05/29/2026
If you suspect your dog is feeling neglected or understimulated, it’s worth taking seriously. But try to fact-check your suspicions. Dr. Ori Stollar, a veterinarian and behavior specialist with Massachusetts Veterinary Behavior Service, has been approached by many clients who assumed their dog had separation anxiety because they heard them barking whenever they left home and returned. “Then, they took my advice and recorded the dog alone and found out that once they were gone, the dog spent most of the time sleeping,” he says, “which is normal.”
So, how can you tell if your dog is actually lonely? Read on for expert advice.
If you suspect your dog is feeling neglected or understimulated, look out for these signs. Veterinarians explain how to tell when our dogs are lonely.