Separation anxiety in dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is a behavioral disorder in which a dog becomes intensely distressed when left alone or separated from its attachment figure.

Signs begin as the owner prepares to leave and continue during the absence: whining, barking or howling, pacing, drooling, destruction focused on doors and windows, house-soiling by an otherwise trained dog, and refusal to eat. Some dogs injure themselves trying to escape. The condition is distinct from boredom or incomplete training and often begins after a change in routine, a move, a loss or rehoming.

A veterinarian assesses it through the owner's history, video recordings of the dog when alone and a physical examination to rule out medical contributors, and may refer to a veterinary behaviorist. Established approaches include gradual desensitization, environmental management and, in some cases, prescription medication. Cannabinoids have been studied in a small number of canine anxiety trials with mixed results, and a veterinarian is the right source of guidance for an affected dog.