7 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Does your dog panic every time you leave the house? Destroy furniture when you’re out? Bark for hours until you return?

These aren’t signs of a “naughty” or “spoiled” dog. They could be signs of something more serious: separation anxiety.

It’s one of the most common behavioural issues in dogs, yet it often goes unnoticed or gets mistaken for bad behaviour. But when left unaddressed, it can lead to real distress for both you and your dog.

Here’s what to watch for.

1. Destructive behaviour

Destructive behaviour is one of the key signs of separation anxiety in dogs. Scratched doors. Chewed skirting boards. Torn cushions. It’s not just mess, it’s a cry for help.

When dogs are anxious about being left alone, they often try to escape or release their frustration and panic in the only way they know how. That can mean chewing, digging, or ripping at anything nearby.

If this only happens while you’re out and never when you’re home, it’s worth paying attention. Dogs with separation anxiety tend to act out when alone, not because they’re bored, but because they’re overwhelmed by fear.

2. Excessive barking, whining, or howling

Most dogs bark now and then, but with separation anxiety, the noise is constant and intense.

If your dog howls for long periods or whines from the second you step out the door, it’s a likely sign they’re not coping well with your absence. This vocal behaviour is often high-pitched and repetitive, driven by stress rather than communication.

Neighbours might be the first to notice, especially if it’s going on all day. And if your dog goes silent the moment you walk back in, it becomes easy to miss unless you’re recording the behaviour or someone else mentions it.

3. Pacing or restlessness when alone

Some dogs pace in circles. Others move back and forth between the same rooms or spots over and over again.

This restlessness is another sign of anxiety, not just energy. It tends to follow a pattern, and usually kicks in as soon as the dog realises you’re gone. It’s their way of coping with panic.

Watch for signs that your dog is unable to settle, even after you’ve been gone for a while. Unlike normal alertness, this kind of pacing is more obsessive and fuelled by distress.

4. Attempts to escape

Not all dogs will try to flee, but for those that do, the results can be dangerous.

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety might try to scratch through doors, dig under fences, or even leap through windows. Their goal isn’t mischief. It’s to get to you, or to escape what they see as an unbearable situation.

Escape attempts are especially serious because they can lead to injury. Broken teeth, scraped paws, or cuts from trying to claw through surfaces are all real risks here.

5. Following you from room to room

Clingy behaviour doesn’t always seem like a problem. Many dogs love to be close to their owners. But if your dog can’t let you out of their sight even while you’re home, it’s a possible red flag.

They might follow you to the bathroom, sit by the shower, or sleep with their head on your shoes. Alone time — even for a few minutes — causes them visible stress.

This kind of behaviour often starts subtly and escalates over time. It’s usually one of the earliest signs to show up before the more obvious symptoms kick in.

6. Loss of appetite when alone

Some dogs stop eating when stressed. If you leave a full bowl of food or treats and return to find it untouched, this could be a clue.

Anxiety can shut down a dog’s appetite, especially when their distress centres around being separated from you. You might also notice that they only eat when you’re home or nearby.

If your dog eats normally while you’re around but refuses food during your absence, that pattern can reveal a lot about what they’re feeling.

7. Accidents inside the house

If your fully house-trained dog starts urinating or defecating indoors while you’re out, don’t assume it’s laziness or regression.

This can be a physiological response to anxiety. The stress of separation may override their training and create a loss of control. Some dogs even experience stress-induced diarrhoea, which can happen even if they were let out just before you left.

It’s important to note when and how these accidents happen. If they’re only occurring when the dog is alone, separation anxiety becomes a strong possibility.

Common Triggers That Make It Worse

Some behaviours may seem small at first but become habits if they’re not addressed. The triggers can vary, but a few common ones include:

● Sudden routine changes – like starting a new job or changing your work hours

● Recent move – changing homes can unsettle a dog, even if nothing else changes

● Loss of a companion – whether it’s a person or another pet, grief can lead to anxiety

● Not being gradually taught to be alone – dogs need to build up independence over time

Dogs that have been rehomed more than once are often more prone to separation-related stress. But it can happen to any dog, regardless of age or breed.

When Your Dog Can’t Cope Alone

Separation anxiety isn’t about disobedience. It’s about fear and confusion when their person is gone. While it may look like misbehaviour, it’s often your dog telling you that they’re not okay on their own.

Being aware of the signs and recognising them early makes it easier to support your dog through training, structure, and compassion. They don’t need tough love. They need understanding and consistency.

You’re their safe place. Helping them feel safe, even when you’re not there, is one of the most valuable things you can do for their emotional health.