Which signs are indicative of separation anxiety in dogs?

• A. Aggression toward strangers.
• B. Repetitive vocalization, pacing, destructiveness, house soiling, clinging when owner is away.
• C. Excessive licking unrelated to owner.
• D. Increased appetite.

Answer: (B)

Separation anxiety is shown by distress that occurs specifically when the dog is separated from the owner or left alone. The clearest signs are repetitive vocalization, pacing, destructiveness, house soiling, and clinging when the owner is away. These behaviors reflect anxiety tied to absence, not normal interactions or other triggers. Other options don’t fit as well: aggression toward strangers is typically a fear or guarding issue in social contexts, not a reaction to being left alone; excessive licking or increased appetite can arise from many other causes and aren’t the hallmark patterns of separation anxiety. If you notice a pattern where the dog clearly calms only when the owner is present and shows distress during departures or while alone, that points to separation anxiety, and management may include gradual desensitization to departures, environmental enrichment, and possibly veterinary-guided treatment.