Loneliness in your dog can easily be spotted. Dogs have personalities as individual as humans’. Their reasons for feeling lonely may vary, depending on their different circumstances. While it’s hard to identify just how they’re feeling, it’s important to understand the signs that indicate your dog is lonely so you can provide them with the proper care.

Dogs are generally considered to be loyal, friendly animals, but their emotions are surprisingly complex. Dogs have the same emotional complexity as human toddlers, meaning that they experience a variety of emotions—such as happiness, sadness, jealousy, and anger. They can also become lonely if left alone for long periods of time.

If you have a dog, it might be acting differently than normal. Dogs can sense your feelings and emotions. If you’re sad because you miss someone, your dog may feel that sadness and want to be by your side more than usual or even wake up from a sound sleep just to follow if you leave the room.

A recent study conducted by the University of Lincoln has found that dogs that are left alone for long periods of time become less interested in playing with their owners. The researchers believe this is because they are depressed and bored, which could lead to behavior issues in dogs, such as barking or chewing on furniture.

Signs of loneliness in Dog

Not Being Active

You may also notice that your dog isn’t playing as much. Sometimes dogs become withdrawn from social activities when they lack companionship, especially if they are left alone for extended periods of time. Dogs are social animals and need interaction and attention to remain happy and healthy. Lonely dogs are less likely to play games that they used to love, according to research by the University of California, San Diego.

Destructive Attitude

If you leave your dog at home, they might find ways to keep themselves occupied. Chewing is a common solution for dogs that are left alone, so items like pillows, shoes, and remotes might be in danger of being chewed up. If your dog is left alone for long periods of time and begins to destroy things around the house, it could be a sign that they are feeling lonely. If this occurs regularly, it may be because your dog needs more exercise or attention.

Attaching to you

If you have a dog, you might notice that it is acting strangely around this time. Many dogs become extra clingy and follow their owners from room to room. If your dog is feeling lonely, you may notice that the dog follows you around in order to get companionship from you.

Reduce Appetite

If your dog is lonely, he might not be interested in food. He could even skip food if he’s feeling down. Not eating can also be from different situations. If your dog has stopped eating or playing as much as he usually does, this is to tell you that all is not well. He might be depressed if he gets lonely every time you are not around.

Barking Loudly

Dogs use their voice to pass information to others even human beings, but being lonely can makes the dog bark or cry when left alone. Barking out loudly makes you realize that your dog is calling out for attention. This is another sure sign of loneliness.

Sleeping disorder

Dogs share many of the same emotions as humans. If your dog is feeling lonely or sad, they may turn to sleep as a way to cope with these feelings. When a dog sleeps more than usual, it could be a sign that they are experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation. When dogs are left alone, they might sleep more than usual, or have unusual sleeping patterns. They might even choose to sleep in strange places.

How to stop loneliness

The only real treatment for loneliness is togetherness, but you can try as well by putting on the radio, TV, or background music for your dog to listen to, getting another dog so they have a companion to keep their company, and taking your dog with you when you go on runs or to see friends. Keeping your dog active can help him fight off loneliness. Exercise is a good way to do this, but you might want to be creative in your choices of exercise. You can still take regular walks with your dog, but engaging his brain in a different way may help tire him out and make being left alone a lot less stressful for him.