What loneliness looks like in dogs, according to a canine specialist

Loneliness doesn’t just haunt people—it creeps into the quiet corners of a dog’s life too. Behind the wagging tails and eager greetings, many dogs spend long hours waiting, wondering, and aching for connection.

We call them “man’s best friend,” yet too often they’re left navigating long days in empty rooms, filling the silence with hope that someone will come home soon.

Canada-based Sylvie Savage, a human‑canine relationship specialist, told Newsweek: “A lonely dog isn’t necessarily just lacking company. They may be lacking a sense of connection or safety within the relationship with their human parents.”

Savage, the founder of Empawerment Academy, which helps people become more conscious dog parents, outlined several signs that may indicate a dog is experiencing loneliness.

A stock image of a tired Labrador retriever dog resting on a sofa in a house.

Six Signs Your Dog May Be Lonely

Withdrawn energy — a noticeable drop in enthusiasm or engagement.
Contracted body posture — the body may appear pulled inward.
Brows down and slightly bulging — a subtle but telling stress marker.
Eyes glazed or looking downward — reduced focus or emotional flatness.
Slower movements — a general lack of vitality.
Reduced interest in the world — less curiosity, exploration, or play.

Savage, and author of Unleash: How to Evolve from Dog Training to Dog Parenting, explained that a calm and content dog typically shows relaxed body language and brows, and that the distinction between lonely and content becomes clearer over time.

Why a Second Dog Isn’t a Quick Fix

While many owners assume the solution to loneliness is simply adding another pet, experts warn against rushing into it.

Chris Loverseed, founder and head trainer at Positive K9 Training, told Newsweek: “Never get another dog just because you think your dog is lonely.”

Loverseed based in Victoria, Australia, said loneliness in dogs is often tied to “separation‑related behavior.”

Data from 43,517 dogs in the Dog Aging Project shows that over 99 percent of U.S. dogs were reported to have moderate to severe behavior issues, underscoring how widespread these challenges are.

Separation‑related and attachment behaviors received the highest number of moderate‑to‑severe ratings, making them the most commonly reported problem category.

Loverseed says dogs struggling with separation anxiety may howl, pace, or become destructive, but these behaviors aren’t necessarily a plea for a companion.

“It can be a dog not coping with the human leaving,” he said.

He advises owners to film their dog when the house is empty to understand what’s really happening. If the dog is panicking, that issue needs to be addressed before considering a second pet.

A stock image of a Boston terrier dog standing looking out of a window.

The Rising Cost of Dog Ownership

Even if a second dog seems emotionally appealing, the financial reality is becoming harder to ignore. The cost of owning a dog is climbing far faster than the 2.8 percent cost‑of‑living adjustment seen in 2026, and inflation is hitting pet parents where it hurts.

Veterinary care—already one of the fastest‑rising household expenses—is projected to push overall dog‑related costs up by as much as 15 percent this year, driven by higher service fees and tariff‑inflated prices on essentials like food, medication, and gear.

A Rover survey of 1,000 owners found that 83 percent have noticed rising pet expenses over the past year, with more than a third reporting a significant jump.

Lifetime care now ranges from roughly $19,840 for a small dog to nearly $58,875 for a large breed, a gap shaped by size, health needs, and long‑term medical care. As inflation continues to squeeze households, the price of companionship should be considered before taking on another pet.

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