Dogs can experience a range of emotions after a breakup, just like humans. While the depth of grief may vary from dog to dog, most dogs will go through an adjustment period after the loss of a family member or close companion animal.
Do dogs miss people after a breakup?
Yes, dogs definitely miss people after a breakup or separation. Dogs form strong attachments and bonds with their human and animal housemates. When a resident family member leaves or is no longer around, dogs will absolutely notice their absence.
Dogs may show signs of missing their companion such as:
- Looking for them around the house
- Waiting by the door
- Refusing to eat
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Excessive vocalizations like crying, whining, or howling
The extent to which a dog misses someone will depend on factors like:
- How strong their bond and attachment was
- How abruptly the separation occurred
- How long they lived together
- The dog’s inherent temperament
Puppies or dogs who have only known life with a single person or family may have more difficulty coping with the sudden absence than older dogs who have experienced previous homes.
How long do dogs grieve after a breakup?
There is no exact timeframe for how long dogs grieve after a breakup or loss. Grief is a highly individual experience based on the relationship and the personality involved. However, most dogs will show signs of emotional distress from the separation in the days and weeks following.
With time, support, and adjustments to routine, most dogs are resilient and can eventually recover from the loss. The grief process takes:
- 2-3 weeks for some dogs
- 1-2 months for most dogs
- 6 months or more for dogs strongly attached to their person or companion
Seeking veterinary guidance is recommended if a dog shows signs of persistent grief beyond 2 months. Prolonged depression, refusal to eat, anxiety, or other symptoms may require medical treatment.
How can I help my dog with a breakup?
There are several ways to help a dog cope with grief and adjust to life after a breakup:
- Maintain routines: Keeping consistent schedules for feeding, walking, playing, training, and sleeping helps provide stability.
- Increase exercise: More exercise and mental stimulation can relieve anxiety and improve mood.
- Use calming aids: Pheromone diffusers, calming treats, or anti-anxiety medications can soothe grief symptoms if needed.
- Be patient: Allow time for the dog to grieve in their own way. Don’t force them to “get over it”.
- Give affection: Comforting pets and massages helps reassure dogs they are not alone.
- Try doggy daycare: Time socializing with other dogs provides a healthy distraction.
- Ask your vet: Discuss ways to ease the transition or treat depression/anxiety if needed.
Remaining patient, keeping a consistent schedule, and providing extra love and attention helps most dogs adapt and recover after heartbreak.
Do dogs get sad when rehomed?
Yes, most dogs experience sadness and grief when rehomed away from their familiar people and environment. Dogs form emotional bonds and thrive on stability, routine, and being with their people. Disrupting this secure situation through rehoming often results in sadness, confusion, anxiety, and depression in dogs.
Signs that a rehomed dog is grieving the loss include:
- Decreased appetite
- Increased vocalization like whining or howling
- Being withdrawn or aloof
- Excessive licking or self-soothing behaviors
- Seeking out hiding spots
- Loss of interest in walks, play, or treats
The intensity and timeframe for a dog’s sadness varies based on their inherent personality, the length of time in the previous home, the way the rehoming is handled, and their ability to bond with the new family.
How long does it take a dog to adjust to a new home?
Most dogs take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to adjust to a new home situation and family. However, the adjustment timeline truly depends on the individual dog and circumstances.
Factors that influence how long it takes a dog to adjust include:
- Their age
- Prior living situation
- How different the new home is from the previous one
- Their inherent temperament
- The presence of other pets
- Their bond with previous owner
- How gradually the move occurred
- How warmly they are welcomed into the new family
Creating structure through consistent routines, giving affection, and being patient helps dogs adapt faster. Working closely with the previous owner for a gradual transition or hiring a trainer can also smooth the adjustment period when bringing home a new dog.
Signs my dog is adjusting to new home
Indicators that a dog is beginning to adjust to their new home include:
- Increasing interest in food and treats
- Wagging tail and greeting family members
- Engaging in play
- Relaxed body language
- Not panicking when left alone
- Sleeping comfortably through the night
- Learning the household routine
- Not having accidents
- Comfortably exploring environment
As a dog builds confidence and starts forming attachments in their new home, they will show less anxiety, less vocalizing/pacing, more sociability, curiosity, and relaxed contentment.
Tips for helping a dog adjust to a new home
Here are some top tips for easing a dog’s transition into a new home:
- Keep initial introductions gradual and calm
- Establish a predictable daily routine right away
- Allow exploratory walks around the home and yard
- Provide engaging toys & chews for entertainment
- Set up a comfy, designated sleeping area
- Give praise and tasty treats for good behavior
- Practice basic training commands
- Limit guests initially to reduce overwhelm
- Be patient – adjust and bond at their pace
- Consult a trainer if severe anxiety persists
With time, patience and TLC from their new family, most dogs are able to form strong new bonds and feel right at home again.
Conclusion
Dogs can definitely experience grief, sadness, and emotional distress after a major life change like a breakup or rehoming. But dogs are also generally resilient animals. With the support of caring humans, a predictable routine, patience, and adjustments over time, most dogs can recover and learn to bond with a new family or living situation.
Providing stability with schedule, training, exercise and affection can help ease any dog through a challenging transition. Staying in tune with your dog’s unique personality and giving them space to grieve in their own way allows them to come out the other side, ready to give and receive love once again.