By Monica Limanto, CEO and co-founder of Petsy.
While most of us look forward to life going back to normal, there’s one group that might not be so happy to do so. For the last few months, our pets have been spoiled with constant attention and company, and for young puppies and kittens adopted during this time, this level of attention is all they have ever known. Life post-pandemic is going to be a big adjustment for our furry friends and this transition period may trigger a condition known as separation anxiety as they receive significantly less daily human contact as we move out of lockdown.
Separation anxiety is a condition that can be experienced by both dogs and cats, but it is often much more obvious in dogs. It can manifest in unruly behaviour such as barking, whining, destroying household items, or digging. So what can you do now to prepare them for post-pandemic reality and make the transition easier on them?
Right now, being home 24/7 has created an unrealistic lifestyle for your pet. The key is to slowly change parts of what you are doing now, so that when you eventually go back to work, it isn’t an abrupt change from one extreme to another. While this doesn’t mean completely pulling back on quality time with your pet while working from home, it does mean you should start preparing them for reality post-pandemic sooner rather than later.
- Build up their tolerance for alone time
Establish set times during the day where they spend time away from you, whether that’s outside or in another room in the house. As you get closer to going back to your pre-pandemic work routine, gradually increase the time your pet is left alone. This will show your pet that being alone is not unpleasant or a way of abandoning them.
- Make their alone time positive
The best way to make your pet feel comfortable while alone is to make their alone time fun, by giving them something to look forward to. This could be their favourite toy or a long-lasting treat. When it’s time for them to be alone, give them the toy or treat and on your return, put it away.
- Exercise them before you leave
Taking your dog for a good long walk or spending a decent amount of time playing with them before you leave them is one of the best ways to decrease their susceptibility to separation anxiety. If they have been exercised, stimulated by outside surroundings and are ready for a nap when you go to leave, the likelihood of them being stressed by your absence will decrease.
- Don’t fuss when leaving and coming home
Owners can often unknowingly trigger separation anxiety by making a big fuss when they leave the house or come home, so start treating your pet in a neutral way during these times. Giving them a grand greeting and constantly ‘apologising’ when you’re about to leave can be confusing and upsetting to them.
- Create soothing playlists
Turning on some relaxing music or some form of ‘white noise’ can help relieve stress in dogs. Put on a calming playlist for them at a low volume to help relieve the silence in the house left behind without you at home. Find some great playlists here and here on Spotify.
- Utilise anti-anxiety tools
If your pet is still struggling to be alone, try calming them with toys and accessories made specifically for relieving anxiety such as LickiMats, which challenge your pet to lick in order to get the reward that has been spread onto the mat. The licking action produces endorphins that soothe and calm them. Alternatively, try a calming vest for your dog, as these provide constant, gentle pressure to their bodies, thus producing a calming effect.
