As much as we love to go on vacations, leaving our furry friends behind can be a heart-wrenching experience. Pet owners often wonder if their dogs get depressed when they go on vacation.
The short answer is, yes, they do. Dogs are social animals and thrive on the company of their human family members. So, when their owners leave them for an extended period, it can cause separation anxiety and depression in dogs.
What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
Separation anxiety is a condition that affects both dogs and humans. It occurs when a dog becomes overly attached to its owner and cannot cope with being separated from them. The symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include destructive chewing, excessive barking or howling, urinating or defecating indoors, and pacing or restlessness.
How Does Vacation Affect Dogs?
When you go on vacation, your dog perceives it as abandonment. They may feel anxious and stressed because they don’t understand why their pack leader has left them behind. Dogs rely on their owners for safety and security, so when you’re not around, they feel vulnerable.
How to Help Your Dog Cope When You’re on Vacation
The good news is that there are several things you can do to help your dog cope with your absence while you’re away.
Hire a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
One option is to hire a pet sitter or a dog walker to take care of your dog while you’re away. This way, your dog will have someone familiar to look after them while you’re gone.
Leave Familiar Smells Around
Another thing you can do is leave familiar smells around the house for your dog to smell while you’re away. This could be an item of clothing that smells like you or a blanket that they often sleep on.
Keep Your Departure Low-key
When you’re leaving, try to keep your departure low-key. If you make a big fuss, it can make your dog more anxious and stressed. Instead, say goodbye calmly and leave without any fuss.
Use Pheromone Sprays or Diffusers
Pheromone sprays or diffusers can also be helpful in reducing anxiety in dogs. These products release synthetic pheromones that mimic the scent of a dog’s mother, which can have a calming effect on them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dogs do get depressed when their owners go on vacation. They may experience separation anxiety and exhibit symptoms such as destructive chewing, excessive barking or howling, urinating or defecating indoors, and pacing or restlessness.
However, there are several things you can do to help your dog cope with your absence while you’re away. Hiring a pet sitter or dog walker, leaving familiar smells around the house, keeping your departure low-key, and using pheromone sprays or diffusers are all effective ways to reduce your dog’s anxiety levels. Remember that your dog relies on you for safety and security, so it’s important to take steps to ensure they feel comfortable and happy while you’re away.