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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 - affects mood, stress levels and overall behaviour.

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 shows that probiotics can improve calmness and reduce anxiety-related behaviours in dogs by supporting serotonin production and reducing inflammation in the gut. Omni’s Pre- and Probiotic Soft Chews are designed to rebalance gut flora, helping promote calm, steady energy and resilience.

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 show these proteins are among the most frequent allergens in canine diets, while food-induced allergies and sensitivities are also linked to both digestive imbalance and skin irritation.

Chronic inflammation caused by underlying skin or dietary sensitivities can heighten stress responses, influencing both behaviour and wellbeing. Meanwhile, diverse gut microbiota have been associated with improved behavioural health in dogs, reinforcing the connection between nutrition and emotional stability.

Omni’s allergy-friendly, novel protein recipes are gentle on digestion and designed 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 practical behavioural support helps rebuild confidence and emotional resilience.

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

Create a calm environment. Provide a familiar, quiet space with your dog’s bed, toys or a piece of your clothing. Gentle background noise can also help mask outdoor sounds.

Offer interactive enrichment. Puzzle feeders, frozen Kongs and scent-based games are excellent ways to redirect nervous energy. Studies on enrichment and play show that interactive activities significantly reduce stress-related behaviours in anxious or rehomed dogs.

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

Stay consistent. Predictable feeding, walking and resting times create security and help 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

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Trusted by experts

Dr. G Hampson | BVSC MRCVS

Dr. M Degawa | BVSc MRCVS

Dr. M Kipperman | BVM&S MVetSci MRCVS

Amelia Jones | Veterinary Nurse

Dr. H Vaughan | BVSC MRCVS