Dog separation anxiety: practical help

Possible signs of separation distress

Signs can include barking or howling after you leave, destructive behaviour near doors, pacing, panting, drooling, toileting indoors or becoming distressed when you prepare to go out. These behaviours can have other causes, so sudden, severe or persistent changes should be discussed with your vet.

How calming tablets may fit into the routine

Start with the labelled amount for your dog’s weight and allow approximately 2–3 hours. The tablets can be used daily. Observe your dog’s response over several calm days rather than judging them during one difficult absence. If necessary, the label permits an increase of one tablet.

Calming tablets are complementary support—not a cure for separation anxiety and not a replacement for training, veterinary care or qualified behaviour advice.

Build alone time gradually

• Begin with a period your dog can manage without becoming distressed—even if this is only seconds.
• Return while the dog is still settled and increase the time in small steps.
• Keep leaving and returning calm and predictable.
• Provide a comfortable resting place and a safe activity your dog already enjoys.
• Avoid suddenly leaving the dog for longer than it can cope with during training.

Watch the dog in front of you

Keep a simple record of the amount given, timing, how long the dog was alone and what you observed. A home camera can help reveal behaviour that stops before you return. Increase training time only while the dog remains comfortable.

When to seek professional help

Contact your vet if your dog panics, injures itself, will not eat, shows sudden behavioural change or cannot tolerate even very short absences. A vet can check for medical causes and may refer you to a suitably qualified clinical animal behaviourist.