Does the pet get sad when alone?
Being alone at home is difficult for any pet, especially if they are not used to it. This can be a source of anxiety that manifests itself in various ways: barking and howling, destruction of furniture and objects... But what if you have to go to work? How to teach your pet to be alone? How long can a four-legged friend be left alone? In this article, we will address these questions so that in the future you can leave your dog or cat alone at home for short periods of time with peace of mind.
How long can you leave your pet alone at home?
A dog can be left alone for a maximum of 6-8 hours if he has access to outside to relieve himself. Please note that the length of time you can leave your dog alone also depends on his personality and lifestyle. Below we will discuss in more detail that dogs tolerate being alone better when they are kept busy and that they are more likely to be left alone for several hours without doing anything wrong.
The situation is a little easier with cats, as they can do all their tasks at home on their own. However, it is important to remember that they also get used to their pet parents and miss communication just as much as dogs do.
Which dog breeds can tolerate loneliness better?
The answer is clear: none. Dogs are very sociable and social animals that live in groups. Therefore, there is no breed of dog that tolerates loneliness better than another. For this reason, it is not a good idea to adopt a dog if you are going away for a long time. However, some breeds of dog are actually more independent than others. Their calm and balanced nature makes them patient pets.
How to Tell if Your Pet Misses You
Pet parents know that their pets miss their owners when they are away. If you still have doubts, scientific research supports this belief.
Some signs that your pet misses you may be more obvious than others. Here's how to tell if your pet is sad when you're gone:
1. Vocalizations . The most obvious sign that your dog misses you is whining or whining. In such cases, neighbors often complain about the noise the dog makes, and this is a good indication that your pet is grieving. Cats can also meow for a long time, calling for their owner.
2. Long waits at the door. When a dog or cat misses you, they will often sit at the door waiting for you to come home. This may be for hours or at regular intervals throughout the day. While this may seem cute, it can also be detrimental to your pet's health as they may not drink or eat during this time.
3. Hyperactive behavior. Another clear sign that your pet has missed you is the excitement he feels when you come home. If your dog is overly excited when you come home, jumping, rubbing against your legs, and wagging his tail, it is a sign that he has missed you.
4. Damage to household items. Cats and dogs suffering from separation anxiety usually try to communicate this in the only way they know how - by making a mess around the house. If your dog misses you, he may start damaging things around the house to get his message across. For example, some dogs destroy the toilet paper rolls in the bathroom and scatter them all over the house. And cats start tearing up furniture, especially upholstered furniture. Pets may also chew on things like couch cushions, chair legs, or shoes.
Important! If your pet has done something bad, do not punish him when you come home. If you yell at him and punish him when you return, he will take it as a punishment for your return and not for what he did. This will make him afraid when you come home in the future.
5. Showing special interest in the owner's belongings. Some dogs take the opposite approach to destruction. If you notice that your pet often hugs your things or starts looking for things in his house or bed when you come home, it is a clear sign that he misses you. Anxiety is also a sign that your pet cannot sleep or rest without your presence.
6. Change in the place of toileting. Another sign that your pet misses you is that he performs his daily routine at home, although he is used to doing it outside. So, if your dog starts going to the bathroom indoors, especially in a place that is not intended for this purpose, this is one of the signals of his emotional distress.
How to stop your pet from feeling lonely when you are away
Loneliness is a real challenge for an adult dog or cat that has never been left alone for a long period of time. This is completely normal: the animal does not understand why its owner is away. It feels abandoned or simply bored. Since dogs and cats are social animals, they need frequent contact. But sometimes life circumstances, such as working hours, leave you no choice but to leave the animal at home. Therefore, it is very important to get them used to being alone from an early age so that they do not become anxious when you leave the house.
How to Train a Puppy or Kitten to Stay Home
A puppy or kitten that has been adopted is not used to being alone: it has always been with its mother and siblings. You should not leave them alone once they arrive in their new home.
If you have the opportunity, take a few days off work to spend time with him. Your puppy/kitten needs to get used to his owners and his environment. After a few days, when you have built a trusting relationship with him and he has settled in, you can leave him alone for short periods. However, some dogs or cats adopted as adults also find it much more difficult to be left alone. In this case, it is important to teach him to be alone gradually, just as you would with a puppy or a small kitten.
Here's how to stop your pets from missing you when you're away:
1. Preparation. If you are going to leave your pet home alone, you need to prepare them. First, you need to create a safe and comfortable environment. This could be their own dog bed or a place in your home where they feel safe.
You can also leave some of your used clothes, soft fleece blankets, or a familiar smell in this area to make him feel comfortable while you are away.
Another way to help your pet cope with your absence is to provide him with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, such as toys and puzzles.
2. Gradually acclimate to separation. Start by leaving your pet alone for a few minutes. A good way is to leave the room while your dog or cat is busy playing or eating. Return to the room after a minute. This way, your pet will understand that you will always come back when you leave. Then go a step further and gradually increase the time you are away. If your pet suffers from severe separation anxiety, start by leaving him home alone for 15-30 minutes. Do this for a few days or weeks. Then gradually increase the time away to several hours. However, do not increase the time you leave your pet alone in a linear manner. If you leave your pet alone for 20 minutes the first time, make it an easy day for him the next time and leave him alone for only 5-10 minutes. Over time, your pet will realize that he can be left alone and that he has no reason to be nervous.
3. Professional help. If your dog is having difficulty with separation, you can seek the help of a professional dog trainer. They will help you create a personalized plan that will help your dog cope with your absence and reduce anxiety.
4. Soundtrack. Another way to help reduce anxiety when your pet is alone for long periods of time is to leave the TV or radio on. The constant sound of conversation can give the impression that someone is home with them, which can prevent and ease separation anxiety. Pets are likely to get used to the sounds of the TV or radio and realize they are not real, which can reduce the effectiveness over time, but for a while it can really help.
Conclusion.
In addition to all our tips that will really make your life easier, we want to highlight the most important thing. When you decide to get a pet, you must be aware that reconciling your schedule and life choices with the fact that you have another four-legged family member is an essential quality of cohabitation.
Mindful pet ownership doesn't just mean making sure your pet has something to eat, drink and a place to sleep, but also taking care of their emotional state. Don't leave your furry and not so furry pets alone, because you are their entire universe now. We hope they are to you too. If possible, take them everywhere with you and you won't find a happier pet!