Hello, dear pet owners! Ever caught yourself wondering if your four-legged buddy feels a bit down when you’re off on your adventures? It’s a common question for all of us who share our lives with a furry friend. Let’s dive a bit deeper into this!
Have you ever looked into those puppy eyes before wheeling your suitcase out the door and felt a pang of guilt? I know I have As a dog parent, one of the hardest parts about traveling is leaving our furry best friends behind. The question that haunts many of us is do dogs get sad when owners go on vacation?
The short answer? Yes they do – but it’s more complicated than that. Dogs are emotional creatures with strong bonds to their humans. When we disappear for days or weeks they definitely notice and often experience some form of emotional response.
How Dogs Feel When You’re Away
Dogs are incredibly intuitive creatures. According to Robin Bennett, certified dog trainer and author of All About Dog Daycare, dogs often pick up on departure cues. They may realize you’re about to leave when you start packing your suitcases, especially if you’ve gone on vacation before.
Different dogs react in different ways:
- Some get excited and run to the door (thinking they’re coming too!)
- Others show anxiety by whining or hiding
- Many dogs become clingy as they sense change coming
What’s important to understand is that dogs don’t experience time the same way humans do. Your pup isn’t thinking “my human will be gone for 10 days” – they’re simply aware that their favorite person isn’t around right now.
Do Dogs Feel Abandoned?
This is the million-dollar question that keeps us awake at night while we’re supposed to be enjoying our margaritas on the beach!
Dogs with strong attachments to their owners can experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. However, with proper preparation, most dogs won’t feel truly abandoned during your absence.
As Bennett explains, “Dogs are incredibly adaptable, especially when they’re in a safe and enriching environment. If the dog has visited the dog sitter or boarding facility and had a good time, they’re more likely to be okay with your absence.”
What dogs really need is consistency, comfort, and something engaging to do while you’re away. This helps them adjust to your temporary absence without feeling abandoned.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Sad During Your Vacation
How can you tell if your dog is feeling down while you’re away? Here are some common signs to watch for (which your pet sitter or boarder might report):
- Changes in eating habits (decreased appetite)
- Decreased energy or activity levels
- Withdrawn behavior or less playfulness
- Increased sleeping
- Clingy behavior with caretakers
- Whining or unusual vocalization
- Destructive behaviors (sometimes a sign of anxiety)
I remember when my neighbor watched my Lab mix for a week – she reported that for the first day, he just laid by the front door looking sad. By day two, though, he was playing with her dog and seemed to adjust. Dogs are resilient!
How to Prepare Your Dog For Your Vacation
The good news is that with some thoughtful preparation, you can significantly reduce your dog’s stress while you’re away. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Practice Short Separations
Don’t make your vacation the first time your dog experiences being without you for an extended period. In the weeks before your trip, practice leaving your dog for increasing periods of time so they learn you always come back.
2. Choose the Right Care Option
Depending on your dog’s personality, different care options might work better:
| Care Option | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Friends/Family | Free or low cost | Dogs comfortable with familiar people |
| House Sitter | $75-$200/day | Dogs who prefer staying in their own environment |
| Boarding at Sitter’s Home | $50-$150/day | Social dogs who enjoy company |
| Kennels/Vet Boarding | $50-$140/day | Confident, crate-trained dogs |
| Pet Hotels | $80-$150/day | Active dogs who enjoy stimulation |
3. Do a Meet-and-Greet
If you’re using a new sitter or boarding facility, arrange a meet-and-greet before your trip. This helps your dog build trust in a familiar setting. For boarding facilities, consider a trial day or overnight stay to help your dog acclimate.
4. Pack Familiar Items
Send along items with your scent, like an unwashed t-shirt or their favorite blanket. The familiar smell provides comfort and security.
5. Maintain Their Routine
Provide detailed care instructions to whoever is watching your dog. Include:
- Feeding schedule and amounts
- Exercise needs and walking times
- Medication instructions
- Behavior quirks and triggers
- Favorite games and toys
- Bedtime routine
6. Quality Time Before Departure
Spend extra quality time with your dog before leaving. Include lots of walks, playtime and cuddles to strengthen your bond. This helps them feel secure before the separation.
The Goodbye: Make it Quick!
One of the most important tips I can share: keep your goodbyes short and sweet! Long, emotional farewells can actually stress your dog out more. It’s better to:
- Exercise your dog before drop-off so they’re tired
- Wait for a calm moment to leave
- Avoid making a big deal about your departure
- Project confidence (dogs pick up on our emotions!)
After You Return: What to Expect
When you return from vacation, your dog will likely be overjoyed to see you! However, some dogs might show interesting behaviors:
- Over-excitement (jumping, running in circles)
- Seeming a bit aloof at first (don’t worry, they’re not holding a grudge!)
- Following you around more than usual
- Some dogs might even seem “mad” by ignoring you briefly
These reactions are normal and usually settle within a day or two as your dog readjusts to having you home.
FAQ: Common Concerns About Leaving Dogs During Vacation
Will my dog forget me while I’m gone?
No! Dogs have excellent memory, especially when it comes to the people they love. Your dog won’t forget you, no matter how long your vacation is. Their sense of smell and memory for their owners is incredibly strong.
Should I video call my dog while away?
Some dogs seem to recognize their owners on video calls and may respond positively. Others might get confused or even more anxious. It really depends on your individual dog’s personality, so try it before your trip to see how they react.
Is it better to board my dog or have someone stay at my house?
This depends entirely on your dog’s personality. Some dogs do better staying in their familiar environment with a house sitter, while others enjoy the activity and socialization of boarding. Consider your dog’s specific needs and temperament.
My dog seems sad after boarding – did they feel abandoned?
If your dog seems a bit off after returning from boarding, it doesn’t necessarily mean they felt abandoned. They might just be readjusting to being home or could be tired from all the excitement! Give them time to settle back into their routine.
How long is too long to leave my dog?
There’s no definitive answer, but most experts agree that 2-4 weeks is about the maximum you should consider for most dogs. Beyond that, you might want to explore bringing your dog with you or breaking up your trip.
Conclusion: Balance Your Needs With Your Dog’s
Going on vacation without your dog doesn’t make you a bad pet parent! Sometimes we need a break, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters is that you take steps to ensure your dog is well-cared for in your absence.
Remember that while dogs do experience emotions like sadness when their owners leave, they’re also incredibly adaptable. With proper preparation and care, your dog will be just fine while you’re away – and will be thrilled when you return!
I’d love to hear your experiences with leaving your dogs during vacation. Comment below with your stories or tips for making separations easier on our furry friends!
P.S. Don’t forget to bring your pup a little souvenir from your trip – they’ll appreciate the gesture (and the new toy to destroy)!
Do dogs miss you when you go on vacation?
Yes, pets may miss you when you leave on vacation! They build close ties with their owners and may suffer anxiety or melancholy when you are not present. Some dogs may wait by the door, sleep in your customary location, or be excited when you return.
How do you tell if your dog misses you?
-
Moping Around: Ever noticed your dog lounging more than usual or not showing interest in their toys? This could be a sign they’re missing you. They might wander to your room, sniff around your belongings, or just lay on the side of the bed, hoping for your return.
- Change in Appetite: Some dogs show their emotions through their eating habits. If your usually food-loving pup is ignoring their meals or eating less enthusiastically, it might be a sign they’re feeling a bit low.
- Extra Clingy Upon Return: When you return, you might find your dog glued to your side, more than usual. This extra clinginess is their way of ensuring you’re really back and not leaving anytime soon. It’s their way of coping with the joy of your return and the fear of you leaving again. Did your dog miss you when you go on vacation?
Do dogs get sad when their owners go on vacation?
Absolutely, they do. Dogs are not just pets; they’re family. They have a keen sense of routine and attachment. So, when their favorite humans disappear for a while, they definitely feel the change. It’s similar to how we might feel when a close friend or family member is away.