If you’re dealing with a pup who goes absolutely bonkers every time you reach for your keys you’ve probably wondered does dog separation anxiety get better with age? As someone who’s worked with countless anxious dogs I can tell you that the answer isn’t as straightforward as we’d like it to be. Let’s dive into this complex issue and explore what really happens to separation anxiety as our furry friends grow older.
The Truth About Separation Anxiety and Aging in Dogs
Contrary to what many pet parents hope, separation anxiety doesn’t automatically improve just because a dog gets older. In fact, many senior dogs actually develop separation anxiety later in life when they previously had no issues being alone. This might seem counterintuitive – shouldn’t our dogs become more independent as they mature?
The reality is more complicated. While some young dogs with mild separation anxiety might outgrow certain behaviors as they mature and become more confident, true clinical separation anxiety often requires intervention regardless of age.
Why Some Puppies Seem to “Outgrow” Separation Anxiety
When puppies display what looks like separation anxiety, it might actually be:
- Normal developmental behaviors
- Incomplete house training
- Excess energy and boredom
- Adjustment period to a new home
These issues often improve with age proper training and increased exercise, giving the impression that the puppy “outgrew” separation anxiety.
Why Separation Anxiety Can Actually WORSEN with Age
For many dogs, separation anxiety becomes MORE pronounced as they age, not less. Here’s why senior dogs are particularly vulnerable:
Physical Changes in Older Dogs
- Vision or hearing loss: Dogs who become deaf or blind often develop separation anxiety, especially initially. Without these senses, they rely more heavily on their humans for security.
- Pain and discomfort: Arthritis and other painful conditions can make dogs more clingy and anxious when left alone.
- Medical conditions: Various health issues can trigger or worsen anxiety in previously well-adjusted dogs.
Cognitive Changes
Perhaps the biggest culprit in age-related separation anxiety is canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) – essentially doggy dementia. Signs include:
- Forgetting basic commands
- Walking in circles
- Altered sleep-wake cycles
- Confusion and disorientation
- House soiling despite being previously house-trained
CCD can cause dogs to become easily confused or lost, leading to increased anxiety when separated from their owners.
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Older Dogs
The symptoms of separation anxiety in senior dogs are similar to those in younger dogs, but may manifest differently:
- Excessive vocalization (different pitch or intensity than when younger)
- Following you constantly (more persistent than a younger dog)
- Visible distress when you prepare to leave
- Destructive behavior (often less intense than younger dogs due to reduced energy)
- House soiling (can be confused with incontinence)
- Excessive panting, drooling, or trembling
- Refusing to eat when alone
- Escape attempts (sometimes less determined than in younger dogs)
One interesting age-specific symptom is “sundowning” – where older dogs with CCD become particularly anxious after dark, even if you’re home with them.
So… Will My Dog’s Separation Anxiety Ever Improve?
While separation anxiety doesn’t typically resolve on its own with age, the good news is that it CAN improve with proper management. Here’s my 9-step plan for addressing separation anxiety in dogs of any age, but especially seniors:
1. Get a Thorough Veterinary Checkup
This is absolutely essential for older dogs. Your vet should:
- Run blood tests to check for underlying conditions
- Evaluate vision and hearing
- Assess for pain or discomfort
- Screen for cognitive dysfunction
- Discuss possible medication options if needed
2. Create a Consistent Routine
Older dogs with anxiety thrive on predictability. Establish regular times for:
- Meals
- Walks
- Playtime
- Sleep
- Your departures and returns
3. Practice Desensitization Techniques
This works for dogs of any age but requires patience:
- Identify what triggers your dog’s anxiety (picking up keys, putting on shoes, etc.)
- Practice these triggers without actually leaving
- Gradually build up to brief departures
- Slowly extend the time you’re gone
For older dogs, you may need to progress more slowly and be extra consistent.
4. Create a Safe Space
Senior dogs especially benefit from a comfortable “safe zone” when alone:
- A quiet area away from windows and doors
- Comfortable bedding (orthopedic if your dog has joint issues)
- Familiar scents and items
- White noise machine if helpful
- Temperature control (older dogs are more sensitive to heat and cold)
5. Use Calming Aids
Several products can help reduce anxiety:
- Adaptil® diffusers or collars (dog-appeasing pheromones)
- Thundershirt or other pressure wraps
- Calming music designed for dogs
- An item of clothing with your scent
6. Consider Anti-Anxiety Medications
For some older dogs with severe anxiety, medication might be necessary. Options include:
- Trazodone
- Clomipramine
- Fluoxetine
- Selegiline (especially for dogs with CCD)
Always work with your vet to find the right medication and dosage.
7. Address Cognitive Dysfunction
If your senior dog has CCD contributing to separation anxiety:
- Ask about medications like selegiline
- Try supplements like Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost™ organic MCT oil
- Consider specialized diets like Purina NeuroCare® or Hills b/d Brain Aging Care
- Provide regular mental stimulation through puzzle toys and games
8. Make Navigation Easier
Simple environmental modifications can reduce anxiety in seniors:
- Install night lights throughout your home
- Use bright yellow duct tape on stair edges for better visibility
- Create clear pathways through your home
- Avoid rearranging furniture
9. Provide Appropriate Exercise and Enrichment
Even older dogs need physical and mental stimulation:
- Short, gentle walks appropriate for their mobility level
- Scent games that don’t require much physical exertion
- Food puzzles and lick mats
- Gentle training sessions to reinforce basic commands
What NOT to Do for Separation Anxiety
I’ve seen too many well-meaning owners make these mistakes:
- Don’t punish anxious behaviors – This increases stress and damages trust
- Don’t get another pet as a “solution” – This rarely fixes the problem and can add complications
- Don’t confine an anxious dog to a crate if they’re not crate-trained – This can cause panic and injury
- Don’t immediately resort to medication without addressing behavioral components
- Don’t give up too soon – Training takes consistency and time
Final Thoughts: A Personal Approach Works Best
I had an elderly Lab named Max who developed separation anxiety at age 12 after never having issues before. We discovered he had both arthritis and early CCD. With pain management, environmental modifications, and a consistent routine, his anxiety improved significantly even though it never completely resolved.
The most important thing to remember is that every dog is unique. What works for one might not work for another. Be patient, work closely with your veterinarian, and remember that while separation anxiety doesn’t necessarily improve with age on its own, it CAN get better with the right approach.
If you’re struggling with your senior dog’s separation anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to a veterinary behaviorist or certified trainer who specializes in anxiety issues. Sometimes an outside perspective makes all the difference!
Have you dealt with separation anxiety in an older dog? What techniques worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Why Do Some Dogs Develop Separation Anxiety?
There is no conclusive evidence showing exactly why dogs develop separation anxiety. However, because far more dogs who have been adopted from shelters have this behavior problem than those kept by a single family since puppyhood, it is believed that loss of an important person or group of people in a dog’s life can lead to separation anxiety. Other less dramatic changes can also trigger the disorder. The following is a list of situations that have been associated with development of separation anxiety.
Change of Guardian or Family Being abandoned, surrendered to a shelter or given to a new guardian or family can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
Change in Schedule An abrupt change in schedule in terms of when or how long a dog is left alone can trigger the development of separation anxiety. For example, if a dog’s guardian works from home and spends all day with his dog but then gets a new job that requires him to leave his dog alone for six or more hours at a time, the dog might develop separation anxiety because of that change.
Change in Residence Moving to a new residence can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
Change in Household Membership The sudden absence of a resident family member, either due to death or moving away, can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
Common Symptoms of Separation Anxiety
The following is a list of symptoms that may indicate separation anxiety:
Urinating and Defecating Some dogs urinate or defecate when left alone or separated from their guardians. If a dog urinates or defecates in the presence of his guardian, his house soiling probably isn’t caused by separation anxiety.
Barking and Howling A dog who has separation anxiety might bark or howl when left alone or when separated from his guardian. This kind of barking or howling is persistent and doesn’t seem to be triggered by anything except being left alone.
Chewing, Digging and Destruction Some dogs with separation anxiety chew on objects, door frames or window sills, dig at doors and doorways, or destroy household objects when left alone or separated from their guardians. These behaviors can result in self-injury, such as broken teeth, cut and scraped paws and damaged nails. If a dog’s chewing, digging and destruction are caused by separation anxiety, they don’t usually occur in his guardian’s presence.
Escaping A dog with separation anxiety might try to escape from an area where he’s confined when he’s left alone or separated from his guardian. The dog might attempt to dig and chew through doors or windows, which could result in self-injury, such as broken teeth, cut and scraped front paws and damaged nails. If the dog’s escape behavior is caused by separation anxiety, it doesn’t occur when his guardian is present.
Pacing Some dogs walk or trot along a specific path in a fixed pattern when left alone or separated from their guardians. Some pacing dogs move around in circular patterns, while others walk back and forth in straight lines. If a dog’s pacing behavior is caused by separation anxiety, it usually doesn’t occur when his guardian is present.
Coprophagia When left alone or separated from their guardians, some dogs defecate and then consume all or some of their excrement. If a dog eats excrement because of separation anxiety, he probably doesn’t perform that behavior in the presence of his guardian.
Why do dogs have separation anxiety? #pets #dogtraining
FAQ
Do older dogs have separation anxiety?
It is difficult to witness any dog struggling with separation anxiety, but separation anxiety in older dogs is especially heartbreaking. While there is no magical solution, there are steps that we can take to help make our senior dogs more comfortable when we leave the home. Last Updated: Nov 25, 2023
Is there a quick fix for separation anxiety in older dogs?
Luckily, the work necessary to overcome your old dog’s separation anxiety is essentially the same, regardless of the cause. There is no quick fix for separation anxiety in older dogs. But you can make many simple changes in your daily routine that will help prevent, manage, or overcome anxiety. Here are a few options to help you get started:
Why are some puppies more prone to separation anxiety than others?
It’s unclear why some puppies are more prone to separation anxiety than others. McConnell theorizes there may be several reasons, including never previously being left alone and traumatic separation (such as would be seen in some abandoned shelter dogs).
Do older dogs have anxiety?
Dogs of all ages can experience this type of anxiety, yet it is one of the most common behaviors in senior dogs. Not only can it be more challenging for older dogs to handle changes in routine, but losing hearing or sight will likely make them more anxious in general. Add an absent owner to the mix, and you have a recipe for some severe anxiety.
What is separation anxiety in dogs?
Separation anxiety is, literally, anxiety a dog feels when separated from their guardian (s). There are various degrees of anxiety, ranging from mild discomfort to ripping the house apart in an effort to escape. Some of the more common signs that your dog may be struggling include:
Can separation anxiety be confused with boredom?
Sometimes, anxiety can be confused with boredom since they are both associated with destructive behavior and excessive barking. When discussing separation anxiety in older dogs, other factors may be at play. If you notice changes in your dog’s behavior, please see your vet.
How long does separation anxiety last in dogs?
Can dogs get over separation anxiety?
Does separation anxiety get better as dogs get older?
“In dogs, the onset of separation anxiety most commonly appears before 2 years of age. Occurrence is less frequent as dogs get older,” says Dr. Agapis, “until they reach their senior years, when age-related changes may make them feel more vulnerable.”
What can I give my dog for separation anxiety?