Separation anxiety is when a dog panics when they are left alone or when something happens that makes them think they won’t see their owner again. This can include anything from being left in the house alone to being left in the car or yard while their owner goes inside somewhere else. It can also occur when their owner leaves them at home while they go on vacation, or even just to go to work for the day.
The symptoms of separation anxiety are similar to those of other forms of anxiety and stress-related disorders in dogs, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks. The most common symptoms include:
- Excessive barking or whining when left alone
- Drooling, panting or pacing back and forth while waiting for their owners to return home
- Destructive behavior while their owners are away (chewing up furniture or doors)