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View 2 More +Nothing is harder for an owner than looking into their pet’s puppy-dog eyes as they head out the door to go to work. You feel guilty about leaving your dog at home and hope that they understand that you’ll be back soon. But have you ever wondered if your dog thinks about you or misses you when you’re not physically present?
Yes, most dogs absolutely miss their owners when they’re gone. Read on to learn what science has to say about dogs’ capability to miss their humans, signs that your pup missed you, and what you can do to help your pet cope in your absence.
Do Dogs Miss Their Owners?
Yes, dogs do miss their owners when they’re gone. You are a huge part of your dog’s world. Dogs are social creatures capable of forming strong emotional bonds with their humans, so it’s extremely likely that they’re thinking about you while you’re away from home. In some cases, dogs miss their owners too much, leading to separation anxiety.
A 2011 study found that dogs greeted their owners more intensely after they were gone for 2 hours than they did after being left alone for just 30 minutes.1 The researchers found no difference if the dog was left alone for 2 or 4 hours, though, suggesting that dogs can perhaps tell the difference between 30 minutes and 2 hours, but beyond that, no one knows quite yet.
The 7 Signs Your Dog Missed You While You Were Gone
While we can’t know exactly what our dogs are thinking, we can make educated guesses based on their behavior and body language. Let’s look at the most common signs that your pup missed you while you were away.
1. They Get the Zoomies
Dog zoomies (or “frenetic random activity periods,” as they’re more scientifically known) are random energy outbursts marked by running frenetically or spinning in circles. If you come home and your dog immediately gets the zoomies, it’s a good indicator that they missed you.
2. They’re Extra Affectionate
A 2015 study found that when dogs smell their favorite human’s scent, the region of their brain that’s associated with rewards lights up.2 So, if your pup is extra clingy and affectionate toward you when you come home, it’s probably that they find your presence and scent rewarding.
3. They Cried or Snuggled Up to Your Things
If you have cameras set up in your home, you probably use them to check in on your pups when you’re away. If you notice your dog crying or snuggling up to things of yours, like blankets or clothing, it’s a pretty clear sign that they’re missing you. As we mentioned, dogs associate their humans’ scents with rewards and positive associations, so they may stick close to your belongings when you’re away to remind themselves of your smell.
4. They Destroyed Your Belongings
Some dogs destroy their owners’ belongings when they are experiencing separation anxiety. It provides an outlet for their feelings. Sometimes, it also just comes down to boredom and wanting something to do.
5. They Tried to Escape
If your pet sitter has had to try to stop your pup from trying to escape every time they come to your house to check on them, it’s a pretty good sign that your dog is missing you. Chances are that your pup is trying to escape to find comfort or go in search of their missing owner. They may even try escaping during walks, so if you know your pet is a wanna-be Houdini when you’re away, it’s best to warn your pet sitter in advance.
6. They Seem Down
Dogs can become anxious or depressed in their owner’s absence. They may go on a hunger strike or do nothing but sleep while they’re away. You may also notice yours whining as you’re putting on your shoes or heading out the door.
7. They Waited by the Door
For a dog owner, nothing is quite as rewarding as coming home to your pup waiting for you at the door. If that’s where you find your dog every time you come home, chances are that they’ve probably been there for quite some time, hoping you’ll be coming back through the door soon.
What Can I Do to Help My Dog Cope?
There are many things you can do to help alleviate the sadness that your dog may experience while you’re away.
- Get them active. Try tiring them out before you leave for the day. Take them for a walk, or play games you know exhaust them.
- Leave a memento behind. Your dog loves your scent, so try to leave something of yours behind for them to smell when you’re not physically present. This can be a piece of used clothing or even a blanket you use when you lie on the couch.
- Keep them busy. Give your pup an interactive toy or treat dispenser to keep them occupied when you’re away. Puzzle toys are great for promoting mental stimulation.
- Keep them cozy. Make sure they have everything they need to be comfortable while you’re gone. Set up a cozy place for them to snooze, and ensure that they have enough water and food to satiate them.
- Provide company. When you can’t physically be home with your pup to keep them company, try turning on the TV or stream a YouTube channel you know they’ll like. Even something like “DogTV” may be worthwhile. This pet channel costs $10/month, but it is catered specifically for reducing anxiety in dogs.
- Hire a pet sitter or dog walker. A pet sitter can pop in once or twice daily while you’re away to make sure your pup has social interaction and physical activity. If you’re gone for many hours at work, you might want to consider hiring a dog walker to come once a day to take your pet for a walk.
- Train them. Dogs can learn how to be alone with consistency and practice. It’s best not to suddenly leave them on their own if they’ve never been without you before, though. Do a few test runs, and slowly start building up time spent apart so your pup can learn how to be alone. Reinforce independence with training exercises that reward your dog for being away from you.
- Know when to seek help. Sometimes, separation anxiety may be to blame for your dog’s behavior when you’re away. If you suspect this is the case for your pet, we recommend enlisting the help of a professional veterinarian or dog behaviorist.
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Final Thoughts
Dogs form tight bonds with their humans, so it only makes sense that they’re capable of missing them when they’re away. If your pup is displaying behaviors and body language that tell you that they’ve missed you while you were gone, you can try several techniques to help them cope in your absence.
Featured Image Credit: StrDr stock, Shutterstock
