Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety

Photo Credit: Brooke Cagle

You most likely never imagined that when adopting a dog you’d come home day after day to a dog that has destroyed the house, covered in drool, or had been barking all day disturbing the neighbors. Or even worse you haven’t been able to leave the house without your dog, not even for 10 minutes. 

But here you are trying to figure out how to help your rescue dog with separation anxiety. First, I want you to know you aren’t alone, so many adopted dogs suffer from separation anxiety, mine included. 

We’ll go into all the details below, but here is a quick overview of how to help your dog with separation anxiety:

  1. What anxiety signs to watch for
  2. Identify what triggers the separation anxiety
  3. Create a routine
  4. Make the necessary adjustments
  5. Decide when to seek professional help 
  6. Medicine as the last resort

What is Dog Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a psychological disorder that manifests in excessive barking, whining or crying, chewing, digging, urination, defecation, and other destructive behavior that is accompanied by excessive panting and drooling when the dog is left alone.

Before you assume your dog has separation anxiety, consider ALL of your dog’s behaviors. Just because your dog misbehaves by chewing on the furniture, or urinating on the carpet when you leave them alone in the house, doesn’t mean they have separation anxiety. Are they getting enough physical and mental stimulation each day? They could just be bored. 

Signs of Separation Anxiety 

Witnessing your dog tearing up pillows, chewing door frames, or scratching walls can be distressing and may point to a deeper issue. These destructive behaviors are clear indicators that your dog isn’t just acting up; they’re experiencing intense distress and trying to soothe themselves.

Here is a list of the most common symptoms of separation anxiety to watch for:

  1. Excessive vocalization: Dogs may bark, whine, or howl excessively when left alone.
  2. Destructive behavior: Dogs may chew, scratch, or dig at doors, walls, furniture, or belongings in an attempt to escape or alleviate their anxiety.
  3. Inappropriate elimination: Dogs may urinate or defecate indoors, even if they are house-trained when left alone.
  4. Pacing or restlessness: Dogs may exhibit repetitive behaviors such as pacing, spinning, or circling when left alone.
  5. Escape attempts: Dogs may attempt to escape confinement by scratching at doors or windows or trying to jump over fences.
  6. Excessive salivation or drooling: Dogs may drool excessively when left alone due to anxiety.
  7. Loss of appetite: Dogs may refuse to eat when left alone.
  8. Depression: Dogs may exhibit signs of depression, such as lethargy, decreased interest in activities, or changes in sleeping patterns when separated from their owners.
  9. Excessive greeting behavior: Dogs may become overly excited or anxious when their owners return home, displaying frantic greeting behaviors such as jumping, pawing, or licking.
  10. Shadowing behavior: Dogs may follow their owners from room to room or exhibit clingy behavior when they sense that their owners are preparing to leave.