Separation anxiety affects a significant proportion of dogs and represents serious ongoing welfare harm; recent research has improved treatment approaches and outcomes.
Dogs with untreated separation anxiety experience repeated acute stress, elevated cortisol, and in severe cases self-injury through attempts to escape. The condition often progresses without intervention. Treatment involves a combination of behaviour modification, environmental management and where appropriate medication. Assessment by a veterinary behaviourist or clinical animal behaviourist is recommended for moderate to severe cases to ensure welfare is adequately addressed.