Separation Anxiety: What Pets Feel, What We Feel, and How to Support Them

Separation Anxiety: What Pets Feel, What We Feel, and How to Support Them

Author: Janet Marlow May 2, 2026 Duration: 6:27


Welcome to We’re All Ears, where we explore the emotional and sensory lives of animals—and how they experience the world around them.

Today we’re talking about separation anxiety. Not just from the pet’s perspective, but from the pet parent’s as well. Because separation is never one-sided.

When a dog or cat is left alone, it isn’t simply “quiet time.” It’s a sudden shift in their entire sensory world. The familiar sounds disappear. The subtle rhythms of the home change. The presence of their person—arguably their strongest sense of safety—is gone all at once. What remains can feel unpredictable. For many animals, this triggers a stress response. You may see pacing, vocalizing, destructive behavior, or even withdrawal. These responses are often misunderstood as disobedience or lack of training, but they’re not. They are biological. Animals are wired to stay connected to their environment, and especially to the sensory cues that signal safety.


In Pet Acoustics: We're All Ears!, host Janet Marlow explores the intricate relationship between animals and the soundscapes they inhabit. As a Sound Behaviorist and founder of Pet Acoustics, Janet guides listeners through a nuanced auditory journey, revealing how creatures great and small perceive frequencies and noises invisible to human ears. This podcast isn't just about cute pets; it's a deep dive into the science of hearing, behavior, and emotional well-being. You'll discover how everyday sounds-from household appliances to city traffic-can trigger profound reactions in animals, influencing their stress levels, moods, and even their health. Each episode is built on the premise that by understanding the acoustic world from an animal's perspective, we can forge deeper, more harmonious bonds with our companions. Whether you're a pet owner, an animal lover, or simply curious about the hidden sensory experiences of other species, this series offers a unique blend of research, practical advice, and captivating stories. Tune in to hear conversations that will change how you listen to the world alongside your furry, feathered, or scaled friends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Pet Acoustics: We're All Ears!
Podcast Episodes
Do Cats Get Separation Anxiety? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:24
Welcome to We’re All Ears, the podcast for nurturing calm, happy lives for your pets. I’m your host, Janet Marlow, sound behaviorist and founder of Pet Acoustics. Today we’re diving into a surprising question: Do cats ge…
Is My Dog Resting… or Quietly Stressed? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:28
Welcome to We’re All Ears, the podcast that listens deeply — for you and your pets. I’m Janet Marlow, founder of Pet Acoustics, and today we’re diving into a question many pet parents never think to ask: Is your dog trul…
Paws, Playlists, and Peace: Crafting Your Pet’s Sound Lifestyle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:11
Welcome to We're All Ears—where we listen to what your pets wish they could tell you. I’m Janet Marlow, sound behaviorist, founder of Pet Acoustics, and today we’re tackling a question you might not have thought about: S…
From Gods to Space: The Untold History of Cats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:34
Welcome to We’re All Ears, the podcast where we explore the fascinating connection between sound, behavior, and animal wellness. I’m your host, Janet Marlow—sound behaviorist, composer, and founder of Pet Acoustics.Today…
Fireworks Freakouts: Don’t Let Your Pet Panic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:33
Today’s episode is titled “Fireworks Freakouts: Don’t Let Your Pet Panic” — because if you're a pet parent, you know the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, or even random fireworks displays can turn a peaceful evening into…
Calmer Cats, Better Care: Feline Solutions for Vets and Groomers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:19
If you’ve ever struggled with a fearful, vocal, or aggressive cat in your exam room or grooming station—you’re not alone. In fact, 60% of cat owners delay vet visits due to how distressed their cat becomes. And as you kn…