Veterinarian Says Video Calls Increase Dog Anxiety

Veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow of The Net Vet said video calls can create a sensory mismatch for dogs that recognize their owner's voice but cannot detect scent or physical presence. Crow stated that dogs link familiar voices to expected reunion. When that expectation is not met, some dogs show increased alertness, vocalization, or searching behavior.

U.S. owners video call their pets while away. The same survey reported that 61 percent of owners worry more about their pet's well-being than their own enjoyment during vacations. Google searches for "pet separation anxiety" rose 482 percent in the United States over the past three months, according to TrustedHousesitters.

Crow advised keeping calls calm and brief, avoiding excited greetings, and speaking only when the dog is already relaxed. He also recommended relying on photo or video updates from sitters instead of live calls. Crow said consistent routines maintained by a trusted sitter are usually more reassuring than frequent virtual contact.