Dogs

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Could video chatting with my dog help with separation anxiety if I need to be away from home for a while? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

14 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I tried to research this but couldn't find much information. I have a one year old Bichon Frise who is extremely attached to me and my family, and she has pretty bad separation anxiety (technically a pandemic puppy). Usually, at least one of us is home 24/7 thanks to remote work so that's what she's used to.

However, if we have to go away for multiple days, I suspect she won't like that. We usually drop her off at our relative's house who can dogsit, since they have elderly grandparents who are happy to also stay home with the dog at all times. The longest we've dropped her off for so far is overnight, about 24 hours, but we need to go away for over a week soon.

I'm wondering, would video chatting with her help with separation anxiety? I'm thinking we can arrange to put on a video call with us every evening, just so she can see us and hear us for a bit. Has anyone tried this? Do you think it helped your dog? Anyone know any reputable sources talking about this?

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I can imagine it confusing your dog more. Why can I hear and see the human but not smell or touch them???

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

To take care of the scent aspect, you should always leave several used and unwashed laundry items around the place, anything that has made direct contact with your skin for hours.

Bedsheets sounds like a good idea, too; sleep in them for a few days and then leave them where your dog (or cat) spends most time.

Here's an idea for added concentration: mash both concepts together, put some used t-shirts under the bedsheets for a few days and nights, sleep with them under the covers, before placing them lying around the place.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's a good point. Didn't think of that, thanks!

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

I will say it depends though. My dog is cool when my cousins video call over - he pays attention and looks at the screen. Or if I’m overseas but coaling home. But he has never had separation anxiety.

I believe one of the tried and true methods is to give your dog a piece of your worn clothing to cuddle with. Or crate train.