If you’re a dog owner who has ever had to leave your furry friend behind, you may have wondered: do dogs miss each other when separated? The short answer is yes – dogs form strong social bonds and feel distress when those they are attached to suddenly disappear from their lives.
Like humans, dogs are social creatures that can form deep connections and relationships with other dogs and human companions. Separating bonded dogs, even temporarily, can cause them to experience symptoms similar to grief, loss and separation anxiety in people.
So if you’re wondering “do dogs miss each other?” the evidence suggests the answer is a resounding yes.
Signs Your Dog Misses Their Companion
When dogs form close bonds with other pets or people, separation can be difficult. There are several telltale signs that your dog is struggling with the absence of their companion.
Displaying symptoms of separation anxiety
Some of the most common indicators that a dog misses a companion are behaviors linked to separation anxiety. These symptoms often develop within minutes of a companion leaving but can persist for hours or days. According to the American Kennel Club, classic signs include:
- Excessive barking or howling
- Destructive behaviors like chewing or digging
- House soiling
- Pacing
- Loss of appetite
These anxious behaviors are the dog’s way of coping with the distress of separation from their bonded human or animal friend.
Searching for the absent companion
Many lonely dogs will conduct searches for the missing companion. According to the Spruce Pets, this restless behavior may involve:
- Pacing around the home checking all rooms
- Going in and out the entry door frequently
- Waiting intently by the door or gate
- Standing in their companion’s room or on their bed
Dogs may search for up to 20-30 minutes before finally settling down in sadness. Some dogs search daily for years after losing a companion!
Loss of appetite and change in sleep patterns
In a survey conducted by Italian researchers in 2009, around 40% of bereaved dogs had a decreased appetite after losing their companion dog. Additionally, 65% demonstrated changes in their sleep quality, often restless sleep or difficulty settling at night.
| Appetite changes | 40% decrease |
| Sleep pattern changes | 65% tossed and turned more |
These physical symptoms reflect the emotional grief dogs endure. Making dietary adjustments, providing calming aids, and maintaining routines can ease this transition. Most good boys will regain equilibrium within 1-2 months.
Remember, patience and empathy is key when dogs miss their companions. Keeping familiar smell items around and providing interactive toys can also offer comfort.
Why Dogs Form Strong Bonds
Social structure in packs
Dogs are pack animals by nature and evolved to form strong social bonds and hierarchical relationships within their group. In the wild, dog packs operate with a clear structure where each dog knows its place. The alpha pair leads the pack while the lower ranking members follow.
This pack mentality still exists in our domestic dogs today even though they live in human “packs”.
Oxytocin and the maternal bond
Mother dogs form extremely strong bonds with their puppies during the first weeks after birth. This is driven largely by the hormone oxytocin which spikes during birth, nursing and other intimate interactions with the pups.
This helps motivate the mother to care for, protect and teach her babies during their early development. The bond between dam and pups can often last a lifetime.
Positive association through play and affection
Dogs that live together or have frequent positive interactions can form strong affiliative bonds over time. Playing, snuggling, grooming each other and overall enjoying each other’s company leads to a mutually beneficial relationship.
These “friendships” stimulate their minds, provide comfort and companionship and meet their social needs. Dogs that “miss” each other when separated likely have an exceptionally close bond.
Easing Your Dog’s Distress When Separated
Leave familiar smells behind
When you leave your dog home alone, it’s a good idea to leave something with your scent behind. This can provide comfort and reassurance. Try leaving a worn t-shirt or blanket in your dog’s crate or bed. The familiar smell helps them feel less anxious.
Amazingly, studies show that the scent of a familiar human can actually lower a dog’s heart rate!
Stick to routines before separations
Establishing a predictable routine is crucial. Engage in the same activities in the same order each time you leave. For example, take them for a short walk, then give them a food-dispensing toy to keep them occupied after you go. Routines trigger relaxation before you leave.
They help dogs learn that this routine leads to your eventual return. Routine provides security for pups.
Provide interactive toys for distraction
Keep your dog happily engaged while you’re gone with interactive toys. Food puzzle toys that make dogs “work” for treats are excellent distractions. Try a Kong filled with peanut butter or a treat ball that rolls around dispensing kibble. Rotate through different puzzle toys to prevent boredom.
This provides mental stimulation to distract anxious pups from your absence. According to the AKC, most dogs can be kept busy for 30-45 minutes with these toys.
Helping Dogs Bond With New Companions
Take introductions slowly
When introducing a new dog to a home with an existing dog, it’s important to take things slow. Rush the initial meeting, and you risk the dogs getting off on the wrong paw. Instead, plan to keep the dogs separate at first, allowing them to get used to each other’s smells and sounds before meeting face-to-face.
Feed them on opposite sides of a door, or use baby gates to restrict access between rooms. Over several days, move the gates closer together and allow short, supervised meet-and-greets. Keep these positive and low-key, rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise.
“Slow intros allow each dog to become comfortable with the other at their own pace,” says certified dog trainer Kate Perry. This thoughtful approach sets the dogs up for success.
Use neutral territory for initial meetings
To avoid territorial behavior when introducing dogs, choose neutral ground for that important first meeting. A neighbor’s yard, quiet park or training center are good options. Each dog is outside their comfort zone, so they’re less likely to be defensive.
Keep dogs on leash, allowing enough distance so they’re not forced to interact. “Let them sniff and explore while you watch for concerning body language,” suggests Perry. Signs of stress include stiffening, growling, raised hackles and prolonged staring.
If you see these, gently guide the dogs apart and try again another day. The goal is for this initial meeting to be relaxed and uneventful. End on a positive note with treats and praise for polite behavior.
Reward positive interactions with praise/treats
Once the dogs have met on neutral territory without incident, you can start supervised meetings at home. Keep them short and sweet, continuing to reinforce positive interactions with rewards. Each time the dogs approach or acknowledge each other in a friendly way, offer hearty praise or a tasty treat.
This shows them that good things happen in each other’s presence. “You want to gradually shape their interactions, building up positive experiences,” explains certified professional dog trainer Sara Logan. Gradually increase the time the dogs spend together as they build rapport.
Take breaks to avoid overexposure. With patience and plenty of rewards, the dogs will begin forging their new relationship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, evidence clearly shows dogs can and do form meaningful social relationships and feel distress when separated suddenly from companions they are bonded closely with. By understanding this emotional capacity in dogs, we can better meet their needs – working to ease anxiety during separations and facilitate positive new bonds.
With some planning and sensitivity to their perspective, we can turn emotionally-difficult situations like re-homing and kenneling into smooth transitions.
