Leaving your dog alone
What should I look for on a pet camera to spot anxiety?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Watch for continuous pacing along the same path, panting or drooling that does not match room temperature, fixed staring at the door or window, and any attempt to dig, scratch, or chew at exits. A dog that settles into a relaxed lying position within the first 10 to 15 minutes is generally showing a good sign.
The first 15 minutes matter most
Many dogs show their strongest reaction right after you leave, so this window is often the most informative part of any recording. A dog that is restless initially but settles by the 15 to 20 minute mark is typically coping reasonably well overall.
Body language details worth noting
A tucked tail, flattened ears, lip licking, or yawning outside of tiredness can all be subtle stress signals even in a dog that is not pacing or vocalizing loudly, so it helps to watch a clip with the sound off occasionally to focus purely on body posture.
Tracking patterns over multiple sessions
A single clip can be misleading if it happens to catch an unusually good or bad day, so comparing footage across 3 to 5 separate absences gives a more reliable picture of whether a particular duration or setup is genuinely working.
Involving other household members in what to watch for
If more than one person in the household reviews camera footage, agreeing beforehand on the same specific signs to look for, rather than everyone forming a separate general impression, produces far more consistent, useful notes over time. A shared simple checklist covering pacing, vocalizing, posture, and engagement with any toy left out turns casual observation into something genuinely comparable from one session to the next. This same checklist can also be shared with a behaviorist if you eventually bring one in, giving them consistent, structured data rather than several differing impressions. Even a simple shared spreadsheet with a few columns for each session keeps this information organized and easy to compare over time.
Key takeaways
- Continuous pacing, mismatched panting, and fixed staring at exits are common visual signs of anxiety.
- The first 15 minutes after you leave are usually the most informative part of any recording.
- Comparing footage across several sessions gives a more reliable picture than judging from a single clip.