Introduction
The bond between a dog and its owner can be incredibly strong. Dogs often become very attached to their human families. So what happens when circumstances require dogs and owners to be separated? Many owners wonder if their dog will miss them and experience anxiety or depression from the separation.
This article explores the effects of separation between dogs and their owners. We’ll look at signs of separation anxiety in dogs, examine why it happens, and provide tips for easing a dog’s transition to a new home or owner. With some preparation, both the dog and the owner can usually adjust and may form a new close bond.
Do Dogs Form Bonds and Relationships?
As highly social, pack animals, dogs naturally develop close bonds and relationships with other dogs and people. Research has shown that the hormone oxytocin plays an important role in promoting bonding and attachment behaviors in dogs, similar to the way it functions in humans.
One study found that when owners interacted positively with their dogs, like through petting or playing, both the human’s and dog’s oxytocin levels increased. This facilitated greater empathy and understanding between the two species (https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1322868111).
Additionally, dogs show preferences for familiar people and other dogs. They are more likely to interact and play with canine companions they know well versus strangers. Dogs also exhibit attachment behaviors towards their caregivers, such as proximity seeking, greeting, and distress when separated.
Overall, research clearly demonstrates dogs are capable of forming meaningful social relationships and strong emotional bonds with humans and other animals.
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs with separation anxiety often exhibit destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, inappropriate elimination, and signs of depression when left alone. Some common signs include:
Destructive behaviors: Dogs may scratch at doors or windows, chew on objects, or try to escape in an attempt to reunite with their owners. This destructive behavior stems from stress and panic at being left alone [1].
Excessive vocalization: Dogs may bark, whine, or howl excessively when separated from their owners. This vocalization comes from anxiety and is an attempt to self-soothe or get their owner’s attention [2].
Inappropriate elimination: Some dogs may urinate or defecate when left alone or separated from their owners despite being house-trained. This signals anxiety, fear, and distress [3].
Depression: Dogs may appear depressed or withdrawn when their owner leaves. They may lack interest in food, toys, or activities they once enjoyed. This reflects their sadness over the separation [1].
Causes of Separation Anxiety
There are several potential causes of separation anxiety in dogs including a change in routine, previous neglect or abuse, and lack of proper socialization.
A sudden change in routine like a stay-at-home owner returning to work or moving to a new home can trigger separation anxiety. The dog becomes accustomed to constant companionship and then struggles to adjust when left alone (VCAA).
Dogs who have experienced previous neglect or abuse may develop separation anxiety out of fear their owner will abandon them again. These dogs often lack confidence and feel anxious when not directly with their owner (AVMA).
Lack of proper socialization as a puppy is another potential cause. Puppies that are not exposed to being left alone may not gain independent coping skills. This makes it more difficult for them to handle alone time as an adult dog (ASPCA).
Do Dogs Grieve When Separated?
Yes, dogs do grieve when separated from other dogs or human companions. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, when a dog loses a companion, whether animal or human, they go through a grieving process similar to humans. The grief can manifest in several depression-like symptoms.
Some common signs of grieving in dogs include: lack of appetite, lethargy, increased sleep, loss of interest in toys or activities, crying or whining, searching or waiting for the lost companion, anxiety, and irritability when interacting with other pets or humans.
These behaviors can persist for weeks or months after the loss as the dog copes with the absence of the companion. However, the grieving does gradually ease with time as the dog adjusts. Owners can help their dogs through the process by maintaining normal routines, providing affection and support, and even getting another companion when the dog seems ready.
Overall, it’s clear dogs form strong bonds and do mourn when those bonds are broken. But their grief is temporary, and most dogs can move on healthily with support from caring owners.
Sources:
https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/helping-dog-adjust-loss-separation/
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/do-dogs-mourn
How Long Does Separation Anxiety Last?
Separation anxiety in dogs usually arises fairly quickly after being left alone, often within minutes or hours (“Separation Anxiety in Dogs,” Paws Chicago). The signs like barking, howling, pacing, and destructive behavior typically start shortly after the dog’s owner leaves the home.
In terms of duration, separation anxiety can last days or even weeks after the separation first occurred. According to pet experts, some dogs will exhibit anxious behaviors for 2-3 weeks after returning home from a kennel stay or period away from their owner (“How Long Does It Take to Resolve Separation Anxiety?,” Believe in Your Dog). The duration depends on factors like the strength of the dog’s attachment, the length of the separation, and the dog’s general anxiety level.
With proper training and techniques, most dogs’ separation anxiety can be resolved within 1-2 months (Believe in Your Dog). However, severe cases may take 6 months or longer of dedicated training to fully overcome the anxiety response when left alone (“How I Cured My Dog From Separation Anxiety In 6 Weeks,” Medium). The key is to gradually get the dog used to short alone times and slowly increase the duration.
Bonding With a New Owner
When bringing home a new puppy or adopting an older dog, an important priority is forming a strong bond and attachment. This will help the dog feel safe and secure in their new home. According to experts, the bonding process can take anywhere from 2 days to 2 months depending on factors like the dog’s age, history, and personality (https://pets.thenest.com/long-dog-attach-its-new-owner-11719.html). However, there are several ways owners can facilitate bonding during this transitional period.
Socialization and training are key ways to strengthen the dog-human bond. Attending obedience classes together builds communication, trust, and rapport. Exposing the dog to new people, animals, environments, and stimuli in a positive, controlled way also helps the dog gain confidence and look to its owner for guidance (https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/how-to-bond-with-your-dog/).
In addition, providing plenty of exercise, play time, affection, toys, and treats helps form an emotional attachment. Simple bonding activities like grooming, massages, playing fetch, and cuddling can go a long way. Creating routines and structure also gives the dog stability. Overall, being patient, responsive, and nurturing will help the dog feel secure with its new family.
Treatment for Separation Anxiety
There are several methods to treat separation anxiety in dogs, focusing on techniques like desensitization training, providing mental stimulation, and medication in extreme cases.
Desensitization training involves gradually increasing the amount of time a dog is left alone, starting with very short intervals like 30 seconds. This allows the dog to learn being alone is not frightening. It’s important to make departures and arrivals low-key during training. Owners can pair departures with high-value treats so the dog begins to associate being left alone with something positive (RSPCA).
Providing mental stimulation is another important treatment method. This can involve puzzle toys, chews, or access to outdoor spaces when the owner is away. Meeting a dog’s needs for exercise and enrichment helps reduce anxiety from boredom and excess energy. Interactive toys that dispense treats can make being alone more enjoyable (ASPCA).
In extreme cases, medication may be prescribed by a veterinarian to help dogs with severe separation anxiety. Medications like fluoxetine and clomipramine have been shown to reduce symptoms when combined with behavior modification training (WebMD).
Preventing Separation Anxiety
Proper socialization and training from puppyhood can help prevent separation anxiety in dogs. Puppies that are introduced early on to being alone, even for short periods, can learn independence and self-soothing skills. It’s important to begin leaving puppies alone starting with very brief absences that are slowly increased over time as the puppy matures. Puppies should also be socialized to accept cues that the owner is leaving, such as putting on a coat or picking up keys, without becoming anxious or distressed (source).
Establishing routines and independence in adult dogs can also prevent separation anxiety. Dogs with a predictable daily routine are less likely to become anxious when left alone. Routines could include scheduled feeding times, exercise, training, playtime and designated periods of rest. Dogs should also regularly spend time away from their owner in a comfortable space like a crate or dog bed. Starting with short departures, owners can help dogs become more independent and relaxed when left alone (source).
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed, dogs do form strong bonds and relationships with both people and other animals. When separated from those they are attached to, many dogs show symptoms of separation anxiety like destructive behaviors, barking, or depression. While the depth of a dog’s understanding of loss is debated, research suggests dogs do grieve and miss those they are bonded with.
Separation anxiety is a common issue for dogs, but there are ways to prevent it or treat it through proper training, socialization, and meeting your dog’s needs. While some dogs take longer to adjust to a new home, they are capable of forming strong attachments to new owners in time. With the right care, you can minimize your dog’s distress when separated from those they love.
In summary, dogs do deeply feel the loss of separation from their most cherished people and animal companions. However, dog owners have the power to minimize separation anxiety through thoughtful training, care, and relationship building. With time and compassion, our canine friends can learn to feel comfortable and confident even when apart.