The scenario: You finally made it to the beach. The suitcase is unpacked, the umbrella drink has arrived, and before you fully settle into vacation mode, you do what many pet parents do: You pull out your phone to FaceTime the friend, family member, or dogsitter who’s watching your dog back at home.
Your pup hears your voice, cocks his head, maybe even runs toward the front door. Those cute gestures likely feel reassuring for you.
But according to a veterinarian, that virtual screen-time reunion may not be as comforting for your dog as it is for you.
The advice comes as pet parents become increasingly anxious about leaving their furry family members behind. Google searches for “pet separation anxiety” have surged 482% in the United States over the past three months, according to data shared by pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters. The company also found that 61% of pet owners worry more about their pet’s well-being than they do about enjoying their own vacation, and nearly half (48%) say they’ve FaceTimed their pets while traveling.
Why FaceTiming Your Dog While on Vacation Can Backfire
If you’ve ever watched your dog frantically search the house after hearing your voice through a phone speaker, there’s a scientific reason behind that behavior.
Dogs don’t experience the world the way humans do, says veterinarian Dr. Alex Crow, known as “The Net Vet.” They rely heavily on scent, body language and physical presence. Hearing an owner’s voice without the accompanying smell or visual cues creates what he calls a “sensory mismatch.”
In other words, your dog recognizes your voice and expects you to appear.
“In the brain, this triggers a form of expectation without resolution,” Crow explains. “The dog recognizes the voice and anticipates reunion—but when that doesn’t happen, it leads to confusion or frustration.”
Instead of calming your pet, a video call can actually interrupt the progress they’ve made settling in with a pet sitter or family member.
What Your Dog May Do After Hearing Your Voice on FaceTime
Dogs may recognize your voice on a FaceTime call, but they don’t necessarily understand why they can hear you without being able to find you—a disconnect that can leave some pets looking confused.
That confusion often shows up in some telling behaviors, Crow says. Dogs may begin searching for their humans, running to the door, looking behind furniture, and also have an increased alertness — whining, barking, and also pacing more.
“It can effectively reset their separation response, reminding them their owner is absent and triggering renewed anxiety,” Crow says.
Cats? They’re Probably Unimpressed
If you’re calling your cat instead, the reaction (or lack of one!) may be entirely different.
“Cats rely more on scent and environmental familiarity than sound,” Crow says. “Screens don’t register as meaningful unless movement triggers their prey instinct. That’s why most cats ignore FaceTime calls altogether.”
So while your dog may be emotionally invested in your virtual appearance, your cat is more likely to glance at the screen before returning to an afternoon nap.
What to Do Instead of FaceTiming Your Dog
If checking in via video isn’t helping, what’s the better option?
Veterinarians say consistency matters far more than hearing your voice.
“The most important thing is a calm, predictable environment,” Crow says. “Experienced sitters provide continuity of care and a familiar routine, which is far more meaningful to a pet than a virtual interaction.”
That doesn’t mean you have to spend your vacation wondering how your dog is doing.
Instead of video chats, ask your sitter to send regular photo and video updates. Seeing your pup happily playing in the backyard or snoozing on the couch can provide reassurance for you without creating confusion for your dog.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com