Build daytime independence first
Nighttime separation anxiety often improves when your dog learns to feel comfortable being alone during the day. Practice short separations while you're home - step into another room for 30 seconds, return calmly, and reward settled behaviour. Gradually increase the distance and duration over several weeks (1).
Create a secure sleep space
Choose a consistent spot for your dog to sleep each night, whether that's a crate, bed, or specific room. Familiar scents (like an item of your clothing), gentle background noise (white noise or soft music), and a long-lasting chew can help your dog settle. The space should feel safe (and cosy), not isolating.
Establish a calming bedtime routine
Exercise your dog earlier in the evening, not right before bed - this gives their body time to wind down. Create a predictable sequence: final meal or snack, quick wee, quiet time together, then sleep. You might include a short training session using calm cues like "settle" or "down" to help them transition into bedtime mode mode (1).
Use gradual desensitization
Start small. If your dog struggles when you leave the room, begin by moving just a few steps away while they're settled. Return before any anxiety appears, reward calm behavior, then very slowly increase the distance or duration. Sessions should be short and predictable, ending on an easy win. Research shows that even when owners apply this approach inconsistently, it can still reduce separation-related behaviors significantly (2).
Consider calming supplements as an adjunct
Ingredients like L-tryptophan, L-theanine, and B vitamins may help support emotional balance during training, but they work best alongside behaviour modification rather than as standalone solutions. They work by helping to lower your dog's emotional response to certain triggers, make other techniques more effective.
When to get help from a professional
If your dog continues to struggle after several weeks of structured effort, or if their distress is severe (persistent vocalisation, destructive behaviour, house soiling), speak to your vet. Some cases benefit from prescribed medication alongside behaviour work, particularly in the early stages of treatment (1).
References
- Sargisson RJ. Canine separation anxiety: strategies for treatment and management. Vet Med (Auckl). 2014;5:143-151. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7521022/
- Butler R, Sargisson RJ, Elliffe D. The efficacy of systematic desensitization for treating the separation-related problem behaviour of domestic dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2011;129(2-4):136-145. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2010.11.001
This content is for general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. Supplements and nutritional products are not licensed veterinary medicines. Always speak to your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet, supplements, or care routine.
