Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, What to Do and When to Get Help

Updated September 2026

[Suggested image: a genuine photograph of a dog resting calmly at home, preferably one you have taken during house sitting. Avoid an image of a dog dramatically scratching a door or looking deliberately “sad”.]

Alt text: Dog resting comfortably at home while learning to cope with time apart

If your dog barks, paces, destroys things or becomes distressed when you leave, it is tempting to assume they have separation anxiety.

Sometimes they may.

But not every dog who struggles when left has exactly the same problem, and not every dog who follows you around the house is anxious.

The most useful starting point is to find out what your dog actually does when you are gone.

Separation-related behaviour can range from mild difficulty settling to genuine panic. A dog may bark, howl, pace, pant, drool, scratch at doors, refuse food, toilet indoors or attempt to escape.

Some dogs show much quieter signs.

If your dog appears genuinely distressed, the aim is not to make them “get used to it” by repeatedly leaving them for longer. Speak to your veterinary practice and, where appropriate, an appropriately qualified behaviour professional.

For more help understanding stress, communication and emotional behaviour, visit my Dog Behaviour and Body Language Hub.

How Do I Know What My Dog Does When I Leave?

One of the most useful things you can do is find out what your dog actually does after you leave the house.

You may know that your dog has barked because a neighbour has mentioned it, or you may come home to find something damaged. However, that does not tell you what happened during the rest of the time you were away.

A simple camera, pet camera or even a spare phone can give you a much clearer picture.

Position it somewhere that lets you see as much of your dog’s normal area as possible. Ideally, include their usual resting place and the door you normally leave through.

When you watch the recording, look at the whole dog rather than concentrating only on barking.

Notice whether your dog:

• settles down and rests
• sleeps for part of the time
• eats food or uses enrichment you have left
• moves normally around the home
• repeatedly checks the front door
• stays close to the exit
• paces between rooms
• watches the windows constantly
• pants when it is not hot
• drools
• whines, barks or howls
• scratches or bites at doors
• tries to escape
• toilets indoors
• appears unable to settle

Also pay attention to when any difficulty begins.

Some dogs remain comfortable for several minutes before becoming unsettled. Others start worrying as soon as they notice their owner preparing to leave.

That information can be very useful.

For example, there is a big difference between a dog who barks twice when the post arrives and then sleeps for two hours, and a dog who spends those two hours pacing, panting and repeatedly checking the front door.

A quiet dog is not automatically a relaxed dog either. Some dogs show their difficulty through stillness, scanning, remaining close to the exit or being unable to sleep rather than through barking or destructive behaviour.

If you are concerned about what you see, save a few useful recordings. They may help your veterinary practice or an appropriately qualified behaviour professional understand what is happening.

You do not need to watch your dog obsessively every time you leave. The purpose of recording is to gather useful information and establish whether your dog is genuinely comfortable when alone.

If your dog is pacing, panicking, trying to escape, unable to settle or showing other significant signs of distress, do not simply keep extending the time they are left to see whether they eventually “get used to it”.

Speak to your veterinary practice and seek appropriate professional support.

What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety describes significant distress connected with being separated from a particular person or being left alone.

You may also hear the broader term separation-related behaviour.

I prefer to be careful with the terminology because barking, damage or toileting while you are out does not automatically prove anxiety.

For example, a dog might bark because:

• somebody walks past the window
• the post arrives
• another dog can be heard outside
• they are frustrated or bored
• they need the toilet
• they are frightened
• they are genuinely distressed about being alone

That distinction matters.

You cannot reliably diagnose your dog’s emotional state based on a single behaviour.

The Dogs Trust guidance on separation anxiety explains that separation-related behaviours can have different causes and recommends observing what happens when the dog is actually alone. (

What Are the Signs of Separation Anxiety?

Possible signs include:

• barking, whining or howling
• pacing
• repeatedly moving between doors and windows
• panting when it is not hot
• trembling
• excessive drooling
• scratching or biting doors
• destructive behaviour, particularly around exits
• toileting indoors despite normally being house-trained
• refusing food they would normally enjoy
• trying to escape
• being unable to lie down or sleep
• becoming distressed as you prepare to leave
• extreme difficulty settling after you return

Not every dog will show all of these.

And importantly, a quiet dog is not automatically a comfortable dog.

A dog might sit by the front door, remain very still or stare out of a window without making any noise.

That is why video can be so valuable.

My Dog Behaviour and Body Language Hub explains more about looking at the whole dog rather than relying on one individual signal.

How Do I Know What My Dog Does When I Leave?

Use a camera or spare phone to record your dog.

You do not need complicated equipment.

Place it where you can see:

• your dog’s normal resting area
• the door you leave through
• any window they commonly watch
• as much of the room as reasonably possible

Then watch what happens.

Look for:

• whether they return to bed
• whether they eat
• how much they move around
• whether they remain close to the exit
• barking or howling
• panting
• pacing
• scanning windows
• attempts to escape
• whether they eventually sleep

Video is particularly helpful because separation problems happen when you are not there to observe them.

Dogs Trust and the RSPCA both recommend using a camera to help identify behaviour that owners might otherwise miss. (Dogs Trust)

If you need veterinary or behavioural help, keep useful clips.

They may provide much better information than simply telling somebody, “My dog hates being alone.”

Is My Dog Just Missing Me?

Dogs form strong social relationships.

It is perfectly normal for your dog to enjoy your company, follow you occasionally or be pleased when you return.

That alone does not mean they have separation anxiety.

My older article, How to Tell if Your Dog Is Pining for You, explores some of the changes owners notice when a dog appears to be missing someone.

A dog who is comfortable alone may:

• notice you leaving
• briefly watch the door
• find somewhere comfortable to rest
• eat or drink normally
• move around the home
• sleep for part of the absence
• settle again after ordinary household sounds

A dog experiencing significant separation distress may be unable to reach that settled state.

Following You Around Does Not Prove Separation Anxiety

A dog may follow you from room to room because:

• they enjoy your company
• interesting things happen around you
• you have food
• they are expecting a walk
• they have learned that following works
• their routine has changed
• they are newly adopted
• they feel uncertain
• they are uncomfortable or unwell

Some very “clingy” dogs cope perfectly well when actually left.

Other dogs who appear quite independent while you are home become distressed when the front door closes.

Again, observation matters more than labels.

Separation Anxiety or Boredom?

The two can sometimes look similar.

A bored or frustrated dog might:

• explore the house
• chew inappropriate objects
• bark at outside activity
• look for things to do

A dog experiencing separation distress may show broader signs such as:

• persistent pacing
• inability to settle
• panting or drooling
• escape attempts
• remaining close to the exit
• refusing high-value food
• frantic vocalising

But these are not diagnostic tests.

Dogs Trust points out that boredom and frustration are still negative experiences and can also contribute to difficulty being alone.

If you are unsure, record your dog on video, slow it down and discuss what you see with an appropriate professional.

Preparing a Dog to Be Alone Is Different From Treating Separation Anxiety

This is one of the most important distinctions on this page.

If your puppy or adult dog is currently comfortable when you leave, and you want to prevent future problems, read:

How to Prepare Your Dog to Be Left Alone

That guide explains gradual alone-time practice.

It includes:

• very short separations
• helping your dog rest independently
• creating a suitable resting area
• using a camera
• increasing time according to the individual dog
• preparing puppies and rescue dogs
• arranging help when you need to be away longer

If your dog is already panicking, continually barking, trying to escape or unable to settle, that is a different situation.

Do not simply work through a generic “leave them for five minutes, then ten, then twenty” schedule.

The dog in front of you should determine the starting point.

Should I Let My Dog Cry It Out?

I would not deliberately leave a frightened dog to “cry it out”.

If your dog is genuinely distressed, continually exposing them to an absence they cannot cope with does not teach them that being alone is safe.

Instead, aim to work at a level where they can remain comfortable.

That might initially be much shorter than you expected.

For a dog with established separation-related distress, seek professional guidance rather than turning long absences into experiments.

The RSPCA specifically advises against leaving distressed dogs to simply cry until they stop.

Silence also does not necessarily mean the dog has learned to relax.

Look at their whole behaviour.

Start With Veterinary Advice

I would involve your veterinary practice early if your dog is showing significant or newly developed separation-related behaviour.

This is especially important if a dog who previously coped well suddenly cannot be left.

Pain, illness, cognitive changes, sensory decline and other health problems can affect behaviour.

A dog may become:

• more dependent on familiar people
• more easily frightened
• less able to settle
• confused
• uncomfortable when lying down
• sensitive to household sounds
• restless at night

These changes can be mistaken for a purely behavioural problem.

Dogs Trust recommends veterinary assessment because underlying medical problems can contribute to or worsen separation-related behaviour.

A vet can also discuss whether referral to an appropriately qualified behaviour professional is needed.

What Can I Do Right Now?

While you arrange appropriate help, the priority is to stop repeatedly placing your dog in situations they cannot cope with where reasonably possible.

That may require temporary management.

Depending on your circumstances, options could include:

• working from home where possible
• changing working hours temporarily
• asking a trusted family member for help
• arranging somebody to stay with your dog
• using appropriate in-home pet care
• arranging shorter absences
• planning errands around available support

This is not “giving in”.

It is preventing repeated distress while you work on the underlying problem.

Dogs Trust similarly recommends avoiding leaving a dog beyond what they can currently cope with while support is put in place. (D

Build From What Your Dog Can Actually Manage

For suitable dogs, alone-time work usually starts below the point at which distress develops.

That could initially involve something as small as:

• walking across the room
• stepping behind a stair gate
• briefly leaving sight
• touching your keys
• putting your coat on without leaving
• opening and closing the front door
• stepping outside for a few seconds

The important point is not the exact number of seconds.

It is whether your dog remains comfortable.

If your dog begins:

• pacing
• panting
• repeatedly checking the door
• whining
• refusing food
• freezing
• frantically following you

the exercise may already be too difficult.

Make the next attempt easier.

For dogs who are not currently distressed by separation, my “How to Prepare Your Dog to Be Left Alone” guide offers a much fuller preventive programme.

Departure Cues Can Matter

Some dogs begin worrying before you have left.

They notice patterns.

You might:

• put on particular shoes
• pick up your work bag
• collect your keys
• turn off the television
• put on a coat
• walk towards the front door

If anxiety begins at this stage, the problem is not simply the time spent alone.

The dog’s emotional response may already be building before the door closes.

Record what happens before departure and afterwards.

This information is particularly useful when discussing the problem with your vet or behaviour professional.

Do I Need to Ignore My Dog Before Leaving?

No.

You do not need to deliberately become cold or unresponsive towards your dog before walking out of the door.

Keep departures calm and ordinary.

That might mean:

• making sure toileting needs are met
• preparing the environment
• avoiding a highly exciting game just before leaving
• leaving without a prolonged emotional goodbye

But there is no need to pretend your dog does not exist.

Similarly, you do not need to ignore them for a fixed period when you return.

Respond calmly and kindly.

Never Punish What Happened While You Were Out

If you come home to:

• damaged furniture
• urine or faeces
• scratched doors
• shredded bedding

do not punish your dog.

They cannot now connect your anger to a behaviour that occurred earlier while you were absent.

If separation is already worrying them, adding fear around your return may make things worse.

The RSPCA and Dogs Trust both advise against punishment for separation-related behaviour.

Clean up calmly and use the information to reconsider whether the absence was manageable.

Will a Long Walk Before I Leave Help?

Appropriate exercise can be part of a good daily routine.

But I would be very careful about presenting exercise as a treatment for separation anxiety.

A dog can be physically tired and still frightened.

Likewise, more exercise is not always better.

Some dogs become more aroused after very stimulating walks and need time to settle.

A calm walk with opportunities to sniff and explore may be useful before an ordinary period alone, but the aim should not be to exhaust your dog until they cannot protest.

Read Is Your Dog Hyperactive, Overstimulated, Bored or Overtired? If you are unsure whether your dog needs more activity or more rest.

Can Food Toys Help?

Sometimes.

A suitable food toy can provide enrichment for a dog who is comfortable enough to engage with it.

But it is not a treatment for panic.

In fact, whether your dog can eat may provide useful information.

If your dog happily uses a food toy while you are home but leaves the same food untouched when you leave, anxiety may be interfering with eating.

Dogs Trust specifically mentions a lack of interest in food and in chewing as one possible sign of separation-related distress.

Do not simply keep buying more tempting toys.

Look at why your dog cannot engage.

My Dog Enrichment Guide has more information on choosing suitable enrichment for the individual dog.

Should I Leave the Television or Radio On?

Familiar background sound may help some dogs by reducing the impact of noises from:

• neighbours
• deliveries
• the street
• communal hallways

Other dogs do not care about it.

Some may even react to particular sounds from television.

Introduce background sound at home first.

Keep it at a comfortable volume, and make sure your dog can move to a quieter spot.

Television and radio should not be used to conceal barking or pretend a distressed dog is coping.

Can a Camera Help?

Yes.

A simple camera can be one of the most useful tools for understanding what actually happens after you leave.

But use it primarily to observe.

I would not repeatedly talk to your dog through a camera speaker.

Some dogs may become more confused or unsettled if they can hear you but cannot find you.

Recordings can also be valuable for your vet or behaviour professional.

Will Getting Another Dog Cure Separation Anxiety?

Do not get another dog purely as a treatment.

Some dogs may appreciate canine company.

But if your dog is specifically distressed by separation from you, another dog may not solve the problem.

You could also end up with:

• two dogs who struggle
• dogs who do not get along
• additional financial and practical responsibilities
• another dog learning unwanted behaviours

Dogs Trust similarly warns that adding another dog does not necessarily resolve separation anxiety.

Get another dog because you genuinely want and can care for another dog, not as behavioural medication for the first one.

What About a Crate?

A crate can be a comfortable resting place for a dog who:

• has been gradually and positively introduced to one
• voluntarily relaxes there
• is comfortable with the door closed where appropriate

It should not be used simply to prevent a distressed dog destroying the house.

A dog who panics when confined may injure itself while attempting to escape.

If your dog is already showing serious separation distress, discuss confinement with an appropriate professional rather than assuming a crate is the answer.

Puppies and Separation

Puppies need to learn gradually that brief periods apart are safe.

They should not suddenly be expected to cope with an adult working day.

Start with ordinary, manageable moments of independence while you are still home.

A puppy also needs:

• frequent toilet opportunities
• plenty of sleep
• appropriate meals
• gentle activity
• social contact
• short training
• predictable routines

If you are preparing a puppy who is currently comfortable, read “How to Prepare Your Dog to Be Left Alone” and my “Bringing a Puppy Home” Guide.

If your puppy already panics when separated, seek help rather than continually increasing the duration.

Rescue Dogs and Newly Adopted Dogs

Being a rescue dog does not automatically mean having separation anxiety.

Many rescue dogs cope perfectly well alone.

Others need time.

A newly adopted dog may be adjusting to:

• unfamiliar people
• new household sounds
• different feeding routines
• new sleeping places
• unfamiliar streets
• loss of previous relationships
• an incomplete history
• major changes in daily life

Do not assume that an adult dog automatically knows how to cope with being left in this particular home.

My Rescue Dog Help Hub and Rescue Dog Support in Finchley cover the wider settling and confidence-building journey.

Separation distress severe enough to require treatment still belongs with your vet and an appropriately qualified behaviour professional.

What if My Dog Suddenly Develops Separation Problems?

Take a sudden change seriously.

A dog who has been perfectly comfortable alone for years and suddenly begins:

• barking
• pacing
• toileting
• panicking
• following you constantly
• waking at unusual times
• appearing confused

should not simply be described as “needy”.

Speak to your veterinary practice.

This is particularly important for senior dogs because pain, changes in vision or hearing and cognitive changes can affect how safe they feel when alone.

Should I Keep Leaving My Dog So They Get Used to It?

Not if they are genuinely distressed.

Repeatedly putting a dog in a situation that causes them to panic does not guarantee habituation.

Your training needs to start from what that individual dog can manage.

If work or another commitment means you cannot currently stay within that limit, arrange management where possible while getting professional help.

This is where friends, family and appropriate pet-care services can play a practical role.

They support the management plan.

They do not cure the behavioural problem.

Can a Dog Walker Help With Separation Anxiety?

A dog walker cannot treat separation anxiety simply by adding another walk.

However, appropriate daytime care may help you avoid leaving your dog alone for longer than they can currently cope with.

For suitable dogs, a Solo Dog Walk can provide:

• company
• a toilet opportunity
• a calm break in the day
• sniffing and appropriate exercise
• a predictable routine

That can be useful management.

But if your dog begins panicking as soon as you leave, a walk two hours later does not solve what happened during those first two hours.

I would never describe dog walking as a cure for separation anxiety.

Can House Sitting Help?

House sitting can be useful for a dog who copes better in their own home than in kennels or unfamiliar boarding.

My House Sitting in Finchley and North London service keeps pets in their familiar surroundings and follows their usual routine as closely as reasonably possible.

For dogs with separation difficulties, however, there is an important question:

How long can the dog actually cope without a person present?

My standard house-sitting service includes agreed daytime absences. A dog who cannot safely or comfortably be left for those periods may require continuous care or another arrangement.

House-sitting can help maintain a dog’s routine while you are away.

It is not treatment for separation anxiety.

When Should I Contact My Vet?

Speak to your veterinary practice if your dog:

• suddenly becomes unable to cope alone
• panics when you prepare to leave
• pants or drools excessively
• injures themselves
• damages doors or windows trying to escape
• cannot eat when alone
• repeatedly toilets because of distress
• becomes generally more fearful
• develops significant changes in sleep or behaviour
• appears painful
• shows cognitive or sensory changes
• is becoming progressively worse

I would also speak to your vet if you simply are not sure what you are seeing.

You do not need to wait until the situation is severe.

When Do I Need a Behaviour Professional?

Separation anxiety can be complex.

Individual help is particularly important when your dog:

• panics
• attempts to escape
• injures themselves
• cannot cope with even very brief separations
• shows severe or worsening distress
• has several behavioural concerns
• is not improving
• cannot begin a programme without becoming distressed

Ideally, behaviour support should work alongside your vet where appropriate.

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council practitioner register allows you to search for assessed behaviour professionals. (ABTC)

I am not a veterinary professional or clinical animal behaviourist.

I can provide calm everyday pet care, walking and practical support, but I do not diagnose or treat separation anxiety.

A Simple First-Step Checklist

If you are worried about your dog being left alone:

1. Record them when you leave.
2. Watch what happens rather than relying only on reports of barking.
3. Note when any signs begin.
4. Record how long it takes them to settle, if they settle at all.
5. Notice whether they eat or drink.
6. Record what happens before you leave.
7. Avoid punishment.
8. Do not deliberately extend an absence beyond what they can manage as a test.
9. Arrange appropriate help where possible.
10. Speak to your vet if distress is significant, new or worsening.

Bring useful recordings and notes to professional appointments.

That can make it much easier to understand what is actually happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is separation anxiety the same as a dog missing me?

Not necessarily.

Most dogs form close attachments to their owners and may notice when they leave.

Separation anxiety involves a level of distress that affects the dog’s ability to cope when separated.

Does my dog have separation anxiety because they follow me everywhere?

Not automatically.

Some dogs follow their owners constantly but settle perfectly well once left.

Other dogs appear independent while you are home and struggle after you leave.

Use a camera to find out what happens.

Can I cure separation anxiety myself?

Mild alone-time difficulties may improve with careful training.

Significant separation distress deserves veterinary assessment and appropriately qualified behavioural support.

There is no shame in asking for help.

Should I leave my dog until they stop barking?

Not if they are showing genuine distress.

Stopping vocalisation does not necessarily mean they have become comfortable.

Can exercise cure separation anxiety?

No.

Appropriate exercise supports general well-being but does not eliminate the panic or fear associated with separation.

Will a KONG or lick mat cure separation anxiety?

No.

Food enrichment can be useful for a dog who remains comfortable enough to eat.

A dog who refuses normally valued food while alone may actually be giving you useful information about their stress level.

Is separation anxiety more common in rescue dogs?

Being a rescue dog does not automatically mean a dog will develop separation anxiety.

Some rescue dogs cope very well.

Others may need more gradual support as they adjust to their new home and routine.

Can my dog suddenly develop separation anxiety when they are older?

A previously settled dog can begin struggling with separation later in life.

Because health, pain, sensory decline and cognitive changes can affect behaviour, speak to your vet when a senior dog’s behaviour changes unexpectedly.

Can a pet sitter or house sitter help?

A sitter can help manage periods when your dog should not currently be left alone.

That may be extremely valuable while a treatment or training plan is underway.

Pet sitting does not itself treat separation anxiety.

Final Thoughts

A dog struggling when left alone is not being spiteful, manipulative or naughty.

They are showing you that something about the situation is difficult for them.

Your first job is to find out what actually happens when you leave.

Use video where possible. Look at the whole dog. Take sudden changes seriously. Avoid punishment and avoid repeatedly pushing a frightened dog beyond what they can currently cope with.

For dogs who are not distressed and simply need gradual preparation, continue with How to Prepare Your Dog to Be Left Alone.

If your dog is already panicking, injuring themselves or unable to settle, speak to your vet and seek appropriately qualified behavioural support.

For the wider picture of what your dog’s behaviour may be communicating, visit my Dog Behaviour and Body Language Hub.

Important

This guide provides general educational information only.

I am not a veterinary surgeon or clinical animal behaviourist and cannot diagnose or treat separation anxiety.

Sudden behaviour changes, significant distress, self-injury, escape attempts or serious deterioration should be discussed with your veterinary practice. Your vet can advise whether referral to an appropriately qualified behaviour professional is appropriate.