As we headed off on a holiday recently, we said farewell to Bart the Vizsla and Bob the cat. Our house sitter seemed very capable and Bob seemed only slightly annoyed that he was having to share the spare bedroom. Bart, however, seemed a little more unsettled with the arrangement. Fortunately, he was very well looked after and enjoyed more attention and new walks than normal and we were probably more anxious at leaving him for several weeks than him us.

True separation anxiety tends to occur when dogs are left on their own. Symptoms include toileting in the house, destructive behaviour, barking, howling, pacing and restlessness. In owner surveys, up to 25% recognize symptoms of anxiety in their dogs, but in a study where cameras were placed in homes over 85% of dogs exhibited signs of anxiety.

Dogs are very bonded to us, and some may be more likely to suffer from separation anxiety – for example, those coming from rescue shelters that have experienced separation before. A major house move or change in the family can sometimes trigger a period of anxiety. Genetics can also be a factor as certain breeds seem more prone to feelings of abandonment.

Desensitisation and counter-conditioning

Mild cases may be treated with giving dogs toys and treats to play with while on their own. A dog toy like a Kong that can be stuffed with dog food or treats is a good option. You can even add water and freeze it to make it last longer.

More severe cases may need medical intervention or desensitisation and counter-conditioning with the help of a behaviourist. Counter-conditioning trains the dog to associate being on their own as a positive experience by being rewarded for staying calm and relaxed. Desensitisation tries to break the link between leaving and anxiety.

Often dogs get anxious before we even leave the house, so mixing up the cues that trigger anxiety (like picking up keys or putting coats on) can start to desensitise a dog to us leaving.

In recent years pet cameras have become increasingly popular. You can even get cameras that allow you to not only see if your pet is anxious but allow you to talk to them, give them treats and send you alerts if they start barking!

It’s clear that many dogs suffer from some level of anxiety when they are on their own. If you are worried about your pet, speak to your vet or a behaviourist about what can be done to ease the anxious dog.