Separation anxiety affects up to 17% of dogs and causes significant distress when left alone. Evidence-based behavioural and pharmacological approaches provide effective treatment.
Dogs with separation anxiety experience genuine distress — physiological stress markers including elevated cortisol, heart rate and panting are measurable during alone periods. The condition causes suffering for the dog and significant lifestyle restriction for owners. Punishment is contraindicated as it worsens anxiety. Effective treatment combines gradual desensitisation to departure cues, systematic absences of increasing duration and pharmacological support where needed. A certified clinical animal behaviourist should guide treatment in moderate to severe cases.