Canine separation anxiety causes genuine distress in millions of dogs left alone each day, and is one of the most misunderstood and undertreated welfare conditions in companion animals.
Separation anxiety is a panic disorder, not a disobedience problem. Dogs experiencing it go through periods of genuine terror every time they are left alone — a daily welfare crisis for millions of animals. The consequences of misidentifying anxiety as bad behaviour include punishment that worsens the condition and failure to seek effective treatment. A dog that destroys furniture while alone is not being vengeful; it is coping with acute fear. Early intervention with qualified behaviourists, structured desensitisation programmes and veterinary assessment for medication where needed dramatically improves quality of life for affected dogs.