Separation anxiety is one of the most common and distressing conditions in companion dogs, causing significant suffering during owner absences and leading to relinquishment when untreated.
Dogs with separation anxiety experience genuine psychological distress during owner absences, not simple naughtiness or spite. The distress begins at the onset of departure cues and may last for the entire absence. Untreated separation anxiety is chronic and progressive, causing significant welfare harm and often resulting in relinquishment. Effective treatment exists but requires patience, consistency, and often professional guidance. Addressing separation anxiety benefits both dog welfare and the human-animal bond.