Separation anxiety affects an estimated 14-20% of companion dogs, causing significant welfare suffering for affected animals and major disruption for owners, with prevention during puppyhood more effective than treatment of established cases.
Dogs with separation anxiety experience genuine distress when separated from their attachment figures, with behavioral indicators including panting, pacing, destructive behavior, and inappropriate elimination reflecting acute emotional suffering. The welfare impact is significant and sustained, occurring every time the dog is left alone. COVID-19 pandemic dogs habituated to constant human presence face particular challenges as working patterns normalized. Treatment requires patient behavior modification combined with appropriate medication support, with realistic expectations that improvement takes months of consistent effort.