Does your dog bark, pace or scratch the door when you leave? These can be signs of separation anxiety, especially when they happen around your departure or while you are away. But no single behavior confirms it. The most useful clue is what happens when you leave, compared with when you are there. [1, 2]

What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs?

Look for a pattern of:

  • Barking, howling or whining during your absence.
  • Pacing or difficulty settling, such as repeatedly walking between the door and window.
  • Scratching, chewing or trying to escape, particularly around exits.
  • Panting, drooling or trembling without an obvious explanation such as heat or exercise.
  • Urinating or defecating indoors, even in a previously house-trained dog.
  • Becoming unusually still or withdrawn, or leaving food they would normally enjoy. [2, 3]

Some dogs become unsettled as soon as you pick up your keys or put on your shoes. Others show signs after you leave. A quiet dog is not necessarily a relaxed dog: look at posture and movement as well as sound. One yawn, a missed treat or a brief bark is not enough to draw a conclusion.

How to check what happens when your dog is alone

Use a camera or live video call with a view of the area your dog uses. During a brief absence, note:

  1. When the behavior starts: during preparations, immediately after you leave, or later.
  2. What your dog does: rests normally, paces, watches the exit, vocalizes or tries to get out.
  3. What else is happening: a hallway noise, a passing dog or another possible trigger.
  4. How they settle after you return.

Save a short clip for your veterinarian. Do not leave your dog distressed just to get a longer recording; if they struggle, return calmly. Video helps reveal the pattern, but does not replace an assessment. [2, 3]

Could barking or damage have another cause?

Yes. A dog may bark at outside noises, chew for stimulation, or become distressed by confinement. Toileting accidents can reflect a health problem or incomplete house training. More than one cause can occur together. [1, 2]

That is why a damaged cushion or a neighbor’s report of barking is a starting point for observation—not a diagnosis. Research shows that problems during separation can reflect different underlying difficulties. [1]

When should you ask a veterinarian for help?

Book an appointment if the behavior keeps happening or your dog struggles to settle when alone. Seek help promptly if they injure themselves, make frantic escape attempts, become very distressed, or suddenly behave differently.

A veterinarian can check for health problems and help arrange a behavior plan. Medication may be part of that plan when appropriate; you do not need to wait until the problem becomes severe. [2, 3]

What can you do next?

Do not punish barking, accidents or damage. Where possible, arrange company your dog is comfortable with while you work on manageable absences. Avoid leaving them to “cry it out.” [4]

If gradual practice is appropriate, start with a step your dog can handle calmly. This is desensitization: building comfort with a difficult situation little by little. See how to start home-alone training.

Galvani helps you record what happens during practice and review earlier sessions. These notes support observation; they do not diagnose separation anxiety.

Your next step: observe one manageable absence, note what you see, and share any recurring concerns with your veterinarian.

Sources

  1. de Assis et al. (2020). Developing Diagnostic Frameworks in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine: Disambiguating Separation Related Problems in Dogs. Research on different patterns of separation-related problems.
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals. Separation Anxiety in Dogs. Veterinary guidance on signs, alternative causes and assessment.
  3. Sargisson (2014). Canine separation anxiety: strategies for treatment and management. Research review.
  4. RSPCA. Separation Anxiety in Dogs; AVSAB, Humane Dog Training Position Statement. Guidance on observation and humane training.