Dogs have been our most loyal and devoted friends for thousands of years, and while they seem to excel at reading our emotions, it is much harder for us to understand how they are feeling.
Since they can’t communicate through words, it’s your duty as their owner to pay attention to their behavior and make sure you’re not accidentally breaking their heart by unknowingly doing things that can easily hurt their feelings.
Newsweek spoke to veterinarians to find out what seemingly innocent actions can leave your pup heartbroken.
Unpredictable Boundaries
Dr. Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, told Newsweek that animals love routine, and so varying rules from day to day might confuse them and influence their feeling of security.
“For instance, if they are accustomed to sleeping next to you on the couch or bed, then you rebuke them for sleeping on your bed or chair the following day, they may get confused, resulting in uncertainty and fear,” she said.
Neglect, Isolation and Being Ignored
Warner explains that isolating your pup for an extended duration could trigger separation anxiety and stress.
So if you need to leave town for a trip, she suggests leaving them at home with a family member or boarding them at a pet hotel, to make sure they are well cared for during your absence, and that they have enough social interaction.
Ignoring them can also break their heart. Body language is their favorite way of communicating, and ignoring their stress cues, like lip licking and avoidance, can make them feel like they are not important to you.
Physical Punishment
Punishing your dog physically will not teach them a lesson, it will only break their trust in you, and the only thing they will learn is to fear you. It will also harm them psychologically, which can result in aggressiveness, according to Warner.
Dog abuse can also result in criminal charges in most states. Depending on your location and the abuse the pup went through, hurting an animal can lead to felony or misdemeanor charges.
Misdemeanor charges, typically result in fines, probation, or community service. Fines range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.
Felony charges may lead to jail sentences of more than five years depending on the state laws and circumstances, and can also result in long-term restrictions on pet ownership.
Re-homing or Abandonment
According to Warner, abandoning your dog or giving them away to someone else not only breaks their heart, it can also trigger signs of depression for weeks or months after leaving them.
Forcing Them to Confront Things
Trying to force them outside or to play with other pets they are not familiar with, can also be detrimental. Introducing your pup to any new animals correctly and giving them time to get used to new places slowly helps maintain trust.
“Sensitivity to the emotional needs of dogs is crucial in establishing healthy human-dog relationships,” Warner said, “just like humans, dogs have their joys, fears, anxieties and attachments, and they need the love and patience of their owners.”
A file photo of a sad-looking dog lying on the bed, getting petted by its owner.
getty images
Lindsey Kaplan, associate veterinarian at Woof, told Newsweek that when a dog’s feelings are hurt or their trust is damaged, they may withdraw, avoid eye contact, whine, or even lose interest in food.
“They communicate through vocalizations, behaviors and body language, often displaying signs of distress such as ears pulled back, a tucked tail, or an overall subdued demeanor.”
However, our fluffy angels are also incredibly forgiving creatures, and rebuilding their trust can be as simple as offering gentle reassurance, spending quality time together, and engaging in their favorite activities.
“A walk, a favorite toy, a special treat, or just extra attention can go a long way.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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