Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Training vs. Medication Solutions

Common Owner Mistakes That Delay Proper Care
Well-meaning responses can unintentionally intensify the problem:

• Punishment: Scolding the dog upon return increases fear and confusion
  
  

• “Cry it out”: Allowing prolonged barking or howling reinforces panic
  
  

• The exercise myth: Fatigue does not prevent anxiety—adrenaline overrides tiredness
  
  

• Crating: For highly anxious dogs, confinement can lead to severe self-injury
  
  

Boredom vs. Separation Anxiety: The Critical Split

Boredom (the easier fix)

• Chews items that smell familiar or are entertaining (shoes, pillows)
  
  

• Settles and sleeps after brief destruction
  
  

• Eats food or treats left behind
  
  

Solution: Increased exercise and mental enrichment, such as puzzle toys.

Separation anxiety (the harder fix)

• Destruction focused on doors and windows
  
  

• Refusal to eat even high-value treats when alone
  
  

• Persistent howling or barking
  
  

• Physical stress signs like excessive drooling or bathroom accidents driven by fear
  
  

The Multimodal Solution: Medication + Training

Severe separation anxiety cannot be resolved with training alone. The most effective treatment combines management, medication, and behavioral therapy.

Management
Avoid leaving the dog alone longer than they can tolerate. Pet sitters, daycare, or trusted caregivers help prevent repeated panic episodes.

Medication

• Daily support: Fluoxetine (Prozac) or clomipramine helps stabilize serotonin levels so learning can occur
  
  

• Situational support: Trazodone or gabapentin for unavoidable absences
  
  

Desensitization training
Gradually teach the dog that departure cues (keys, shoes, bags) predict positive outcomes through slow, structured exposure.

Red Flags and Timing Rules

Go to a physical emergency clinic immediately if:

• The dog ingests drywall, door frames, or other objects (risk of obstruction)
  
  

• The dog breaks teeth or bleeds from escape attempts
  
  

Start medication support (RexVet) if:

• The dog is injuring themselves
  
  

• Neighbors are complaining about noise
  
  

• Training has stalled or failed
  
  

Separation anxiety is complex, and training often fails because panic blocks learning. Book a RexVet online appointment to discuss a medication plan—such as fluoxetine—that can lower anxiety enough to make training effective and sustainable.