How to Ease Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
Medically Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on February 13, 2026
6 min read

Separation anxiety happens when a dog that's hyper-attached to their owner gets highly stressed when left alone. It's more than a little whining when you leave or a bit of mischief while you're out. It's a serious condition and one of the main reasons owners get frustrated with their dogs and give them up. But there are plenty of things you can do to help.

Does your dog get nervous when they see you getting ready to leave the house? Do they go bonkers with joy when you come home? Did they destroy your shoes, claw the door, or chew the corner off an end table while you were gone?

Your dog could have separation anxiety.

A dog with separation anxiety shows a lot of stress when they are alone. They might:

  • Howl, bark, or whine too much
  • Have indoor "accidents" even though they are housebroken
  • Chew things up, dig holes, scratch at windows and doors
  • Drool, pant, or salivate way more than usual
  • Pace, often in an obsessive pattern
  • Try to escape

They likely won't do any of these things to an extreme while you're around. A normal dog might do some of these things once in a while, but one with separation anxiety will do them almost all the time when left alone.

There are many reasons why a dog can have separation anxiety, and they can vary by the particular dog. Dramatic changes in a dog's life can be a trigger, such as:

  • Being left alone for the first time or after getting used to being with people
  • Change of ownership
  • Moving from a shelter to a home
  • Change in family routine or schedule
  • Loss of a family member
  • Aging

Also, talk to your vet to rule out any medical problems. Sometimes, dogs have accidents in the house because of infections, hormone problems, or other health conditions. It could also be due to incomplete housebreaking (which is when a dog hasn’t fully learned where to go to the bathroom). And some medications can cause accidents. If your dog takes any medicines, ask your vet if they are to blame.

Dogs of any breed can have separation anxiety. But it's especially common in: 

  • Australian shepherds
  • Bichon frises
  • Border collies 
  • Chihuahuas 
  • Cocker spaniels 
  • German shepherds 
  • Jack Russell terriers
  • Labrador retrievers

These training tips and calming techniques for dog anxiety can help ease your dog's stress levels: 

If the problem is mild

  • Give your dog a special treat each time you leave (like a puzzle toy stuffed with peanut butter). Only give them this treat when you're gone, and take it away when you get home. This is an example of counterconditioning training. 
  • Make your comings and goings low-key without a lot of greeting. Ignore your pup for the first few minutes after you get home.
  • Leave some recently worn clothes out that smell like you.
  • Consider giving your pet over-the-counter natural calming supplements.

If the problem is more serious

A dog with severe anxiety won't be distracted by even the tastiest treats. You'll need to slowly get them used to your absence. This is called desensitization training.

They may start to get nervous when they see signs you're about to leave, like putting on your shoes or picking up your keys. So do those things, but then don't leave. Put on your shoes and then sit down at the table. Pick up your keys and watch TV. Do this over and over many times a day.

When your dog starts to feel less anxious about that, you can slowly start to disappear. First, just go on the other side of the door. Ask your dog to stay, then close an inside door between you. Reappear after a few seconds. Slowly increase the amount of time you're gone. Put on your shoes and pick up your keys. Ask your dog to stay while you go into another room.

As they get more used to the "stay game," increase the amount of time you're gone. Then use an outside door, but not the same one you use to go out every day. Make sure your dog is relaxed before you leave.

Only you can tell if your dog is ready to be left alone for longer periods. Don't rush things. Give them a stuffed treat when you've built up to 10 seconds or so apart. Always act calm when you leave and when you return.

Gradually build up the time until you can leave the house for a few minutes. Then stay away for longer and longer periods.

It's best to talk to your vet or a professional dog trainer to learn the best approach for your dog and how to practice it most effectively. 

Can you train separation anxiety out of a dog?

Training is a key part of treating separation anxiety, but not the only one. Your vet can help you decide how training, medication, and daily interaction can play a role in easing your dog's separation anxiety.

Toys can serve two purposes in helping treat mild to moderate separation anxiety in dogs. They can be a distraction that helps your dog focus on something else so that they don't feel stressed. They can also help your dog learn to associate time alone with something they enjoy — especially when the toy is combined with a food treat. 

An effective way to use a dog toy to treat canine anxiety is to stuff a hollow rubber chew toy with something tasty like cream cheese, peanut butter, banana, or canned dog food. A "snuffle mat" with dry treats hidden inside also works well. The goal is to give your dog something that will keep them busy for 20-30 minutes.

If behavior modification techniques don't ease your dog's anxiety, your doctor may add medication to their treatment. 

What medications are used for dog anxiety?

Especially for dogs with severe separation anxiety, medication can be an important part of treatment. It can lower their stress, giving behavior modification a better chance to work. In the United States, two medications are approved for the condition: 

If your dog has a mild case of anxiety, your vet may try to treat it with a short course of medication alone until they get used to periods of separation from you. But usually, medication is used along with behavioral therapy.

It's a good idea to teach your dog how to be alone early on in your relationship. When you're at home together, switch between giving attention and leaving them alone, so they don't expect constant close attention. Have them stay in another room from time to time while you're home together, such as while you do things like cook or take a shower. Leave them at home sometimes if you're running a brief errand like grocery shopping. 

Make sure your pet gets lots of exercise every day. A tired, happy dog will be less stressed when you leave. It's also key that you challenge your pet's mind. Play training games and fetch. Use interactive puzzles. Work their mind as well as their body. That will keep them busy, happy, and too tired to be anxious while you're gone.

If these tips don't help, see a vet or a certified animal behaviorist.

Separation anxiety is when a dog that’s very attached to its owner gets highly stressed when left alone. Signs include excessive barking or howling, indoor accidents, chewing or scratching, pacing, drooling, and trying to escape — mostly when the owner is away. It can be triggered by big life changes, a change in routine, or medical issues. So, talk to your vet to rule out health causes. Treatment includes behavior training, toys, and exercise to distract the dog. Sometimes medication may be needed. Work with a vet or professional trainer for the best plan for your dog.