Typically, your dog will go through a grieving period that can last anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks, depending on how long you are away.
Don't worry about your dog while you're away.
Dogs don't have the same concept of time as humans. Whether you're gone for an hour or a week, your pup will greet you enthusiastically when you return. To them, it's not so much that you're leaving — it's that you're coming back. What is this?
How abandonment impacts individual pets Humans often do not realize that animals, especially domesticated dogs, cats and other small animals, can feel a host of emotions similar to those experienced by people. Fear, pain, abandonment and longing are all things which pets are capable of experiencing.
Owners often wonder if dogs have a sense of time passing and if our dogs miss us when we are gone. Well, the answer to that is a definite yes. When dogs in one study were left home alone for varying periods of time, they responded with differing levels of enthusiasm on their owner's return.
Pets should never be left alone for extended periods of time, particularly social animals like dogs. There are many different options to make sure that your pet is safe when you are out of town on vacation. The best choice will depend on the needs of your pet.
Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for 4-6 hours a day. But, many dogs are good at adapting to being alone for 8-9 hours while you are at work if they are provided with enough space to comfortably move around.
While your dog will remember you leaving the house, they most likely won't understand how long you were away. When dogs are left alone, sometimes they become stressed (stemming from their separation anxiety), indicating that they have an awareness of the passage of time.
Studies show that dogs form positive associations with their favorite people, and they don't like being separated from you for long. Dogs can handle alone time, but they do miss you when you're gone.
For most dogs in a comfortable and secure environment, the bond with you is still there if you are gone, and the connection you share is as strong as ever. It's just that you are not at the forefront of their thoughts if you are not present. So, your dog simply gets on with whatever they are doing at that moment.
If you are going out of town on vacation it is understandably a little nerve wracking worrying that your dog will think he's been abandoned. And for a pet who has separation anxiety this can be extra concerning. Dogs are social animals and having their person leave them will certainly have an effect on them initially.
Ask your vet for advice. If your pet hasn't previously travelled, or their rabies vaccination is out of date, you'll need to visit your vet at least 21 days before travel. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to get the rabies vaccination. After the rabies vaccination, you cannot travel for 21 days.
After a holiday, your dog may suffer from return stress. The main reason for this is that dogs spend more time with their parents during the holidays than he generally does. Once he has returned to his normal routine, however, he has to stay alone for long hours, which can lead to a kind of separation anxiety.
Some dogs start to react negatively after two weeks, others can stay for months and not be fazed,” says Dr. Wooten. In most cases, anything beyond four weeks is considered too long—and many kennels have their own limits.
Why can a healthy domestic dog, cat, or ferret be held for ten days? Studies have shown that dogs, cats, and ferrets only shed the rabies virus in their saliva for a short period of time (usually 4 to 5 days) before they develop symptoms.
If you must head out sans dog, the general consensus is not to leave your dog alone for more than four hours. This time varies depending on your dog's age, health, behavior and temperament. A puppy who still needs to be potty trained and a senior dog who snoozes most of the afternoon require very different schedules.
If they miss you more than they can bear, your pooch will offer you a few telltale signs. Chewing on your possessions, crying when you leave, and staring at the door after you've gone are all key indicators.
There are some tell-tale signs. Dogs often engage in destructive behavior when feeling neglected, like excessive digging, chewing and scratching. Another way they might express their feelings of frustration are through barking and howling fits, particularly at night.
Dogs can basically smell time.
She says, “It might be that the odors that we leave around the house when we leave lessen in a consistent amount each day.” Basically, your smarty dog's amazing nose knows that over the hours you are gone, your home begins to smell less of you.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
As a general rule of thumb, adult dogs can be left alone for up to 6 hours a day. However, the amount of time a dog can spend safely alone will vary from dog to dog, as even the most laid-back dogs may become distressed when you leave them on their own for long periods of time.
Dogs are sociable animals and love company, but although it is good practice that they learn to be home alone for a period of time, it is not advisable to leave them alone for very long periods, like overnight. Many dogs feel worried when they are left on their own, especially if they have been used to having company.
If your dog does not appear to get upset after you have left, then you can continue to say goodbye to them when you leave. If you have determined that your dog does get upset in your absence, it is best to seek professional help right away.