When being alone becomes difficult

The dog barks as soon as the door closes. It scratches the front door, destroys the frame, the wall, urinates in the hallway, or refuses to eat when left alone. Upon its human's return, it sometimes shows particularly intense and overwhelming relief.

These situations are common in veterinary behavioral medicine.

Separation anxiety is neither a whim, nor an obedience problem, nor the result of a "spoiled" dog. It is a recognized behavioral disorder that is part of a larger group called separation-related disorders.

Studies show that it is a common problem in companion dogs, with clinical criteria, risk factors, associated diseases, and specific management approaches.

What studies show

First, it should be noted that scientific literature does not always use the same terms.

These include:

• • separation anxiety
  • separation-related disorders
  • separation-related behaviors
  • separation distress.

This difference is important because not all dogs that suffer when left alone necessarily exhibit the same disorder or the same emotional intensity.

De Assis and colleagues proposed a framework for distinguishing different profiles within separation-related disorders.

Regarding the frequency of the problem, the figures vary depending on the studies and the criteria used. What is known, however, is that separation-related difficulties are among the most common behavioral disorders in companion dogs.

In a Finnish cohort of over 13,700 dogs, Salonen and colleagues highlighted a significant frequency of separation-related behaviors as well as differences between breeds, suggesting at least a partial genetic contribution (these results do not mean that a breed would be "doomed" to develop this disorder, but that individual sensitivity and genetic predispositions can vary from one dog to another).

Why do some dogs suffer from separation?

Dogs are social animals. For some individuals, separation from an attachment figure or loss of access to the group represents a significant stressor.

This response notably involves:

• the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis;

• the autonomic nervous system;

• biological stress mechanisms.

Separation anxiety should therefore not be considered a simple training problem.

However, not all dogs that vocalize, destroy, or become agitated when left alone necessarily suffer from separation anxiety.

Other situations can cause similar behaviors:

• frustration;

• boredom;

• poor tolerance to isolation;

• confinement-related distress;

• lack of activity;

• fear of certain external noises;

• pain or medical problems.

It is precisely for this reason that a diagnosis cannot be based solely on an isolated symptom.

What are the most common signs?

The most commonly described manifestations are:

• vocalizations after departure;

• destruction directed at doors or windows;

• inappropriate elimination;

• significant agitation;

• repetitive movements;

• refusal to eat during absence;

• escape attempts that can lead to injuries.

In some dogs, reactions appear even before departure.

Picking up keys, putting on a coat, shoes, or preparing a bag can become signals announcing absence and trigger an emotional response.

Flannigan and Dodman also found associations between separation anxiety, excessive owner following, anxiety during departures, and particularly intense greetings upon return.

Video recording is often a very useful tool. It allows observing what the dog actually does, when the signs appear, and how long they last.

It is not a diagnosis on its own, but a valuable element for understanding the situation.

What is often misunderstood

"He's too attached to his human."

No study shows that a dog develops separation anxiety simply because it has been "loved too much."

Some research has, however, found associations between the disorder, excessive owner following, or certain forms of over-attachment.

It is therefore necessary to avoid shortcuts: neither accusing the owner of having "spoiled" their dog, nor completely denying the relational links that may exist.

"He's getting revenge."

Behaviors generally appear during absence or immediately after departure.

It is not a desire to punish the owner, but an emotional response.

"Just ignore him before leaving."

Neutralizing certain rituals can help some dogs, but it is not a treatment on its own.

"A second dog will solve the problem."

The presence of another dog does not automatically treat separation anxiety.

Many dogs continue to exhibit their signs despite the presence of another dog in the household.

Which dogs are most affected?

Several factors regularly appear in studies:

• adopted dogs;

• repeated changes of home;

• significant lifestyle changes;

• presence of other anxiety disorders;

• households consisting of a single adult.

Flannigan and Dodman notably found a higher representation of dogs living with a single adult.

Changes in routine can also play a role.

The study by Harvey and colleagues showed that changes in habits during and after COVID-19 lockdowns were associated with variations in separation-related behaviors.

Furthermore, comorbidities are frequent.

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety sometimes also exhibit:

• fears of noises;

• other anxiety disorders;

• difficulties with emotional adaptation.

When to consult?

Consultation is recommended when:

• behaviors are repeated;

• the dog injures itself;

• distress appears significant;

• destruction becomes problematic;

• the situation threatens the dog's continued stay in its home.

Management generally combines two approaches.

The first is behavioral modification:

• desensitization to departure cues;

• progressive learning of solitude;

• counter-conditioning;

• lifestyle adaptation.

The second, when distress is significant or the dog does not "progress" sufficiently, may be medication prescribed by the veterinarian.

It does not "sedate" the problem, but reduces anxiety intensity to allow behavioral work to be truly effective.

In some cases, medication may be offered by the veterinarian.

Two molecules have a significant level of evidence when combined with behavioral work:

• clomipramine;

• fluoxetine.

The multicenter trial by King and colleagues showed the effectiveness of clomipramine.

The study by Simpson and colleagues showed the effectiveness of fluoxetine as an adjunct to a behavioral program.

Clomipramine and fluoxetine are also used in human medicine for certain anxiety or depressive disorders, although the doses, indications, and protocols differ between humans and dogs.

Like all medications, they can cause side effects. The most frequently reported are digestive problems, decreased appetite, transient fatigue, or behavioral changes. Their use should always be supervised by a veterinarian.

The choice of treatment depends on the dog, the intensity of the signs, and the clinical context. Not all dogs with separation anxiety require medication.

These treatments are exclusively prescribed by a veterinarian and never replace behavioral work. Never administer human anxiolytic or antidepressant medication to a dog without veterinary advice. Some molecules may be unsuitable, improperly dosed, or present significant risks.

Improvement usually takes several weeks or months, with regular adjustments.

Sources

1. Salonen M et al. Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. 2020.
2. de Assis LS et al. Disambiguating Separation Related Problems in Dogs. 2020.
3. Flannigan G, Dodman NH. Risk factors and behaviors associated with separation anxiety in dogs. 2001.
4. King JN et al. Treatment of separation anxiety in dogs with clomipramine: Results from a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trial. 2000.
5. Simpson BS et al. Effects of Reconcile (fluoxetine) chewable tablets plus behavior management for canine separation anxiety. 2007.
6. Sherman BL, Mills DS. Canine anxieties and phobias: an update on separation anxiety and noise aversions. 2008.
7. Harvey ND et al. Impact of Changes in Time Left Alone on Separation-Related Behaviour in UK Pet Dogs. 2022.