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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 HiddenLayer5@lemmy.ml to c/dogs@lemmy.world
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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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[-] the_itsb@midwest.social 9 points 1 year ago

Have you tried doing a video call with the dog to see how she reacts?

My husband had to be away from home for a month a couple years ago, and our dogs (and I!!) missed him terribly. When we would video chat, one of the dogs loved it, he recognized my husband on the screen and was so happy to hear and see him! The other dog did not understand what was happening and was kinda bummed to hear him but not see or smell him.

If your dog watches TV and does other things to indicate she sees what's on the screen, knows it's not in the room, and isn't bothered by that, I think it's worth a try!

[-] HiddenLayer5@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 year ago

I should try that definitely. Thanks!

this post was submitted on 10 Aug 2023
27 points (93.5% liked)

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