Separation anxiety in dogs is one of the most common and distressing behavioral problems, causing significant suffering when left alone.
Separation anxiety causes genuine psychological suffering in affected dogs. A dog experiencing separation anxiety is not being destructive to 'get back at' an owner or because of dominance - it is in a state of acute panic that causes behaviors the dog would not choose and cannot control. The suffering during separation can be extreme - cortisol levels, heart rate and behavioral indicators show acute stress responses comparable to those triggered by direct threats. Because owners are absent during episodes, the welfare problem may be invisible for extended periods. Treatment requires patience, professional behavioral guidance and sometimes medication - the disorder responds poorly to punishment and well to graduated desensitization approaches. Welfare improvement for anxiety dogs requires owner education about the nature of the condition and commitment to appropriate treatment.