Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Nutritional and Behavioural Strategies That Work

As you reach for your keys and head for the door, your dog may begin to pace, whine or bark before you’ve even left. If this sounds familiar, your dog may be experiencing separation anxiety - a common but often misunderstood condition. 

This type of anxiety frequently appears after lifestyle changes such as returning to work, moving house or adopting a rescue dog. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are effective, compassionate ways to help.

At Omni, we take a holistic approach, combining allergy-friendly nutrition with practical behavioural strategies to help anxious dogs feel calm, confident and supported.

What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety occurs when dogs become distressed when left alone or separated from their carers. It’s more than simple whining - it can have a significant effect on their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Common signs include:

• Pacing, drooling or whining as you prepare to leave
  

• Barking or howling once you’re gone
  

• Destructive behaviour such as chewing or scratching at doors
  

• Indoor accidents despite toilet training
  

• Overexcitement or clinginess when you return
  

These behaviours are driven by fear and attachment, not disobedience. The goal is to rebuild confidence and help your dog feel safe, even when you’re apart.

Nutritional Strategies to Support Anxious Dogs

Your dog’s diet plays a crucial role in their emotional balance. The gut–brain axis - the two-way communication between the digestive tract and the brain - directly affects mood, stress levels, and behaviour.

Recent studies, like Sacoor et al. (2024), show that this connection influences anxiety levels, and that diets supporting a healthy microbiome can help regulate stress and emotional reactivity in dogs.

Use a Targeted Calming Supplement

Omni’s Stress & Anxiety Supplement is formulated with L-theanine, magnesium and calming botanicals that naturally support the nervous system. It’s particularly useful for dogs that experience separation anxiety, reactivity or noise sensitivity.

Add Gut-Supporting Probiotics

A balanced gut microbiome helps regulate emotion and behaviour. Research on the gut–brain connection, such as Kiełbik et al. (2024), shows that probiotics can influence behaviour by modulating serotonin production and reducing inflammation in the gut.

Omni’s Pre- and Probiotic Soft Chews are designed to rebalance gut flora, promoting calm, steady energy and resilience - ideal for anxious or reactive dogs.

Choose Consistent, Digestible Nutrition

Digestive comfort plays a vital role in stress regulation. Diets high in common animal proteins like chicken or beef can cause inflammation and discomfort, which may worsen anxiety. Studies like Olivry & Mueller (2017) highlight these proteins as frequent allergens, while Picco et al. (2008) linked dietary sensitivities to inflammation affecting both skin and digestion.

Chronic inflammation caused by underlying dietary sensitivities can heighten stress responses and influence behaviour. Meanwhile, diverse gut microbiota are associated with improved emotional stability and adaptability.

Omni’s novel protein recipes are gentle on digestion and formulated to support long-term gut–brain balance - helping your dog feel better from the inside out.

Behavioural Tips to Reduce Separation Anxiety

Nutrition lays the groundwork, but consistent behavioural training helps rebuild confidence and calm.

• Start with short absences: Begin with brief separations and gradually increase duration. Reward calm behaviour when you return.
  

• Create a calm environment: Provide a quiet, familiar space with your dog’s bed, toys, or a piece of clothing that smells like you. Soft music or white noise can also help.
  

• Offer interactive enrichment: Puzzle feeders, frozen Kongs, and scent-based games redirect nervous energy. Research like Csoltova & Martineau (2019) shows that behavioural enrichment reduces anxiety and promotes mental wellbeing.
  

• Reward independence: Encourage your dog to relax in another room while you’re home. Reinforce calm, independent behaviour with praise or a healthy treat.
  

• Stay consistent: Predictable feeding, walking, and rest times create structure and reduce anticipatory stress.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s anxiety is severe - such as self-injury, constant barking or destruction - it’s important to seek expert support. Your vet or a certified behaviourist can help identify underlying causes and create a tailored plan.

You can also book a one-to-one session with the Omni Vet Team for advice on nutritional and behavioural support tailored to your dog’s needs.

The Takeaway: Calm Starts from Within

Separation anxiety can be tough for both dogs and their carers, but with the right combination of structure, compassion and nutrition, calm is achievable.

Omni’s vet-formulated meals and supplements support emotional balance through gut health, novel proteins and natural calming nutrients - helping your dog feel secure, confident and cared for, even when you’re not at home.

Explore Omni’s Stress & Anxiety Support Range

Sources

• Sacoor, C. et al. (2024). Gut-Brain Axis Impact on Canine Anxiety Disorders. Veterinary Medicine International. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/2856759
  

• Kiełbik, P. et al. (2024). The Relationship between Canine Behavioral Disorders and Gut Microbiome. Animals (Basel). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142048

• Olivry, T. & Mueller, R.S. (2017). Prevalence of cutaneous food reactions in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research. Available at: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-017-0973-z

• Picco, F. et al. (2008). Canine atopic dermatitis and food-induced allergic dermatitis in Switzerland. Veterinary Dermatology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18477331/