Now that we have stayed home en masse during the pandemic, our four-legged friends have been given some extra time with their owners. As restrictions begin to ease, this change in the daily schedule can cause anxiety in pets, especially dogs. Here are some tips on preparing pets for life after quarantine.
The stay-at-home rules have been around long enough that your pet has become used to your company all the time. While we all love to return to our normal lives, there can be a downside:dogs can be anxious if you leave the house without them. They can express this fear by barking or by destroying things.
To reduce the chance of this happening, there are a few things you can do to "vaccinate" your dog against separation anxiety.
The first step is to teach your dog to stay. You will know that they have understood the concept when you can leave the room and they will sit still even if you are in another room. At this point, you can practice leaving them by going out the door and staying outside for five minutes. Be sure to reward your dog with a small treat.
If you're on your way to your first day at work, it's best to take a brisk walk or play a game before you leave. Before you leave, make sure to leave a long-lasting treat, such as something for them to chew on for a long time. When you get home, don't greet them until they are calm and don't jump on you or run in circles.
There are medications for dogs with separation anxiety that a vet can prescribe, but it's best to prevent the problem from occurring.
