Do dogs think youre dead when you leave

We all miss our dogs when we need to leave them. Whether we’re taking a holiday, heading to work, or painting the town red, it’s never easy to farewell our pooches. However, do they feel the same way? Does their delicious dog food not taste quite as good when we’re not around? Sure, most pups will look heart-broken when we leave, and act like they’ve won an Oscar when we return. This is all well and good – but do they think about us when we’re not there with them? In fact, do they even perceive time as we do? Well, science has an answer, so to quote Jesse Pinkman, “Yeah, science!” 

Read on to learn whether your dog misses you, and what you can do about it!

“I’ve been chewing on this bone, playing ‘fetch’ all on my own, Lord I miss you.” – The Rolling Stones (on behalf of dogs everywhere)

What does the research tell me? 

A study published in Psychology Today revealed that dogs miss us more acutely when we’ve been away for longer stretches. The study, which compiled fMRI data on different dogs, found that canines have some grasp of time. According to the research, pooches greeted their Owners with more gusto after two hours than 30 minutes. However, when researchers measured the dogs after four hours, they found no difference. During these stints of separation, they also displayed negative emotions via their fMRI data.

In other words, dogs can start missing their Owners from the moment they part ways. After that, keep missing them more and more for up to two hours. Beyond the two hour mark, they begin a plateau of melancholy until they see their Owner again. 

“Okay, fine,” I hear you say, “but do our dogs miss us, or do they just miss people in general?” 

Science has an answer for that too. Another study provided dogs with three different scents: their Owner’s, someone familiar to them, and a stranger’s. In each case, the dog reacted the most positively to their Owner’s scent. Moreover, each pooch was willing to wait by the door when they could no longer detect their Owner’s scent. The same wasn’t true of the other two scents. Unsurprisingly, though, the pups showed more interest in the scent of the familiar person than the stranger.

What are the warning signs that my dog(s) miss me?

Of course, research or no, all dogs are unique. While all may miss their Owners, some will cope better than others with the separation. The question is: which kind is your dog? 

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. They’ll also make a really big deal of you returning home; they may lean on your leg, or they might whizz around the house in glee.

So…what can I do about it?

Insights like this can often feel like they’re creating problems instead of solutions. None of us want our dogs to be miserable, but we can’t be with them all the time. Maybe your workplace isn’t dog-friendly. Perhaps you’re visiting a friend or relative who doesn’t like dogs (believe it or not, these people exist). Whatever the reason, you’ll want to ensure your dog isn’t too forlorn in your absence. 

As the above study highlights, dogs prefer to be with their Owners – but they still feel warmly towards familiar people. The solution? By leaving your furry friend with someone familiar, you’ll offer them a balm that will soothe your absence. If you can’t find a relative or neighbour to fill this role, consider choosing a Pet Sitter to be your dog’s “regular”. After a few visits, your pup will come to recognise your Sitter. They’ll never replace you, but they will ease the burden for your pup1

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What you observe is a clear indicator about what your dog is feeling.

Any pet lover will tell you: it's excruciating to watch your adorable furball friends suffer, especially when they might be ready to cross the rainbow bridge. But do dogs know they're going to die? This is an existential question we struggle with as humans, too, and we don't have all the answers for ourselves, much less our canine buddies.

Still, there are clues to what dogs might be aware of and, more importantly, what we need to notice in the layers of their whole being to understand how we can help if they're close to passing away. 

Do Dogs Know When They're Going to Die?

We might think we know what's going on in a dog's mind simply because of the way they return our affection—or slather us with theirs! Scientists continue to be fascinated by the possibilities to enhance our relationship with our canine companions, and there's interesting research on the subject.

For example, in a detailed article for the Dana Foundation, neuroscientist Gregory Berns, author of What It's Like to Be a Dog, pointed out that while some dogs are more eager to play fetch, others are not. Does that mean they don't understand the cue—or understand but just don't want to play? Berns writes, "It's all too tempting to project a human explanation onto the dog, to anthropomorphize. We must be careful in generalizing about dog findings, as there is no such thing as a generic dog. Just like there isn't a generic human." Since dogs can't speak, Berns says, their behavior tells us a lot about what they're feeling. 

Haylee Bergeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, RBT, is the founder and executive director of the Iowa Human-Animal Bond Society and Daily Paws' health and behavior expert. She says it's tough to know how much a dog understands or is feeling near the end of their life, but some behaviors might be more apparent. "Many dogs appear to be more 'clingy' or attached, following you around consistently and remaining close," Bergeland says. "Other dogs seem to distance themselves and want to be alone more than they normally would." 

She's also noticed some dogs whining and barking more, along with moments of almost hyperactivity, "then suddenly becoming quiet and still—as if they have a desire to expend some energy, have a bit more fun, but just can't quite do it."

Other researchers and veterinarians rely on "citizen science", which is a collaborative effort between the general public and professional scientists to study the natural world, to determine how dogs know they're dying. Naturally, as in-tuned as we are to our pups' needs, this leads us to believe they comprehend what's happening to them. 

Bigandt_Photography / Getty

What Do Dogs Do When They Know They're Dying?

Your observations of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms are integral to making your furry best friend's final days or weeks as stress-free as possible. Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, CPDT-KA is a veterinary behaviorist at Behavior Solutions and a member of the Daily Paws Advisory Board. She says pay attention to these signals:

• Decreased interest in play or social interactions
• Loss of learned behaviors
• Lack of interest in previous activities they once enjoyed
• Poor appetite
• House soiling 
• Changes in sleep/wake cycle
• Nighttime restlessness
• Increased time remaining stationary
• Additional signs of discomfort, such as crying, panting, and pacing

Bergeland adds that if a dog is experiencing significant physical changes, he probably won't understand what's happening and become more stressed, anxious, or fearful. "As their guardian and family member, we should be prepared to provide them comfort and support and do whatever we can to help them feel safe."

Do dogs wander off to die? Not as a general rule, but don't be surprised if your dog isn't as receptive during this time—it's nothing personal. "If your dog wants to be left alone, if they don't want to be touched, go for walks or play, respect that. Make sure everyone in your household does the same," Bergeland says. "Instead of cuddling or lots of pets or play sessions, you can show you're still there and support them by giving them treats, talking to them softly (even from across the room), praising them, offering comfortable spots to nap in the house, and keeping the house quiet." Something as simple as your proximity and reassuring voice are also comforting.

Most of all, be empathetic. "Understand that when dogs are nearing end of life, their behaviors and personality may change. Be prepared for this," she says. "Now is not the time to get upset about accidents in the house or not wanting to go for walks or whatever. Be there for them." 

Depending on your dog's symptoms, you might have to think of different means of palliative care, which helps relieve pain without dealing with his underlying condition. "Things owners can do to make a pet more comfortable include accommodations for physical limitations such as ramps, providing soft bedding as a cushion, pee pads if needed, massage, warm compresses, and feeding savory/tasty food," Sinn says. "Anything that helps mitigate the dog's current limitations and discomfort. Certainly appropriate pain medication under the guidance of a veterinarian would also be indicated."

RELATED: Family Rescues Sick Dog and Helps Him Live Out a Bucket List

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge Together

At what point do you have a serious conversation about your dog's current state of being? Sinn suggests an assessment, known as the HHHHHMM Scale.

According to Merck Vet Manual, this scale refers to:

• Hurt - Is your pet's pain controlled?
• Hunger - Can your pet still eat?
• Hydration - Can your pet still drink enough water?
• Hygiene - Can your pet be kept clean?
• Happiness - Is your pet able to enjoy activities and/or mental stimulation?
• Mobility - Can your pet move around on his own?
• More good days than bad

"Reviewing one of these scales as a family and with your veterinarian will help in having a meaningful conversation about appropriate next steps," she says. "While it's hard to let go, holding on too long isn't something we want to subject them to either. Using assessment scales help to track the pet's status and inform us when things become too difficult for them." Ultimately, she adds, it's our responsibility as their caregivers and guardians to make sure they have a good quality of life for as long as practical and, if no longer comfortable, consider euthanasia. 

Without question, your grief is a factor in this transition as well. And you know what? That's okay. You don't have to worry about upsetting your dog more by showing what a joy he's been in your life. "If you feel like crying while you're comforting your canine best friend, then cry," Bergeland says. "You love them and they love you."