Signs of separation anxiety

If your dog becomes anxious when you pick up your keys, barks excessively when you leave, or destroys things while you're gone, you're not alone. Research shows that 17-40% of dogs experience separation anxiety. The good news? It's highly treatable. In honor of Separation Anxiety Awareness Day, I've partnered with Jo Sellers to answer the 7 most common questions from worried dog guardians. Watch our expert videos and discover compassionate, proven solutions to help your dog f

Your dog isn't destroying furniture or having accidents, so everything's fine, right? Not necessarily. As a certified separation anxiety specialist, I see dog owners wait months to seek help because their dog's anxiety doesn't look dramatic. What I observe is that dog separation anxiety signs often start subtly—pre-departure pacing, appetite changes, excessive sleeping after being alone. These hidden symptoms indicate struggling long before obvious destruction begins.

Coming home to chewed furniture and accidents can leave you feeling like you've failed your dog. If you're reading this with tears in your eyes, I want you to know: this isn't your fault. As a certified separation anxiety specialist who lived through this with my own dog, I know it gets better. Your dog's panic responses aren't 'bad behavior'—they're genuine anxiety that can be treated with the right approach.

“There was already a lot of isolation and I really just had no way of making friends because I couldn’t leave the house.”

Dogs are deeply social. Big changes - like moving, schedule shifts or past trauma can leave them feeling insecure. Some dogs are more sensitive by nature. Some have histories that shaped their fears. Whatever the reason, what matters is it is not your fault. And it's not forever.