Can dogs feel lonely if they are separated?

Question

I have two Pekingese dogs. One is a 5 year old male, and the other is a 3 year old female. They have been with eachother for 3 years, but now they are separated because the female is in another state with my sister. My male dog is now depressed and now he doesn't want to walk. Everytime I can my female dogs name, he starts wagging his tail and looking around. What should I do and is this common?

And I can't bring my female back to live with me. My two dogs will be able to see eachother during Christmas and other holidays.

Answer 1

Of course he's lonely.  Try and engage him.  Play with him and exercise him.  

Answer 2

it's actually a condition called "separation anxiety." leave a ton of toys out when you leave and even clothes he/she can lay on. Another GREAT tool is a "kong." you get it at the pet store and ask for that specifically. It's this plastic toy thing that's hollow and you put food,treats, peanut butter, etc. inside and they'll work on that thing most of the day trying to get the food out. They're inexpensive and totally worth it.

Answer 3

Yes, he's lonely. Talk to him mentally about it, and maybe he'll understand. If he doesn't, try again. If you can, I'd get a pet psychic to talk with him.  

Answer 4

Sure they can, it's just like humans....we can get lonely if we are alone. Also, that is normal. Nothing to worry about..

Answer 5

It's normal and he'll get over it.

Answer 6

of cousre they get lonely ...well it depends if the both dogs olike each other! dogs have feelings the same as humans so treat em good!

Answer 7

Aw, poor baby.

Put the dogs on speaker-phone so they can talk to each other.

Answer 8

Oh, the poor little guy!  Yes, it is common.  We're on our second round of dogs (the first three all died of old age).  When our first dog died, the other two were really depressed, but they had us and each other.  Then when the second dog died, our last little guy really had a hard time of it.  We tried to get a dog for him, but he was pretty old (14 1/2 years), and the younger dog was too rough for him, even though the younger one was about half his size.  He eventually got used to being an only dog, but it was hard on him.  Our two now are pretty young (age 4 and 6 years), but they look worried when they have to be separated (i.e., when one of them has to go to the vet for an overnight stay).  

Definitely spend more time with him and pamper him a bit more.  What are the chances of your getting a companion for him?  

Answer 9

Your dog might just want some social time with other dogs. Try taking him to a leash free park or to a dog owning friend's house.

Answer 10

Dogs are definately sensitive like that. They miss each other and get depressed when their 'friend' is gone. So it is definately normal. To help him get through it just carry on the normal routine. Try not to do things too different so the change isn't as big. Try and get him to play. Make him know for a fact that you and him are absolute best friends and he is the best dog in the world. Create that strong bond between just you and him. That should also help. Good luck!