For many dogs, the pandemic has been fabulous! You, their person has been with them ALL the time and that is just the BEST! Maybe they’ve had more time outside, more walks, just more attention. But, as restrictions ease and you return to work and resume a social life, your pup may not be thrilled.
Experts are anticipating that many dogs will suffer from separation anxiety as people return to pre-pandemic schedules. This means they may whine, bark, chew things, or exhibit other “bad” behaviors because they are scared and have forgotten or not learned how to spend time by themselves.
You can help prevent this and ease your furry friend into their new routine. Here are some tips:
- Be sure your dog has a safe place where only good things happen, like a crate or their bed. If your pet is NOT already crate or bed trained, now is a good time to start!
- If you have been home all day, every day, begin separating from your dog several times each day – send them to their “safe” place without you.
- Try to avoid creating “signals” that always mean you are leaving – vary the time of day you leave, vary which door you go out, what you do right before leaving.
- Downplay emotional “goodbyes” when you leave and “hellos” when you return. Stay calm and relaxed when leaving and when returning.
- Try to keep your dog’s routine as stable as possible – same feeding times, walking times, potty breaks etc.
- Invest in scented or interactive toys so your dog needs to “hunt” for treats throughout the day.
- And last but not least, be sure you still get your dog plenty of exercise and love!
For more info:
Dog Separation Anxiety After the COVID-19 Pandemic, Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, https://www.ovrs.com/blog/dog-separation-anxiety/
Dog Gone: How to Handle Your Pet’s Post-Covid Separation Anxiety, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/oct/18/dog-gone-how-to-handle-your-dogs-seperation-anxiety-when-you-return-to-the-office
Preventing Separation Distress During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic, VCA Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/preventing-separation-distress-during-and-after-the-covid-19-pandemic