You love your dog. You spend as much time as possible with it. But you have work, school, errands, and a busy social life andFido can’t accompany you to most of these activities. They are forced to stay home alone, waiting patiently (or impatiently) for you to come back to it.
Some dogs do well with being alone. You can leave a white noise machine, water, food, and a handy family photo close by, and they may seem perfectly content. Others may get into mischief, and you’ll return to a hurricane house.
Regardless of how well your dog fares alone, one thing is for certain: they get lonely too! Here’s what you can do about it.
Does My Dog Really Get Lonely?
People are social animals, and so are dogs. Even if your dog seems to do well staying alone and is perfectly behaved, that doesn’t mean they are happy. Just like people, dogs can get depressed and suffer health issues if they have to spend too much time alone.
Some indicators that your dog prefers company:
Your dog is joyful when you return: Does your dog seem overjoyed when you come home? If they’re happy to have you there, they can’t be too pleased when you’re gone.
Your dog stays by your side when you’re home: Is Fido a velcro dog when you’re home? That’s a clear indicator that they prefer someone nearby.
Your dog does better with a TV or other nearby noise: If it stays near the area where the noise is, that means it likes feeling less alone.
Your dog gets in trouble when you’re gone: If you come back to a destroyed house, that’s the biggest indicator that your dog needs a companion!
Your dog acts depressed, lethargic, or moody when staying alone: You can determine this by having a doggie cam set up, or by noting how much food has been eaten or toys played with when returning home.
Even without these obvious signs, your dog may still be happier with a friend nearby. But what kind of friend should you get?
The Best Doggie Companions
If you’ve decided to get your dog a companion, how do you choose which one is best? The first thought might be another dog, but that’s not always practical, or affordable. Here are some ideas for doggie companions, along with the pros and cons:
Another Dog
A second dog is a logical choice. Most dogs love to play together, and whether you get a different breed or the same, they’ll still be more compatible than other animals.
Pros
- Two dogs can enjoy the same doggies games together, especially if they’re both healthy and around the same age.
- Adding a puppy into the family can give your dog new energy and a sense of responsibility.
- You just double the same care routine, food, treats, etc.
- Even the training process can stay the same. You’re already used to one dog, after all, so adding another won’t be a large change.
Cons
- Jealousy may abound with multiple dogs. Unless you let your dog raise their own puppy, your old dog may get jealous of the new dog.
- Your space may be too small to accommodate two dogs, since you’ll need twice the room.
- Your expenses will double.
Cats
Believe it or not, cats and dogs really can mix well together. As long as you carefully monitor the introductory phase, there’s no reason your dog won’t grow to love a cat.
Pros
Cats need less room, and are often less of an expense than adding another dog. Cats often require less work than a dog, and are more independent. They can be quite affectionate, and love to sleep beside other animals, so your dog will have company during his naps.
Cons
Cats are different animals with different needs and behaviors. One main difference is you’ll have to clean a litter box daily when owning a cat. You’ll also have to get different food, toys, and treats. And if your dog gets to accompany you to places, your cat might get jealous or lonely.
Bearded Dragons
Bearded Dragons are actually quite sociable. They are like miniature cats. And they can be familiarized with other animals and grow comfortable around them.
Pros
Bearded Dragons love to cuddle. They seek out warm spots, curl up, and doze away. Once they grow familiar with people or other animals, napping together is a must (as long as the other animal isn’t big enough to squash the beardie). And when your beardie needs to bask, your doggie can sit by his reptarium if he’s lonely.
Bearded dragons are extremely interested in things as well, and can even play with toys. Though it will be a different type of interaction than that of two dogs or a dog and cat, it is a cute one. And the day-to-day upkeep is less expensive for bearded dragons than for another dog or cat.
Cons
The set-up cost can be expensive with bearded dragons. And as a smaller, different animal, the beardie may not get to spend as much time around your dog. Beardies need to stay in their enclosures a great deal of time with their heat lamps, so your dog will still spend time alone.
Ferrets
Ferrets have an enormous amount of energy. If your dog likes to play a lot, a ferret will keep him occupied enough for the both of you.
Pros
Ferrets love to play, and once they’re friends, your dog will really enjoy his new companion. Ferrets are smaller animals, require less room, and are less of an expense. And since they are extremely social animals, your dog will never lack companionship.
See also
Cons
Your ferret may need to spend some time in his cage, and house-training is an entirely different story. Also, dogs in the wild would hunt ferrets, so make sure your doggie is friends with the ferret before leaving them alone. Ferrets also have sharp teeth and might hurt your dog pal.
Rabbits
Rabbits are naturally cuddly and adorable. So why not consider them when thinking of a doggie companion? They love attention and snuggles, and they can play hoppy games as well.
Pros
Rabbits can cuddle with everything, including your dog. As long as they’re definite friends, nap-time can be cuddle time, and your doggie will be quite content. Rabbits can play some animal games as well, though play should be carefully supervised until ensuring Fido isn’t too rough. And the expense of rabbit upkeep is less than larger animals.
Cons
Rabbits have no defense, and Fido can easily overpower them. Shared time needs to be carefully monitored, especially when playing together. Only if certain Fido knows to be gentle can you leave them alone together, and it’s not recommended. It may be an additional stress to worry about the rabbit when you’re away from home.
Farm Animals
Farm Animals of all kinds can provide great companionship for dogs. From goats to horses, amazing friendships have been discovered between doggies and farm animals.
Pros
If you live in a rural area and have the space, goats, horses, donkeys, or even chickens can all make good friends for your dog. If you already have any of these animals, you don’t even have to plan for them. Companionship is at the ready for your lonely-feeling dog even without forming friendships.
Cons
If you’re not already set up for farm or ranch animals, the expense can be off-setting. The routine care is different. And unlike animals put together inside a house, you can’t force a friendship between outside animals. Your doggie will either make his own friends or he won’t.
Final Thoughts
When introducing any other animal or person into the household, it requires patience and dedication. With all the above-listed animals, be sure to closely monitor new introductions. It’s possible that your doggie may not be compatible with the new animal, even if it’s another dog. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and smooth introduction and integration:
Remember to exercise safety first. You would feel horrible if your dog hurt the new animal, and vice versa.
Introduce the animals from separated spaces at first, across from a baby gate or through closed doors.
- Gradually allow them to get to know each other at closer distances.
- Keep your dog on a leash until you know how the up-close interaction will go.
- Have patience. Your dog may not like your new family member at first, but they may become best friends later. Sometimes it takes a little time to warm up to someone new.
After all your hard work, relax knowing none of your family has to sit at home alone. And you have a new little furry (or scaly) kid to love!
