Dogs are highly social animals that form strong bonds with other dogs. So when dogs are separated from other dogs they are used to being around, they can definitely miss their canine companions. How much and in what ways dogs miss other dogs depends on factors like how bonded the dogs were, how long they lived together, and the individual personalities of each dog.
Do dogs feel grief?
Research shows that dogs appear to feel complex emotions like grief. When dogs lose a close canine companion they had lived with for a long time, they can show behaviors associated with grief in humans:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Increased vocalization
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
These symptoms of grief after losing a companion are temporary and normally resolve within a few weeks as the dog adjusts. But this research suggests dogs deeply feel the loss of another dog.
Do dogs get attached to each other?
Yes, dogs become strongly attached and bonded to other dogs they know well, especially if they live together. These canine bonds and friendships are thought to be similar to human friendships in some ways. Dogs who are friends:
- Prefer to spend time together
- Engage in play together frequently
- Greet each other enthusiastically after absences
- Depend on each other for companionship and comfort
One study found that pet dogs were much more relaxed and less stressed when their canine housemate was present compared to when they were alone. This indicates dogs get meaningful social support from bonds with other dogs.
Do some dogs bond more strongly than others?
Some evidence suggests that certain types of dogs form particularly close attachments to other dogs. Dogs that tend to bond most intensely include:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Dachshunds
- Pitbull Terriers
These dog breeds have been selectively developed to be highly social and people-oriented. So they may be more prone than other breeds to forming close dog-dog bonds and struggling when separated from their canine friends.
Does bond strength affect separation response?
Dogs who were more closely bonded and attached to other dogs seem to have a harder time adjusting when separated compared to dogs who were casual playmates. Signs of distress when a strongly bonded dog is separated include:
- Pacing
- Whining
- Howling
- Loss of house training
- Chewing objects
These behaviors indicate the dog is experiencing anxiety about the absence of their dog friend. Dogs less closely bonded don’t display as much distress. The strength of the dog-dog bond influences how intensely they miss each other.
Does length of cohabitation matter?
Dogs that have lived together in the same household for longer form stronger attachments. Two dogs that have lived together for years are more likely to miss each other’s companionship when separated than two dogs that just met. One study found that with each additional month dogs lived together, their bond strengthened.
Average Bond Strength By Length of Cohabitation
| Length of Cohabitation | Strength of Bond |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | Mild |
| 6 months – 1 year | Moderate |
| 1 – 2 years | Strong |
| Over 2 years | Very strong |
Two dogs that live together a short time may enjoy each other’s company, but aren’t as profoundly affected by separation as dogs that have years of bonding time.
Does age matter?
Age can influence how deeply a dog is impacted by the loss of a canine companion. Puppies under 1 year old bond quickly and don’t cope well when separated from littermates or dogs they have imprinted on. Senior dogs over age 10 also tend to become very stressed when a housemate dog dies or is removed from the home. Dogs in middle age normally have less severe responses.
Severity of Separation Distress By Dog Age
| Dog Age | Separation Distress Severity |
|---|---|
| Under 1 year | Very High |
| 1 – 4 years | Moderate |
| 5 – 10 years | Mild |
| Over 10 years | High |
Puppies and senior dogs become extremely attached to other dogs in their household, so removals can be traumatic. Adult and middle-aged dogs are less severely impacted.
Does it depend on the individual dog’s personality?
Yes, an individual dog’s personality plays a role in how they respond to being separated from other dogs. Dogs with certain traits miss their canine companions the most:
- Shy, timid, or anxious – Less self-assured without another dog around
- Very sociable and outgoing – Require more social interaction
- Routines and structure – Struggle with disruption to their schedule with other dogs
- Littermate bonds – Especially close to siblings from early puppyhood
Confident, solitary, and flexible dogs are less upset by the absence of dog friends. But for dogs with the traits above, losing a companion dog takes a major toll.
How long does it take dogs to adjust after separation?
Most dogs are able to gradually adjust and recover within a few weeks to months after losing a canine companion. Factors that influence the adjustment period include:
- Strength of the dog-dog bond
- Length of time cohabiting
- Age of dog
- Personality traits
For a senior dog who has lived with another dog for many years and is very bonded, adjustment could take months. But a middle-aged dog moderately bonded to a short-term housemate may adjust in a few weeks.
How can I help my dog adjust after separation?
There are steps you can take to ease your dog’s transition after losing a canine companion:
- Maintain normal routines – Regular feeding, walking, playtimes
- Allow grief – Give the dog time to mourn the loss
- Provide extra attention – Spend more one-on-one time together
- Introduce new toys – Novelty can shift their focus
- Try doggy daycare – Supervised play with other dogs
- Use calming aids – Pheromones, antianxiety supplements
- Be patient – Allow at least a month for improvement
Most dogs start to adjust within a few weeks with this extra care and support. See your veterinarian if separation anxiety persists beyond a month.
Should I get another dog?
Getting a new dog right after another dies or leaves is controversial. Some experts advise waiting at least a few months before introducing a new dog. This gives the remaining dog time to grieve, adjust, and avoid directly comparing the new dog to their previous companion. However, other veterinary behaviorists argue that in some cases, immediately providing the dog with a new appropriate canine companion can ease the transition. Consider your individual dog’s needs, bond with the departed dog, and timeline for adjustment without rushing into adopting another dog.
Are dog-dog separations always traumatic?
Not necessarily. Some dogs, especially those that are less social or friendly with other dogs, may not be strongly impacted by the loss of a housemate canine. Mild distress that resolves quickly is not uncommon. Separation impacts are strongest on very bonded dogs who have cohabited for extended periods. Casual dog friends may miss each other initially, but adjust quickly with few long-term effects. Consider your dog’s unique personality and relationship with the other dog when gauging separation responses.
Conclusion
Research shows dogs can form close friendships and bonds with other dogs, especially housemates. When these canine companions are separated, dogs do appear to grieve the loss and miss the presence of the other dog. How severely dogs are affected depends on factors like the strength of the bond, length of cohabitation, age, and individual personality. Most dogs are resilient and able to adjust within a few weeks or months. Have patience, provide extra support, and allow enough time for your dog to transition to life without their canine friend.