During the pandemic, animal shelters and breeders have reported a record peak in the number of adoptions and purchases for pets. These pets have helped make the long months of isolation at home a bit easier to cope. However, because of all the time we spend at home with our dogs, when the time comes for us to head back into the office to work, how will our dogs react when we are suddenly away all day? For some dogs, they may have separation anxieties. So how can we prepare our dogs or help them manage with separation anxiety when the time comes for us to return to work? Here are a few tips.
When your dog's schedule is suddenly changed and he finds himself home alone for many hours a day, that can cause your dog to have separation anxiety. This anxiety is more than just whimpering when you head out the house. It is followed up with major unwanted bad behaviors when you are not at home every time. Signs of this anxiety may include excessive pacing, barking, howling, urinating, defecating, or destroying items around the house such as shoes and bedding. They may show extreme neediness when you are around at home. This condition will not go away on its own, but there are ways to help your dog manage it.
Try to first understand why your dog is doing what he's doing. It's not because he is trying to get back at your for leaving. It is a sign of distress and frustration. Treat it as a medical condition. Your dog doesn't want to feel this way. Therefore, punishing your dog is never the solution. Plus, your dog won't be able to understand or connect that the punishment is due to something they did earlier. In fact, it may only make your dog's stress levels go up.
At the same time, you definitely don't want to go the opposite extreme by showing too much affection or praising your dog as this will also make the condition worse. You need to be balanced. The first and foremost step is to take your dog to the vet to make sure that your pet's condition is due to physical health conditions, if you notice signs of your dog urinating where he shouldn't be when you are out of the house.
Here are a few suggestions on what you can do to help ease your dog's stress & anxiety while you are away from home.
Separation anxiety can be difficult on both your dog and for you. However, if you try implementing some of the tips we've mentioned, you can ease your dog's anxiety and prepare them now for when you return back to work. In this way, it will be easier on both of you!
Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season.
Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:
