Introduction
Dogs are highly social animals that often seek the companionship of their human families or other animals. However, there are a variety of reasons why dogs may isolate themselves or seek solitude. Some common reasons dogs isolate themselves include illness, mental distress, overstimulation, security, grieving a loss, aging, punishment, boredom, or anxiety. While occasional solitude is normal canine behavior, extended isolation or dramatic changes in socialization habits can be a sign of an underlying issue that requires attention. Understanding the potential reasons behind self-isolation in dogs can help owners discern when intervention may be needed.
Physical Illness
Physical pain and discomfort can cause a dog to isolate themselves from people and other pets. According to a 2021 study, dogs with chronic health issues like arthritis, dental problems, or cancer tend to interact less and sleep more. They may isolate in a quiet space to rest and recover when not feeling well. Additionally, dogs with acute infections or injuries can withdraw socially due to general malaise or to protect painful areas from being bothered. For example, a dog with a sore leg may avoid going for walks or playing with other pets.
Certain genetic conditions like hip dysplasia also increase a dog’s likelihood of isolating themselves. According to the same study, mutated genes impacting mobility and skeletal health often cause chronic discomfort that makes dogs less inclined to be active and social. Providing pain management through medication, joint supplements, or orthopedic beds can help improve their quality of life. Overall, physical discomfort is a key reason dogs withdraw socially until their illness or injury has been properly diagnosed and treated.
Mental Illness
Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety can cause dogs to withdraw and isolate themselves from their owners and surroundings. One 2021 study published in Nature found that dog owners with pets suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses were more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. The researchers hypothesized that the dog’s illness was negatively impacting the owner’s mental health. In turn, the owner’s declining mental state may cause the dog to pick up on their emotions and begin isolating.
Another study in 2022 analyzed rates of separation related behaviors in dogs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that the prevalence of separation related behaviors dropped from 22.1% to 17.2% as people began spending more time at home with their dogs due to lockdowns. The research indicates that symptoms of separation anxiety, including self-isolation, may be exacerbated when dogs are left alone for longer periods of time as their anxious owners return to work or normal activities outside the home.
Overall, these studies show that a dog’s tendency to isolate themselves can sometimes be a response to their owner’s mental state and stresses related to separation. Anxiety and depression in dog owners has been linked with similar withdrawal behaviors in dogs.
Overstimulation
Dogs can sometimes isolate themselves when they become overstimulated by too much noise, activity, or excitement going on around them. As social creatures, dogs do enjoy being around their human families. However, too much stimulation can overwhelm a dog and cause them to need some time alone to decompress. Signs of overstimulation include panting, restless behavior, whining, barking, hyperactivity, and anxiety. To cope with this overwhelm, some dogs will seek isolation in another room, under furniture, or in a crate until they feel calmer.
Some common triggers for overstimulation that can cause a dog to isolate include having visitors at home, children playing loudly, parties or other activities with lots of noise and commotion, or even just the hustle and bustle of a busy household. Dogs may also get overstimulated on walks if there is too much activity and new smells. Sensory overload from sights, sounds, smells, and being touched too much can make a dog feel insecure and anxious. Providing a quiet, dimly lit space away from the action gives an overstimulated dog the chance to relax until they feel comfortable rejoining the action.
Security
Some dogs will isolate themselves when they feel scared or insecure in their environment. This is an instinctual behavior to seek safety. Dogs are den animals by nature and will retreat to small, enclosed spaces when they feel threatened as an act of self-preservation. This gives them a sense of protection and security.
Common triggers for a dog isolating due to insecurity include: thunderstorms, fireworks, construction noises, strangers in the home, or confrontation with another animal. The dog is likely seeking out a “den” space that makes them feel safe such as under tables, in closets, or tucked behind furniture. They may also isolate in a bathtub or shower stall which provides a protective barrier.
If your dog suddenly begins hiding more often for security, first make sure the environment is safe. Provide calming aids like a ThunderShirt, calming treats, or pheromone diffusers. Make sure the dog has access to a designated “safe zone” like a crate or covered bed. With patience and care, the dog will likely become less insecure over time.
To ease this behavior, work on socializing the dog and building their confidence. Obedience training can also help establish trust and structure. Medication may also be recommended in extreme cases. If hiding behavior increases or persists, consult with your veterinarian. They can check for underlying issues and help you address the problem.
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Grieving
Dogs can grieve the loss of a companion dog just like humans grieve the loss of a loved one. It’s common for dogs to isolate themselves after the death of another dog they had bonded with. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs form strong social connections and experience grief when those relationships are lost.
Signs your dog is grieving the loss of their companion can include: hiding more than usual, loss of appetite, lethargy, restlessness, and keeping to themselves. The Blue Cross recommends allowing your dog ample time to grieve on their own terms. While some redirection with play, exercise, or treats can help, understand that the grieving process takes time. Be patient and offer comfort during this difficult transition.
The depth of grief often correlates with the strength of the relationship between the two dogs. Littermates or dogs that have lived together for years will likely experience more intense grieving that requires additional support. Overall, be attentive to your dog’s needs and allow them to express their grief through isolation until they naturally return to their normal social activities.
Aging
As dogs grow older, it is common for them to start isolating themselves more often [1]. Senior dogs tend to sleep more, move slower, and withdraw from social interaction. This is similar to aging in humans, where older adults also tend to become more isolated and lonely [2]. Much like elderly humans benefit from companionship to improve quality of life, older dogs also need social connection and engagement. Owners of senior dogs should make an effort to frequently interact, play, walk, and pet their older dogs to prevent social isolation. Adapting living spaces for mobility limitations, providing comfort, and maintaining a routine can also help aging dogs feel more included and less inclined to isolate themselves.
Punishment
Some owners may isolate their dog as a form of punishment or discipline. If a dog misbehaves, the owner may respond by confining the dog away from the family and social interaction. This technique is based on the premise that dogs are social animals who crave human company. Therefore, isolation equals punishment in the dog’s mind.
However, experts advise against using isolation or confinement as punishment 1. It can cause anxiety, depression, and other behavioral issues in dogs. Punishment is ineffective at teaching dogs what to do instead of the unwanted behavior. More positive reinforcement training methods should be utilized.
While brief isolation may be appropriate to calm an agitated dog, prolonged isolation as punishment can be detrimental. Owners should reconsider using isolation for discipline and instead focus on reward-based training.
Boredom
Dogs are intelligent, energetic animals that need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Lack of activity and enrichment can lead to boredom. Bored dogs often express their frustration through destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, barking or escaping. As the AKC explains, a bored dog “will do whatever they can find to pass the time and amuse themselves.” Dogs may isolate themselves when chronically bored as a form of escapism or due to depression.
According to Positively, observing a dog’s body language and behavior when alone can help determine if their isolation is due to boredom or anxiety. Signs of a bored, understimulated dog include less interest in training and play, sleeping more, and lack of enthusiasm. Providing more exercise, play time, training sessions, puzzle toys and environmental enrichment can help relieve boredom and prevent isolation.
When to Seek Help
If your dog’s isolation and withdrawal persist beyond a few days or seem out of character, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian. They can examine your dog for any underlying physical illness causing the behavior change (and recommend treatment if needed). According to HSSV, a vet visit is recommended if isolation continues more than 3-5 days with no identifiable trigger.
For mental health issues like anxiety or depression, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or recommend seeing a certified animal behaviorist. As Wag Walking notes, professional help is advised for severe isolation anxiety to get your dog back to their normal, social self.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support if your dog’s isolation persists or worries you. With patience and care from you and your vet or behaviorist, they can overcome whatever is causing their withdrawal.