Does Getting Another Dog Help with Separation Anxiety?

No, a second dog does not help will separation anxiety.

It may make your canine feel less isolated, but if your pet is getting anxious with your absence, then the second dog won’t make any difference.

In some cases, adding a second canine might complicate the situation.

A Second Dog is Not a Cure for Separation Anxiety

Your canine is exhibiting separation anxiety symptoms such as growling, wailing, toileting, agitation, or even violence.

You admire your pet, and it’s distressing to see that he is feeling lots of pain.

You are anxious to assist him! You realize his fear stems from his loneliness, so you start wondering, “Should I get him another dog to help him out?” ^{[1] [2]}

The idea of having a second canine to deal with your pet’s separation anxiety actually makes sense.

When you go outside, a second canine would keep your pet engaged and relieve all of the unwanted pain and nervousness.

Sadly, it isn’t that simple.

According to research, pets are more attached to their owners than other canines.

Two canines might play around each other, but it is you they would go to for love and comfort, as well as if they are afraid or scared.

An additional canine can sometimes be beneficial, but having a second pet is not always the right approach.

In addition, there are many folks who own two canines, but just one of them suffers from separation anxiety. ^{[3] [4]}

You should also consider what else could occur if one canine goes out for a few days from the family, for example, for a veterinary appointment, or had died unexpectedly – how will your canine suffering from separation anxiety react?

If you decide to purchase a second canine because your current pet is having separation anxiety, many situations may arise:

• Whenever you go to work, your canine would still experience separation anxiety.
• Your canine might show your new canine that separation anxiety is “natural” whenever you walk out of the house, resulting in two pets suffering from separation anxiety.
• The challenge is that having a second canine does not ensure that your current pet would be less worried while you are not at home. It is quite a rare possibility if a new companion helps for real.

Canines who suffer from separation anxiety feel scared whenever their person walks away, irrespective of the number of animals they are surrounded by.

Other animals may provide some relief to your worried pet, but it won’t stop them from feeling anxious.

Sad to say, the straightforward answer to “does a second dog help with separation anxiety?” is always no. ^[6]

Dogs Learn Behavior

Canines learn very quickly, and one might learn from another dog that being anxious is not a big deal. 

It is particularly noteworthy if another pet is still a puppy.

When a canine is small, it is still in its developmental stages, and it acquires personality from every human and canine it encounters.

Adding a second canine to help a nervous pet is a risky approach that should be carefully considered.

Sadly, anxiety is far more likely to pass from one canine to another, and it could affect the confidence level of any canine.

There’s also no confirmation that both canines would get along or even become buddies.

Many things arise when two or more canines in the same family argue over a number of factors, owners have no other choice to rehome one of their pets. ^[7]

Separation Anxiety: Getting a Second Dog?

Having another canine is a wonderful idea, but ensure you are doing it for yourself.

The second dog is not a caretaker for your existing canine.

It would also require the same amount of attention and love from you as it is necessary for the first pet.

The second dog might also get jealous if you do not treat both dogs equally.

If your canine has separation anxiety, you must solve the issue before adding a second canine to your household. ^[9]

What to Consider Before Getting a Second Dog

Despite giving your existing canine company, please note that having a second canine comes with many commitments and duties.

It isn’t a commitment to be taken lightly.

If you add a second canine to your household, you’re committing to a 10-year loyalty that includes approximately twice vet costs, two times walking, additional training, more food, and double maintenance.

Adopt a new canine for your own sake, not to solve issues you’re having with your present canine. ^[10]

If you want to get another canine, make things easy on yourself and delay it for a while till your current pet overcomes the anxiety issue.

Don’t let the fear grow; managing one worried canine is much simpler than managing two.

Below are some factors to take into account if your canine has outgrown his anxiety problem and you are willing to get a second canine –

• What should be the ideal age for the second canine – keep in mind that puppies require lots of effort and care – parents of mature canines sometimes overlook how much love and energy a pup requires. ^[11]
• Is your present pet flexible and healthy enough to handle a joyful, active puppy?
• If you choose to adopt or rescue a canine, keep in mind that these canines might show up with psychological trauma that isn’t totally visible, but they might require mental assistance eventually. ^[12]
• If you decide to rescue, be prepared to consider about methods you’ll have to go through to train the canines to get along. Dogs suffering from anxiety issues usually struggle with adjustments or might react negatively if your focus is taken off from them. You’ll require time to guarantee that both canines adjust to living together peacefully.

Will getting another dog help with separation anxiety?

No, having a second canine won’t help your dog in overcoming separation anxiety.

It may provide some relief from loneliness, but other than that, it could make things even worse.

You should always get another pet for yourself and not to cure your pet’s anxiety.

The second dog might learn anxiety from the first dog, especially if it is a puppy.

Always make sure that your first pet is healthy and friendly before deciding to get a second one.