For many pet owners, leaving home can be an emotional experience—not just for them, but for their pets as well. Some animals handle their owner’s absence with ease, while others display clear signs of distress. From excessive barking and destructive behavior to pacing, whining, or even attempting to escape, separation anxiety is a condition that affects pets of all ages and breeds. It is not simply a matter of bad behavior but rather a deeply rooted emotional response that requires understanding and intervention. Pittsburgh-based veterinarian with over three decades of industry experience, Cynthia Maro, has worked extensively with pets experiencing separation anxiety, helping owners navigate this challenging condition with care and patience.
Understanding Separation Anxiety in Pets
Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition in which pets become overly distressed when left alone or separated from their primary caregivers. While it is most commonly seen in dogs, cats can also suffer from separation-related stress. The condition is particularly prevalent in pets who have experienced abandonment, frequent rehoming, or a traumatic event that left them feeling insecure. Even pets who have lived in the same home their entire lives can develop separation anxiety if their routine is suddenly disrupted or if they become overly dependent on human companionship.
Some breeds are more prone to developing separation anxiety due to their strong social instincts. Dogs bred for companionship, such as Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and German Shepherds, often struggle when left alone for extended periods. In cats, breeds like the Burmese, and individuals who are highly bonded with their owners or come from rescue environments may be more susceptible to stress when separated from their human caregivers.
Signs That a Pet is Struggling with Separation Anxiety
Recognizing the symptoms of separation anxiety is essential in order to address the issue effectively. Some pets may exhibit overt distress, such as loud barking, howling, or destructive chewing, while others may suffer in silence, displaying more subtle signs like changes in appetite, excessive grooming, or withdrawal. One of the most telling signs of separation anxiety is an over-the-top reaction when an owner leaves or returns home. Pets suffering from this condition often follow their owners from room to room, anticipating departure and reacting intensely when it happens.
In severe cases, pets may exhibit behaviors that put their safety at risk. Some dogs attempt to escape, damaging doors and windows in their desperate effort to find their owner. Cats experiencing anxiety may engage in excessive self-grooming to the point of hair loss and skin damage, or develop stress-related urinary issues, like cystitis with blood and painful urination. Pets with separation anxiety may also refuse to eat or drink while their owner is away, further affecting their overall well-being.
What Causes Separation Anxiety?
There is no single cause of separation anxiety, but a variety of factors contribute to its development. Changes in routine, such as a new work schedule, moving to a new home, or the loss of a family member, can trigger feelings of insecurity. Pets who were adopted from shelters may already have a history of abandonment, making them more prone to anxiety when faced with the fear of being left alone again.
Puppies and kittens that were weaned too early or not properly socialized may also struggle with independence. Additionally, some pets develop separation-related distress because they were never taught to feel comfortable being alone.
Owners who inadvertently reinforce clingy behavior by giving too much attention right before leaving or immediately upon returning home may unintentionally contribute to their pet’s anxiety.
Pets adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic became accustomed to owners being home all the time and were not encouraged to be independent. Many of those pets have required medication to help them cope with separation when their owners returned to work.
How to Help Pets Cope with Separation Anxiety
Addressing separation anxiety requires a combination of behavioral training, environmental adjustments, and, in some cases, professional conditioning therapy or drug intervention. Helping a pet feel more secure when alone starts with creating a calm and predictable routine. Leaving and returning home without making a big fuss can help reduce the emotional intensity surrounding departures. Over time, pets learn that their owner’s absence is a normal part of daily life rather than a distressing event.
Gradual desensitization, to being alone, can be an effective technique for pets struggling with separation anxiety. This involves leaving the house for short periods and gradually increasing the duration over time. Starting with just a few minutes and working up to longer absences can help pets adjust without triggering a full-blown anxiety episode. Providing interactive toys or treats when leaving can create a positive association with alone time, giving pets something enjoyable to focus on in their owner’s absence.
Creating a Comfortable Environment for Pets
Making adjustments to a pet’s environment can significantly ease separation-related stress. Background noise, such as soft music or a television left on at a low volume, can create a sense of company and reduce feelings of loneliness. Some pets respond well to pheromone diffusers, which release calming scents that mimic the natural pheromones of a mother animal.
For dogs, crate training can be a useful tool when introduced properly. A crate should never be used as punishment but rather as a safe space where a pet feels secure. Cats, on the other hand, may benefit from designated hiding spots, cozy beds, or elevated perches where they can retreat when feeling anxious.
When Professional Help is Needed
In some cases, separation anxiety is so severe that professional intervention is necessary. Working with a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist can help develop a structured plan to modify anxious behaviors. If a pet’s anxiety is interfering with their health or quality of life, a veterinarian may recommend anxiety-reducing medications or natural supplements to help manage stress.
There are many natural remedies and supplements which can help with anxiety and many of Dr. Cynthia Maro’s do not require drugs to cope with separation. She often combines calming mushrooms, CBD with CBG, and essential oils to create a more peaceful pet. Bach flower essences and Chinese herbs, along with melatonin can also reduce anxiety.
Pets should be evaluated for hormonal and nutritional imbalances, prior to reaching for a prescription drug to calm them. Thyroid imbalances and magnesium deficiency are just a few of the medical conditions which can cause more intense separation anxiety.
Treating appropriately is important when training a pet to feel safe, secure, and independent.
When drugs are required, they are used judiciously, and doses are reduced as pets become more secure about being left alone.
Every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. A combination of training, environmental changes, and medical support may be required to find the right balance. The key is consistency and patience, as overcoming separation anxiety takes time and effort.
Strengthening the Bond Without Reinforcing Anxiety
While it is important to provide reassurance and comfort, it is equally important not to reinforce anxious behavior by overreacting to distress signals. Pets take cues from their owners, so remaining calm and composed when leaving and returning home can help them feel more at ease. Rewarding moments of calm behavior rather than responding to panic signals teaches pets that being alone is not something to fear.
In multi-pet households, having another animal companion can sometimes ease separation anxiety, but this is not always the case. Some pets still struggle even with another pet present, as their anxiety is specifically tied to their human leaving. Understanding the root of the behavior allows owners to take the right approach in addressing it.
Helping Pets Thrive Despite Anxiety
Separation anxiety can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it is manageable. By taking a proactive approach and addressing the issue with patience and understanding, pet owners can help their furry companions feel more secure. No pet should have to experience overwhelming distress when left alone, and with time, training, and a little creativity, they can learn to feel comfortable in their own space.
Author
Dr. Cynthia Maro – Integrative Veterinarian, Cynthia Maro, DVM, CVA, CAC, VMRT, VNAET