Separation anxiety is one of the most common and debilitating behavioral disorders in dogs. Evidence-based treatment combining graduated desensitization and behavioral medication achieves excellent outcomes.
Separation anxiety causes genuine psychological suffering equivalent to a panic attack occurring every time the dog is left alone. Dogs with severe separation anxiety may experience this level of distress for hours daily, for years of their lives. The welfare impact is compounded by the fact that many owners do not recognize the condition as a medical issue and respond with punishment that worsens the underlying anxiety. Treatment is available and effective, but requires commitment to a graduated desensitization protocol that may take months and willingness to consider behavioral medication when behavior modification alone is insufficient. Dogs with untreated separation anxiety are at high risk of relinquishment to shelters where they typically show the same anxiety.