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Here’s Why Saying Goodbye to Your Dog Will Help — Not Worsen — Their Anxiety

Inigo Del Castillo
Inigo Del Castillo
Inigo is a content writer at Apartment Therapy and previously for Lost At E Minor. A few years ago, he wrote an article about baby bats, which was so cute, Buzzfeed took a screenshot of the headline and cover image, then made a listicle about weird but adorable things. He…read more
published Dec 21, 2021
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cute small dog standing on two legs and looking away by the window searching or waiting for his owner. Pets indoors
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Every dog owner knows that leaving for work can be melodramatic, as dogs often cry and beg for their humans to stay. That’s why many people sneak off without saying goodbye to their pups, worried that the moment will only cause more stress. But according to science, not acknowledging your dog might do more harm than help.

A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior in 2018 says that gently petting your pup before departing for work can help ease their

The result revealed that petting led to calmer behaviors while the dogs waited for their humans’ return, as well as a lower heart rate after the reunion.

“This pilot study suggests that petting a dog before a brief separation from the owner may have a positive effect, making the dog calmer during the separation itself,” the paper reads, adding that further research hopes to determine if the gesture could also help those with severe separation anxiety.

So there you have it. Before departing home, don’t forget your wallet, phone, keys, and most importantly, don’t forget to hug, cuddle, belly-rub, and smooch your pooch.

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