Can Dogs Have Separation Anxiety from Other Dogs? Expert Guide (Vet-Reviewed)

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, DVM, DACVB
Last Updated: December 2025

Can dogs have separation anxiety from other dogs? Absolutely, yes. If you’ve noticed your dog becoming distressed when separated from their canine companion, you’re witnessing a real and surprisingly common phenomenon.
While most people think of separation anxiety as something dogs experience when their humans leave, dog-to-dog separation anxiety is just as real and can be equally challenging.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about whether dogs can have separation anxiety from other dogs, including the signs, causes, and most importantly, how to help both your furry friends feel more secure and independent.

Understanding: Can Dogs Have Separation Anxiety from Other Dogs?

Here’s the thing—yes, can dogs have separation anxiety from other dogs, and it happens more often than you might think.
This condition, sometimes called “dog-to-dog separation anxiety” or “littermate syndrome” (when it involves puppies from the same litter), occurs when two dogs form an intensely strong bond and become anxious when separated.

According to dog behavior experts, dog-to-dog separation anxiety occurs when two dogs that have bonded become anxious and inconsolable when they are separated.
The dogs essentially become so attached that being apart feels impossible, even for a short time.

Why Dogs Have Separation Anxiety from Other Dogs?

Understanding why dogs can have separation anxiety from other dogs helps us address the root cause. Here are the main reasons:

Raising Littermates or Puppies Together

This is the most common cause. When you bring home two puppies at once (especially littermates), they naturally bond to each other more strongly than to you.
Professional dog trainers warn that puppies raised together from a young age may not develop individual personalities or confidence to face the world independently. Similar to how puppies need structured training schedules, they also need individual attention.

Lack of Independent Training

Dogs who do everything together—walks, training, feeding, playtime—never learn to be individuals.
Just as crate training puppies individually helps with independence, dogs need separate training to build confidence.

Previous Trauma or Loss

Dogs who’ve experienced the loss of a companion or traumatic separation may develop heightened anxiety about being separated again, similar to how dogs can experience nighttime anxiety when alone.

Signs That Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety from Another Dog

So, how do you know if your dog has separation anxiety from another dog? Watch for these telltale behaviors when the dogs are separated:

Immediate distress signs:

Excessive vocalization: Whining, howling, or barking immediately upon separation
Pacing and restlessness: Unable to settle, constantly searching
Destructive behavior: Chewing, scratching at doors, attempting to escape
Refusal to eat: Won’t touch food or treats when the other dog is gone
House soiling: Accidents despite being potty trained
Following behavior: Constantly following the other dog from room to room

Physical stress symptoms:

Trembling or shaking
Excessive drooling and panting
Dilated pupils
Loss of appetite even after reunion

Real story: “When my two rescue dogs were together, they were happy. But when I took one to the vet, the dog left at home screamed nonstop for two hours. She wouldn’t eat, paced frantically, and scratched at the door. That’s when I realized, can dogs have separation anxiety from other dogs? Yes—and mine definitely did.” — Jessica M., Portland

Can You Prevent Dogs from Having Separation Anxiety from Other Dogs?

Absolutely! Prevention is much easier than treatment. If you’re considering getting a second dog, or already have multiple dogs, follow these expert-recommended strategies:

Get dogs one at a time: Wait at least 12-18 months between adding dogs to your household.
Separate crates and sleeping areas: Each dog needs their own space. Give each dog their own crate or bed in different areas.
Individual training sessions: Train each dog separately. This builds their confidence and responsiveness to you rather than to each other.
Separate walks: Walk dogs independently most of the time, especially during their first year together.
Independent feeding: Feed dogs in separate areas, ensuring proper nutrition for each dog’s needs.
Scheduled alone time: From day one, regularly separate the dogs for short periods while you’re home.
Build individual relationships: Spend one-on-one time with each dog daily.

Treatment: What to Do When Dogs Have Separation Anxiety from Other Dogs

If your dogs already have separation anxiety from each other, don’t panic. Can dogs have separation anxiety from other dogs and overcome it? Yes, with patience and consistent training.

Step 1: Start with Gradual Desensitization

Research on separation anxiety treatment shows that systematic desensitization is the most effective behavioral approach.

How to implement:

Begin with separations of just 30 seconds while you’re at home
Give each dog something highly rewarding (stuffed Kong, special chew)
Gradually increase duration: 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.
Only progress when both dogs remain calm
Practice multiple times daily

Step 2: Create Positive Associations with Separation

The goal is for dogs to think “separation means good things happen.”

Techniques that work:

Special treats that only appear during separation
Puzzle feeders filled with high-value food
Frozen Kongs stuffed with peanut butter
Favorite toys reserved exclusively for alone time

Step 3: Build Individual Confidence

Dogs with separation anxiety from each other often lack confidence. Building independence helps tremendously.

Confidence-building exercises:

Individual training sessions teaching new tricks
Separate walks in different environments
Independent play sessions with you
Teaching each dog to settle on a mat by themselves

Step 4: When to Consider Medication

For severe cases where dogs have separation anxiety from other dogs, medication can help. Veterinary research shows 72% of dogs treated with fluoxetine alongside behavioral therapy improved, compared to 50% with therapy alone.

Talk to your vet about:

Fluoxetine (Reconcile): FDA-approved for separation anxiety
Clomipramine: Another FDA-approved option
Dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP diffusers), which helps 83% of anxious dogs

Important: Medication should supplement training, not replace it.

Warning Signs That Require Professional Help

While many cases of dogs having separation anxiety from other dogs can be addressed at home, some require expert intervention:

Seek professional help if:

Self-injury occurs (bloody paws from scratching, broken teeth)
Panic attacks don’t improve with gradual training over 4-6 weeks
One or both dogs refuse to eat for more than 24 hours when separated
Aggressive behavior emerges

Find a certified professional:

Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)
Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) specializing in anxiety

The final thoughts

So, can dogs have separation anxiety from other dogs? Absolutely, yes—and it’s more common than many people realize. Dog-to-dog separation anxiety occurs when dogs become hyper-bonded to each other and can’t function independently.

The good news is that can dogs have separation anxiety from other dogs and overcome it? Yes, with the right approach. Through gradual desensitization, building individual confidence, and creating positive associations with time apart, most dogs can learn to be comfortable both together and apart.

Key takeaways:

Yes, can dogs have separation anxiety from other dogs? It’s real and common
Prevention is easier than treatment—get dogs one at a time, train separately
Gradual desensitization works—start with seconds, slowly build to hours
Build individual confidence—each dog needs independence
Professional help is available—don’t hesitate to consult experts

Remember, the goal isn’t to break the bond between your dogs—that friendship is beautiful! The goal is a healthy balance where your dogs can enjoy each other’s company while also feeling secure and confident on their own.

Also helpful: Understanding pet behavior is crucial. Check out our guides on cat behavior, like chirping at birds, helping cats adjust after moving, and unusual dog movements like walking sideways.

About the Reviewer

Dr. Sarah Mitchell, DVM, DACVB, is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist with 14 years of experience specializing in canine anxiety disorders. She has treated hundreds of cases of separation anxiety and published research on multi-dog household dynamics.

Have you dealt with dog-to-dog separation anxiety? Share your experience in the comments below!

References & Authoritative Sources

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist for specific concerns about your dog’s behavior.