As our closest animal companions, dogs are often regarded as more than pets—they are family.
Their deep emotional bonds with humans and other animals have long intrigued scientists and pet owners alike.
Recent scientific advancements have allowed researchers to explore the depths of canine emotions, shedding light on questions like:
Do dogs grieve the loss of a loved one? Do they miss their owners while they are away? Do they form deep attachments to other pets and humans?
While grief is often associated with the death of a loved one, the experience of missing someone—a more general feeling of longing due to absence—can also be a significant emotional response.
Dogs are known for their deep attachment to their human companions, raising the question of whether they miss their owners when they are away, such as at work or school.
A 2017 study by the University of Lincoln investigated the behavioral changes in dogs during their owner's absence. The researchers found that dogs often experienced anticipatory behaviors before their owners left, such as becoming more anxious or clingy.
When the owners returned, the dogs displayed signs of relief and excitement, further indicating that they had missed their humans during the separation.
Further evidence for this comes from a 2020 study by scientists from the Department of Animal Science at Azabu University in Japan, who investigated whether dogs miss their owners during short and long absences.
The researchers monitored 50 dogs, measuring their heart rate and behavior during periods when their owners were absent.
The results revealed that dogs experienced increased levels of stress during their owner’s absence, with heightened heart rates and more frequent pacing or vocalizations.
The study also highlighted that the longer the separation, the more intense the dog’s emotional response. When reunited with their owners, the dogs exhibited strong signs of affection, including tail........