For some dogs, being home alone is no big deal. For others, the moment you grab your keys, put on your shoes, or reach for the door, their entire demeanor changes.
Barking. Pacing. Whining. Scratching at the door. Accidents in the house. Destructive behavior.
These behaviors can be frustrating for pet parents, but they can also be signs that a dog is experiencing genuine distress when separated from their people.
That’s why Dog Separation Anxiety Awareness Day, observed each year on September 30, is an opportunity to better understand what separation anxiety looks like, why it happens, and how pet parents can create a more supportive environment for dogs who struggle with alone time.
At lost range.®, we believe our pets deserve thoughtful, natural wellness options just as much as we do. Our Full-Spectrum CBD Pet Tincture is made with Colorado-grown hemp and provides a broad range of naturally occurring hemp compounds in a simple, easy-to-use formula.
But supporting a dog through separation anxiety is about more than any single product. Understanding your dog’s behavior, creating positive associations with alone time, working with your veterinarian when needed, and building a consistent routine can all be important pieces of the bigger picture.
What Is Dog Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a fear- or anxiety-related behavioral problem that occurs when a dog is separated from their caregiver. According to the FDA, dogs experiencing separation anxiety may hide, vocalize, pant, tremble, vomit, urinate, defecate, or engage in destructive behavior when left alone.
It’s important to understand that these behaviors aren't necessarily your dog being “bad.”
A dog who scratches at a door after you leave isn't necessarily trying to destroy your house. A dog who barks for extended periods isn't necessarily being stubborn. And a dog who has an accident despite being fully house-trained may not have forgotten their training.
These can be expressions of distress.
The ASPCA notes that dogs with separation anxiety often begin displaying distress shortly after their guardian leaves, and escape attempts can become particularly intense around doors and windows.
Recognizing the difference between ordinary boredom and separation-related distress is an important first step toward giving your dog the support they need.
Signs Your Dog May Be Struggling When Left Alone
Not every dog experiences separation anxiety in the same way. Some dogs may vocalize loudly, while others may become quiet and withdrawn.
Some common signs include:
- Excessive barking, whining, or howling
- Pacing or restlessness
- Panting or trembling
- Excessive drooling
- Scratching or chewing around doors and windows
- Destructive behavior
- Attempts to escape
- Urinating or defecating indoors
- Excessive excitement or distress when you prepare to leave
- Difficulty settling after you leave
One of the easiest ways to understand what your dog is doing when you're away is to record them periodically with a pet camera or another safe monitoring device.
You may be surprised by what you see.
Some dogs show signs of distress within minutes of being left alone. Others may settle initially and become anxious later. Monitoring your dog can help you recognize patterns and provide useful information to share with your veterinarian or qualified behavior professional.
Why Does Separation Anxiety Happen?
There isn't one universal cause of separation anxiety.
A dog's behavior can be influenced by their individual temperament, environment, experiences, routine, and relationship with their caregivers.
Changes in a dog's life may also coincide with the development of separation-related behaviors. For example, moving to a new home or experiencing a change in household members can be associated with separation anxiety.
A major change in your schedule can also be significant.
Think about a dog who was accustomed to having someone home throughout the day. Suddenly, their person starts working outside the home eight hours a day. From the dog's perspective, their normal routine has changed dramatically.
Other transitions may include:
- Moving to a new home
- A family member moving away
- Changes in work or school schedules
- Adoption or rehoming
- Changes in household routines
- Spending significantly more time alone
- Other stressful environmental changes
Importantly, separation anxiety isn't always obvious.
Some dogs may appear perfectly fine while their family is home but experience significant distress once they're alone.
Separation Anxiety vs. Boredom
It's easy to assume that a dog destroying a pillow while you're gone is simply bored.
Sometimes, it may be.
But destructive behavior can also be associated with separation anxiety, particularly when it occurs primarily during periods of isolation.
The location and pattern of the behavior can provide clues. Dogs with separation anxiety may focus their destructive efforts around exit points such as doors or windows as they attempt to follow or reunite with their caregiver.
That's why context matters.
A dog who happily naps for several hours but occasionally steals a sock may simply need more enrichment. A dog who begins panting, pacing, barking, scratching at the door, and attempting to escape moments after you leave may be experiencing something very different.
When in doubt, talk with your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional.
How Can You Support a Dog With Separation Anxiety?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for separation anxiety. A dog's needs can vary considerably depending on the severity of their distress and what is contributing to their behavior.
However, behavioral strategies are an important part of helping many dogs become more comfortable with alone time.
1. Practice Gradual Separation
One of the most common behavioral approaches is gradual desensitization.
Instead of immediately expecting a dog to tolerate several hours alone, training can begin with very short periods of separation that don't trigger a major anxiety response.
The goal is to gradually build the dog's ability to tolerate being alone without overwhelming them.
For more significant cases, working with a qualified professional can be especially helpful.
2. Create Positive Associations With Alone Time
You can also help make alone time more predictable and positive.
Puzzle toys, food-filled enrichment toys, and other activities can give your dog something engaging to focus on while you're away. The ASPCA recommends food-based enrichment as one component of counterconditioning for some dogs with mild separation anxiety.
The goal isn't to distract a dog who is experiencing severe distress and simply hope the problem disappears.
Instead, enrichment can be one part of a broader plan that helps your dog associate periods of independence with positive experiences.
3. Keep Departures and Arrivals Calm
If your dog becomes highly excited every time you leave or return, try keeping these moments calm and predictable.
That doesn't mean you need to ignore your dog or act cold toward them.
Instead, establish a routine that doesn't turn every departure into a dramatic event. Consistency can help make leaving and returning feel like normal parts of the day.
4. Provide Physical and Mental Enrichment
Daily exercise, play, training, sniffing activities, and interactive toys can provide healthy outlets for your dog's physical and mental energy.
Every dog is different, so the ideal routine will depend on their age, breed, personality, physical abilities, and overall health.
And remember: exercise isn't a substitute for addressing separation anxiety.
A dog can be physically tired and still experience distress when left alone.
5. Don't Punish Anxiety-Related Behavior
This one is important.
Punishing your dog after coming home to a destroyed pillow or an accident on the floor isn't likely to address the underlying problem.
Instead, focus on understanding what happened and identifying ways to make future periods of separation more manageable.
Where Does CBD Fit Into the Conversation?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp.
Interest in CBD for pets has grown substantially, but research into its use in dogs is still developing.
A review of veterinary CBD research found that studies in dogs have investigated CBD's pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and potential effects across several areas. However, the authors noted that relatively few studies had evaluated behavioral disorders and that the available evidence has important limitations.
There is some research specifically examining CBD and canine stress.
In one randomized, blinded study, researchers evaluated a single dose of THC-free CBD in dogs exposed to separation and car-travel stress. Some measures of stress differed between CBD and placebo groups, including certain behavioral measures during the separation test. However, the researchers also concluded that additional research is needed to better understand CBD's effects across different doses, formulations, and circumstances.
In other words, the research is interesting—but it isn't a reason to treat CBD as a replacement for veterinary care or behavioral support.
For pet parents interested in hemp-derived wellness products, CBD may be something to discuss with a veterinarian as part of an individual pet's overall wellness routine.
Meet the lost range.® Full-Spectrum CBD Pet Tincture
At lost range.®, we're all about keeping things simple, plant-based, and thoughtfully made.
Our Full-Spectrum CBD Pet Tincture is sourced from Colorado-grown hemp and contains naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant, including cannabinoids beyond CBD and naturally occurring terpenes.
It also contains naturally occurring vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins found in hemp.
The result is a full-spectrum hemp formula designed for pet parents looking for a simple way to incorporate hemp-derived CBD into their dog's or cat's wellness routine.
And because we believe what's not in a product matters, too, our pet tincture is made with the same thoughtful approach we bring to the rest of the lost range.® lineup.
Why Full-Spectrum?
Full-spectrum hemp products contain a range of naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant rather than isolating CBD alone.
Those compounds can include different cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty acids, and other naturally occurring plant components.
Our Pet Tincture contains less than 0.3% THC, consistent with the federal definition of hemp.
It's also formulated for both dogs and cats, making it a convenient option for households with more than one four-legged family member.
What Pet Parents Should Know Before Using CBD
Because every pet is different, it's important to approach any new supplement thoughtfully.
Research into CBD safety in dogs is continuing. Some controlled studies have found CBD-containing products to be tolerated under the conditions studied, but research has also identified potential adverse effects and the need for additional long-term research.
That's why it's important to:
- Talk with your veterinarian before introducing CBD, particularly if your pet has a medical condition or takes medication.
- Choose products made specifically with pets in mind.
- Follow the product label rather than guessing at an appropriate amount.
- Introduce new products thoughtfully.
- Monitor your pet for any unusual changes.
- Contact your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet's health or behavior.
And remember: CBD should not replace appropriate veterinary diagnosis or treatment for separation anxiety.
For dogs experiencing significant distress, your veterinarian can help determine whether behavioral modification, environmental changes, prescription treatment, or a combination of approaches may be appropriate. In May 2026, the FDA approved Tessie (tasipimidine oral solution), the first FDA-approved treatment for both noise aversion and separation anxiety in dogs.
That development is another reminder that separation anxiety is a legitimate behavioral issue—not simply a dog being difficult.
What About Cats?
Although Dog Separation Anxiety Awareness Day focuses on dogs, cats can also experience stress associated with changes in their environment and routines.
That's why the lost range.® Full-Spectrum CBD Pet Tincture is made for both dogs and cats.
Whether you share your home with a Labrador, an Australian Shepherd, a senior tabby, or a particularly opinionated orange cat, every pet deserves thoughtful care tailored to their individual needs.
Just as with dogs, talk with your veterinarian before introducing CBD to your cat.
Making Alone Time Feel More Manageable
If your dog struggles when you're away, start by looking at the bigger picture.
- What happens immediately before you leave?
- How does your dog respond?
- How quickly do they begin showing signs of distress?
- What happens while you're gone?
- What happens when you return?
Keeping track of these patterns can help you understand your dog's behavior and give your veterinarian or behavior professional more information to work with.
From there, you can begin building a consistent routine.
- A comfortable bed.
- A favorite enrichment toy.
- A predictable departure.
- Gradual training.
- Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- And, when appropriate, support from your veterinarian.
For some dogs, progress may happen gradually. That's okay.
The goal isn't to force your dog to “get over it.” The goal is to help them develop greater comfort and confidence with periods of independence.
A Little More Understanding Goes a Long Way
Dog Separation Anxiety Awareness Day is ultimately about changing the way we look at these behaviors.
- The scratched door isn't necessarily about the door.
- The shredded pillow isn't necessarily about the pillow.
- The barking isn't necessarily about being difficult.
- Sometimes, they're signs that your dog is having a hard time.
When we recognize that, we can respond with more patience, more information, and a more thoughtful approach.
At lost range.®, we're proud to create plant-based hemp products for the pets who are part of the family.
Our Full-Spectrum CBD Pet Tincture is sourced from Colorado-grown hemp and contains a range of naturally occurring hemp compounds beyond CBD, including cannabinoids, terpenes, vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins. With less than 0.3% THC, it's a simple addition to a pet wellness routine for pet parents who are interested in hemp-derived CBD.
But when it comes to separation anxiety, the biggest takeaway is simple:
Your dog isn't giving you a hard time. They may be having a hard time.
Understanding the difference is where better support begins.
Explore the lost range.® Full-Spectrum CBD Pet Tincture and learn more about our pet-friendly hemp products at lostrangecbd.com.
Sources & Further Reading
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration, FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Noise Aversion and Separation Anxiety in Dogs
- ASPCA, Separation Anxiety
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration, FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Di Salvo et al., Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of cannabidiol in dogs: an update of current knowledge
- Hunt et al., A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition in animals. CBD and other hemp-derived products have not been approved by the FDA for use in animals. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your pet CBD or any new supplement, particularly if your pet has an existing medical condition or takes medication. Individual results may vary.
