What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a condition in which affected dogs may exhibit certain problematic behaviors when left alone, such as when the owner leaves the home for work or to run an errand. Research has shown that separation anxiety affects up to 17% of dogs in the United States1, 2. Dogs may have an inherited predisposition to separation anxiety or it can be acquired, depending on the dog’s history. It’s important to remember that your dog is not bad but is suffering from a readily treatable medical condition.

  1. Bamberger M, Houpt KA. Signalment factors, comorbidity, and trends in behavior diagnoses in dogs: 1,644 cases (1991-2001). JAVMA. 2006;229(10):1593.
  2. Tiira K, Sulkama S, Lohi H. Prevalence, comorbidity, and behavioral variation in canine anxiety. J Vet Behav. 2016;16:38.

Is your dog suffering from separation anxiety?

Check the boxes for common signs exhibited in dogs with separation anxiety to see if your dog might be suffering from this manageable disorder.

BehaviorAlwaysSometimesNever
Household destruction in your absence
Indoor elimination
Excessive vocalization
(barking or whining)
Excessive salivation
Frequent pacing
Unusual dietary habits
(not eating)

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How to treat separation anxiety:

When it is clear that the behaviors your dog is exhibiting are not caused by a physical problem, your veterinarian will develop a comprehensive treatment plan for separation anxiety that may involve medication, such as Reconcile®(fluoxetine hydrochloride), and behavior modification training to help develop your dog’s independence. Reconcile is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs in conjunction with behavior modification training. Reconcile is a once-a-day flavored, chewable tablet prescribed by your veterinarian. Reconcile achieves a calmer frame of mind in dogs, making them more receptive to training.

Want to learn more?

If you would like to learn more about separation anxiety in dogs and how to help your pet, speak with your veterinary professional about separation anxiety and whether Reconcile may be right for your dog.