Now that COVID restrictions have been either eased or lifted in most parts of the U.S., people are getting out of their houses to celebrate their freedom.
Some of us are going out to dine, dance, meet with friends, and enjoy some of our favorite pre-quarantine activities.
While some will be returning back to the office for their old jobs, about 68 percent of workers are looking to split their time between working in an office and a remote location, like home.
One in four people aren’t interested in going back to their old jobs at all and are looking for better or different job opportunities when they return to the workforce on account of new skills they acquired during quarantine.
Either way, all the pets that everyone adopted during quarantine are going to have to get used to their owners not being home all the time.
This might cause some separation anxiety in dogs that have been by their humans’ side 24-7 for the last year.
Dogs that experience separation anxiety can become distressed when left alone. This can include destructive chewing; howling, barking, and whining; digging and scratching at doors to try to get to their owners who left the house; and, finally, peeing and pooping in the house where they aren’t supposed to.
“It’s not fully understood why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others don’t. But remember, your dog’s behaviors are part of a panic response. Your dog isn’t trying to punish you! They just want you to come home!” The Humane Society of the United States’ website reads.
Separation anxiety can occur the first time your pet is left alone, when they are left alone after having constant human contact, if they are suffering a traumatic event (like being at a shelter or kennel), or have a change in their routine or the family’s structure (like the loss of a family member or pet).
The good news is that there are ways to help your pet be calmer when you aren’t at home.
First, it’s best not to make a big to-do when it comes to arriving and leaving your home.
This will help them to be more comfortable with the process and not think much of it.
You can also leave some clothing with your dog that smells like you to calm them.
Establishing a word or action with your dog that tells them you’ll be back when you leave can also help them to feel safe.
There are also supplements that help dogs to calm down, like calming chews, that are available with and without prescriptions.
You can also buy them some “busy toys” to distract them while you’re gone.
If your dog’s anxiety is a little more severe, try keeping them in a safe place where they can’t cause too much destruction when you’re out, like a small room with a window and toys.
If that doesn’t work, you might have to consider doggie daycare or a dog sitter.
If you can take your dog to work with you, that might be even better for you and the dog.
The Humane Society warns that punishment won’t be effective and can actually make the situation worse.
Check out the video below for more tips on how to treat separation anxiety in your pets.
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