Is My Dog Lonely Or Is My Company Enough?

As humans, our days can be filled with exciting hustle and bustle. However, sometimes our dog’s days only consist of waiting for us to get home. This can beg the question, “is my dog lonely?” Dogs are very social animals, so the more quality time they get with you, the better. In this blog, we’ll help you understand if your dog is lonely and would appreciate a friend, or if your company is exactly what they need! 

Can a dog feel lonely?

Dogs evolved as a social group species and naturally gain positive feelings from being part of a group. Therefore, dogs can get lonely and can find time alone challenging. Some independent dogs cope well when they’re left alone, but others may not. Dogs can also feel lonely even when humans are present; this loneliness may come from being the only dog or animal in the house. Dogs are emotionally intelligent, and they communicate a lot of what they are feeling through their body language and certain behaviours. So, if you want to know if your dog is lonely, there are signs and behaviours you can look out for.

What are the signs my dog is lonely? 

There are a few signs you can keep an eye out for that will let you know whether you have a lonely dog. They may find spending time alone difficult and are clingy when you are together, following you around or not wanting to be in a different room from you. There might also be other signs they are stressed, such as overgrooming in certain places or being quieter and less interested in activities.

Some dogs may develop signs of being lonely if they are struggling with being left home alone often. It is advised that dogs should only be left home alone for 4 hours so they have an opportunity to exercise and spend time with people. Some lonely dog symptoms that are brought on by being home alone can include:

• Restlessness 
• Licking or chewing areas of their body 
• House soiling 
• Destroying or chewing items
• Vocalizing 
• Distress before you leave 
• Following you around when you return

If your dog is struggling with being home alone, using the ADAPTIL Calm diffuser can help your pup to feel more comfortable when they are by themselves. By pairing ADAPTIL Calm with enrichment toys and making sure you’re not leaving them for too long, can help create a reassuring environment for your dog and reduce anxiety.  

Do dogs need another dog for company? 

To live their best lives, dogs need physical and mental stimulation as well as opportunities for social interaction. If you think you have a lonely dog, it’s important to evaluate if they need more company from you before choosing to give them a friend. Many dogs will enjoy having dog friends, but not every dog wants to be sociable with others. Dogs form strong bonds with humans, and contrary to popular belief, the quality of the interaction’s dogs have can be more important than the duration. It’s important to make time to have quality interactions with your pooch, such as walks, games, activities, grooming, or even just chilling out with each other.

If you come to the decision that your dog does want more company, they can form a great friendship with another dog. However, when bringing a friend for your pup into the home, you need to make sure you have time to meet all the needs of the second dog, such as time for one-on-one interaction and training. When choosing a second canine companion, having a matching temperament and size can be helpful.

How can I make sure my company is enough for my dog? 

If you want to ensure that your dog feels content with your company, think about ways you can incorporate more time with your dog. You can exercise together, go to pet clubs, have more play time, increase grooming time, and so much more! Even small things, such as petting them more, will be appreciated by your dog if they’re feeling lonely.

Alternatively, you can look at other ways to provide company for them when you’re unable to be there. Taking them to a doggy daycare, dog walkers, or having a dog sitter or friend come round to give them company and help them socialize more. You can also use the ADAPTIL Calm diffuser to provide natural messages that give them extra reassurance in the language dogs naturally use. By releasing the dog appeasing pheromones of the ADAPTIL Calm diffuser, it can help them feel less anxious when separated from you. 

If you’d like more tips about how to help a lonely dog, check out the rest of our blogs online! You can also stay up to date with all the latest tips and product info by signing up to our newsletter.