience and understanding, most dogs can learn to feel calmer and safer when left on their own.
Let’s take a closer look at the signs of separation anxiety, the causes, and some proven, practical ways to help your pup feel more at ease.
Table of contents
- What is separation anxiety in dogs?
- Common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs
- Causes of separation anxiety in dogs
- Should I see a vet for my dog’s separation anxiety?
- Proven ways to manage separation anxiety in dogs
- How long can dogs be left alone?
- Getting support for your dog
What is separation anxiety in dogs?
Separation anxiety in dogs is a condition where a dog becomes highly distressed when left alone or separated from their owner. This isn’t boredom or bad behaviour. It’s an emotional response rooted in fear and anxiety, and it’s not something that dogs choose. Many dogs with separation anxiety cope well while their humans are at home but show signs of distress shortly after being left alone.
Common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs
Dogs show anxiety in different ways. Some signs are easy to spot, while others can be a bit more subtle.
Common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include:
- Excessive barking, howling, or whining when left alone
- Destructive behaviour, such as chewing furniture or scratching doors and windows
- Toileting indoors, even if house-trained
- Pacing, drooling, or trembling
- Escape attempts that may lead to injury
- Loss of appetite when alone
Seeing these behaviours can be upsetting, but they’re your dog’s way of telling you they’re struggling. If these signs mainly happen when you’re away and ease once you return, separation anxiety could be the cause.
Causes of separation anxiety in dogs
There’s no single reason dogs develop separation anxiety. Often, it’s a mix of experiences, routine changes, and temperament.
Common causes include:
- Big changes like moving house, a new routine, or a family member leaving
- Previous abandonment or re-homing
- Limited experience being left alone as a puppy
- Strong attachment to one person in the household
- Sudden changes to time spent together, such as returning to work
It’s worth remembering that even confident, well-loved dogs can struggle with separation anxiety. Understanding possible triggers can help guide the right support.
Should I see a vet for my dog’s separation anxiety?
Yes, your vet should always be your first stop if you’re worried about changes in your dog’s behaviour.
Some medical conditions can cause behaviours that look like separation anxiety, including pain and hormonal issues. Your vet can rule out underlying health concerns and help you decide on next steps.
If separation anxiety is diagnosed, your vet may recommend:
- Behavioural modification strategies
- Supportive therapies
- Seeing a reputable clinical animal behaviourist
Getting professional support early can make a real difference for both you and your dog.
Proven ways to manage separation anxiety in dogs
Once medical causes are ruled out, there are gentle, proven ways to help your dog feel safer and more settled when alone.
1. Establish calm departures and returns
Keep comings and goings calm and predictable. Big goodbyes or overly excited greetings can increase anxiety, even if they come from a place of love.
2. Slowly build independence
Start with very short absences and slowly increase the time you’re away. Only increase the duration once your dog stays calm at each step. Reward calm behaviour during this process, so your dog begins to associate being relaxed and alone with positive outcomes.
3. Create positive alone-time experiences
Offer activity feeders, puzzle toys or long-lasting treats that your dog only gets when you leave. This can help shift their focus and build more positive associations with alone time.
4. Provide a safe, comfortable space
A cosy bed, familiar smells, and gentle background noise, such as classical music or leaving the radio on, can help some dogs feel more comfortable when you’re not home.
5. Avoid punishment
Anxiety-driven behaviour isn’t disobedience. Punishing your dog can increase fear and damage trust, making the problem harder to manage.
6. Get expert behavioural support
If your dog continues to struggle, reach out to a clinical animal behaviourist for a step-by-step plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
Worried about the cost of behavioural support or unexpected vet visits? Having pet insurance can ease some of that pressure by covering a portion of the bills. To start exploring your options, click here.
How long can dogs be left alone?
When it comes to knowing how long dogs can be left home alone, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. How long your pup can be on their own depends on several things, like their age, health, personality, and training.
As a general guide:
| Type of dog | How long they can be left alone |
| Puppies | Short periods only, increasing gradually |
| Adult dogs | Can often cope up to four hours, but it depends on the individual dog |
| Dogs with separation anxiety | May struggle with even brief absences |
If you need to be out longer than your dog is comfortable with, consider:
- Taking your dog with you, if appropriate
- Getting a trusted pet sitter or family member to drop in
- A dog walker to break up the day
- Doggy day care, if suitable
- Remote-activated toys or treat dispensers for engagement
Getting support for your dog
Separation anxiety can feel overwhelming, but with early support and the right guidance, many dogs learn to feel calmer when left alone.
If you’re concerned, start by speaking to your vet, following a behaviour plan tailored to your dog, and exploring supportive therapies if recommended.
And if unexpected treatment costs are a worry, pet insurance can help. RSPCA Pet Insurance offers optional cover for behavioural conditions and supportive therapies, so your dog can get the care they need, while helping support animals in the RSPCA’s care too.
To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
References
[1] RSPCA Australia. What can I do if my dog is anxious when I’m not at home. RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/behaviour/what-can-i-do-if-my-dog-is-anxious-when-im-not-at-home
[2] RSPCA. Helping your dog cope with being left alone. RSPCA UK. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/training/leftalone
FAQs
While separation anxiety in a dog may never be completely ‘cured’, it can be managed very successfully. With the right combination of veterinary advice, behaviour modification, supportive therapies, and patience, many dogs learn to feel calmer and more secure when left alone. Early support often leads to the best outcomes.
Boredom can sometimes show up as restless behaviour, but separation anxiety is driven by emotional distress, not frustration. If your dog becomes unsettled only when you’re away, and calms soon after you return, it’s more likely anxiety rather than boredom. A vet can help rule out medical causes and guide you through the next steps to support your dog’s wellbeing.
Always start with your vet. They can rule out medical issues that may be contributing to your dog’s behaviour. If the problem is behavioural, your vet may recommend supportive therapies or refer you to a qualified clinical animal behaviourist.
Yes. Puppies can develop separation anxiety, especially if they haven’t been gradually introduced to being alone. Short, positive alone-time experiences from an early age can help build confidence and reduce the risk of anxiety later on.
Yes, some pet insurance policies do cover treatment for separation anxiety. With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can add cover for behavioural conditions and supportive therapies, giving you the freedom to treat your pup’s separation anxiety without worrying about the costs involved.
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
