Dogs
By Eliza Wynn
Have you ever wondered whether your dog misses someone who used to be a big part of his day-to-day life? Humans aren't the only species with the ability to bond – or to miss those with whom they've bonded. Pets have feelings, and they definitely miss beloved pack members when they're apart. The good news is that there are ways you can help ease the loneliness and stress your dog feels when a loved one isn't around.
Spending time with your dog is always important, but it's even more so when he misses someone. In addition to simply keeping him company while you go about your day, be sure to set aside some special time for your canine friend. He'll appreciate playtime, walks, training games and just hanging out together. Make sure he has a job to do, and don't forget to talk to him. Even if you're convinced he doesn't understand a word you say, the positive attention and the sound of your voice will be more than welcome.
Nowadays, many people travel frequently for both business and pleasure. Others move out, sometimes temporarily while attending college, but often permanently. Pets that have bonded closely with them can get lonely, anxious or even depressed. Fortunately, being apart doesn't always have to mean complete separation; technology provides several options to bridge the gap. For example, webcams and smartphones enable users to see each other even when they're miles apart. If your dog misses someone who's away, try setting up a video chat. If that's not possible, even a simple phone call in which he can hear his friend's voice will reassure him.
Sadly, some separations are permanent. If your dog misses someone who has passed away, he will mourn the loss. Try offering an item of clothing with his loved one's scent. Sleeping with this item should provide comfort while your dog adjusts to life without his friend. Some dogs find themselves in a new home due to the death of their owner. When this occurs, it's a very confusing and sad time for the dog. In addition to grieving, he has to adjust to a new environment, schedule and rules. To help with this adjustment, try to maintain his original meal and walk schedule at first if you know it; you can gradually make any major changes necessary.
If your dog misses another pet that passed away, he may find himself adjusting to a new position in the pack. Although it might change his status yet again, finding a new companion for your dog can help, but only under the right circumstances. Responsible pet owners never adopt a pet if they're not ready, willing and able to provide a safe, loving home.
If you find that you are in a position to adopt, however, a new friend could help your dog's blues. Before making that commitment, arrange a meeting to be sure they get along well, and as always, make sure you're adopting for the right reason. If you decide to go through with the adoption, don't forget to buy your new dog or cat his own supplies, including some premium quality CANIDAE or FELIDAE food.
Whether the separation is temporary or permanent, you can make the situation easier for your dog. He won't forget about the loved one he misses, and he'll still have plenty of kisses left for his pack member if they're ever together again.
Photo by Gene Chan
Read more articles by Eliza Wynn
- A Microchip Can Bring Your Pet Home
By Eliza Wynn Uh-oh. Little Bootsie went out the doggie door, and you had no idea someone had left the gate open. Now you can't find her. If someone else does, will that person be able to find you? As a loving and responsible pet owner, you want your...
- Does Your Dog Video Chat?
By Tamara McRill Video chatting isn't just a great way for us humans to stay in contact—it can also keep our dogs in touch with those they love. I have one dog, Cody, who always gets face time with the camera when someone he knows comes up on chat....
- Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Depressed?
By Linda Cole Dogs can get down in the dumps just like we can. Depression can be a serious and life threatening condition if it's not recognized and treated. However, dogs can't tell us when they don't feel right, so the only way we can tell...
- Is It Separation Anxiety, Or Something Else?
By Linda Cole We all know what separation anxiety is. A dog just can't stand being away from the people he loves. Left alone, the dog might whine, howl or bark all day which isn't good if you live in an apartment. He may also destroy things in...
- Why Do Dogs Howl?
By Linda Cole It's hard to miss the neighborhood dog choir howling their mournful tune as a fire truck or ambulance whizzes by. Dogs raise their heads in a howl to signal when we leave the house and when we return. One begins to howl and is soon...
Dogs
Tips for Living with a Dog that Misses Someone
Have you ever wondered whether your dog misses someone who used to be a big part of his day-to-day life? Humans aren't the only species with the ability to bond – or to miss those with whom they've bonded. Pets have feelings, and they definitely miss beloved pack members when they're apart. The good news is that there are ways you can help ease the loneliness and stress your dog feels when a loved one isn't around.
Spending time with your dog is always important, but it's even more so when he misses someone. In addition to simply keeping him company while you go about your day, be sure to set aside some special time for your canine friend. He'll appreciate playtime, walks, training games and just hanging out together. Make sure he has a job to do, and don't forget to talk to him. Even if you're convinced he doesn't understand a word you say, the positive attention and the sound of your voice will be more than welcome.
Nowadays, many people travel frequently for both business and pleasure. Others move out, sometimes temporarily while attending college, but often permanently. Pets that have bonded closely with them can get lonely, anxious or even depressed. Fortunately, being apart doesn't always have to mean complete separation; technology provides several options to bridge the gap. For example, webcams and smartphones enable users to see each other even when they're miles apart. If your dog misses someone who's away, try setting up a video chat. If that's not possible, even a simple phone call in which he can hear his friend's voice will reassure him.
Sadly, some separations are permanent. If your dog misses someone who has passed away, he will mourn the loss. Try offering an item of clothing with his loved one's scent. Sleeping with this item should provide comfort while your dog adjusts to life without his friend. Some dogs find themselves in a new home due to the death of their owner. When this occurs, it's a very confusing and sad time for the dog. In addition to grieving, he has to adjust to a new environment, schedule and rules. To help with this adjustment, try to maintain his original meal and walk schedule at first if you know it; you can gradually make any major changes necessary.
If your dog misses another pet that passed away, he may find himself adjusting to a new position in the pack. Although it might change his status yet again, finding a new companion for your dog can help, but only under the right circumstances. Responsible pet owners never adopt a pet if they're not ready, willing and able to provide a safe, loving home.
If you find that you are in a position to adopt, however, a new friend could help your dog's blues. Before making that commitment, arrange a meeting to be sure they get along well, and as always, make sure you're adopting for the right reason. If you decide to go through with the adoption, don't forget to buy your new dog or cat his own supplies, including some premium quality CANIDAE or FELIDAE food.
Whether the separation is temporary or permanent, you can make the situation easier for your dog. He won't forget about the loved one he misses, and he'll still have plenty of kisses left for his pack member if they're ever together again.
Photo by Gene Chan
Read more articles by Eliza Wynn
- A Microchip Can Bring Your Pet Home
By Eliza Wynn Uh-oh. Little Bootsie went out the doggie door, and you had no idea someone had left the gate open. Now you can't find her. If someone else does, will that person be able to find you? As a loving and responsible pet owner, you want your...
- Does Your Dog Video Chat?
By Tamara McRill Video chatting isn't just a great way for us humans to stay in contact—it can also keep our dogs in touch with those they love. I have one dog, Cody, who always gets face time with the camera when someone he knows comes up on chat....
- Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Depressed?
By Linda Cole Dogs can get down in the dumps just like we can. Depression can be a serious and life threatening condition if it's not recognized and treated. However, dogs can't tell us when they don't feel right, so the only way we can tell...
- Is It Separation Anxiety, Or Something Else?
By Linda Cole We all know what separation anxiety is. A dog just can't stand being away from the people he loves. Left alone, the dog might whine, howl or bark all day which isn't good if you live in an apartment. He may also destroy things in...
- Why Do Dogs Howl?
By Linda Cole It's hard to miss the neighborhood dog choir howling their mournful tune as a fire truck or ambulance whizzes by. Dogs raise their heads in a howl to signal when we leave the house and when we return. One begins to howl and is soon...