Separation anxiety means a dog panics when left alone or separated from its person. It usually shows up within minutes of you leaving, as barking or howling, chewing at doors and windows, accidents in the house, drooling, pacing or escape attempts.1,2,3 But boredom, noise fear, frustration at being shut in and medical problems can look the same, and each needs a different approach.4,3,2 Our free Separation Anxiety Checker asks 11 quick questions about what your dog does, when it happens and what has changed at home. It then shows whether the signs point to separation anxiety or something else, gives a step-by-step plan to discuss with your vet, and includes a printable practice log.
One of the most useful things you can bring to your vet is a video of your dog for the first 30 minutes or so after you leave.2,5,6 If your dog has hurt itself trying to escape, or isn't eating or drinking even when you're home, call your vet today.3,5,2
The checker is an educational tool, not a diagnosis. Only a veterinarian can confirm separation anxiety and prescribe medication, and medicine works best alongside a training plan.7,8 For the full guide, see separation anxiety in dogs.
Separation Anxiety Checker
Separation Anxiety Checker results from Dog Health Handbook · www.dog-health-handbook.com/dog-separation-anxiety-checker.html
This checker is an educational tool, not a diagnosis. Several behavior and medical problems can look like separation anxiety. A veterinarian, or a veterinary behaviorist for severe cases, can confirm the cause and decide whether medication is appropriate. Only a veterinarian can prescribe medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety?
The signs happen only, or mostly, when your dog is alone, and usually start within minutes of you leaving. Look for barking or howling, chewing at doors and windows, accidents, drooling, pacing, escape attempts and ignoring food. Filming your dog for the first 30 minutes after you leave is the best way to tell, and your vet can rule out medical causes.
Should I crate a dog with separation anxiety?
Only if a video shows your dog stays relaxed in the crate when you're gone. Many dogs with separation anxiety panic in crates and can break teeth or tear nails trying to get out. A safe room behind a baby gate is often a better choice. For puppies, a crate or small room can be a calm, safe sleeping place as part of normal training.
Will getting a second dog help my dog's separation anxiety?
Rarely. Most dogs with separation anxiety miss their people, not other dogs, and many affected dogs already live with another dog. In a video study, dogs living with another dog were not calmer when left alone. Get a second dog only if you want two dogs, not as a treatment.
Will my dog grow out of separation anxiety?
Not usually on its own. Repeated panic when alone tends to make it worse. With a plan of shorter absences, gradual practice and sometimes medicine, most dogs improve over weeks to months.
Is it separation anxiety or boredom?
A bored dog chews or digs without signs of distress and usually eats its food toy. An anxious dog pants, paces, drools or whines, and often ignores food. A video of your dog alone usually tells them apart.
Does my dog need medication for separation anxiety?
Not every dog, but vets recommend it early for dogs in clear distress or that hurt themselves, always alongside a training plan. In the US, two daily medicines and one given before you leave are FDA-approved for separation anxiety in dogs. Only a veterinarian can prescribe them, and daily medicines can take several weeks to work fully.
Sources and further reading
This article was rewritten and fact-checked on October 30, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:
- Landsberg GM. Behavior Problems in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version), reviewed February 2018, updated April 2026.
- Borns-Weil S. Behavior Problems of Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (professional version), reviewed and updated September 2025.
- ASPCA. Separation Anxiety. ASPCA, accessed October 2026.
- de Assis LS, Matos R, Pike TW, Burman OHP, Mills DS. Developing Diagnostic Frameworks in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine: Disambiguating Separation Related Problems in Dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 6:499, 2020. doi:10.3389/fvets.2019.00499.
- Hammerle M, Horst C, Levine E, Overall K, Radosta L, Rafter-Ritchie M, Yin S. 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2015;51:205-221. doi:10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6527
- Gustafson K (reporting a lecture by Horwitz DF). "Are you home yet?" Diagnosing separation anxiety in dogs. dvm360, August 28, 2020.
- US National Library of Medicine. Label: fluoxetine hydrochloride chewable tablets for dogs (title paraphrased). DailyMed, label revised December 29, 2022.
- Bain M. Pharmacologic Interventions for Canine Separation-Related Disorders. Today's Veterinary Practice, November/December 2026.
About this article
Last updated : new interactive tool page built from the AAHA behavior management guidelines, the Merck Veterinary Manual, FDA approval records, the ASPCA and published studies on separation-related problems.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.
