As we watch vaccination rates increase and society slowly tiptoe towards one another again, one thing those of us with pets will be attempting to avoid is separation anxiety.
My dog, like most people, has a routine. And she likes to keep things in the rut in which she has grown accustomed. Just like humans, pets need to acclimate to new routines in order to mitigate the most severe reactions of separation anxiety.
As people and pets struggling to readjust from a year of significant periods of time at home, we want to encourage you to plan ahead for your pet.
What to Consider
If your pet has grown used to having you home all day long and you immediately disappear as you begin to venture out for short trips or even vacations, your pet may demonstrate separation anxiety. It could be as simple as involuntary urination in the house or as destructive as chewing drywall or breaking through windows or doors.
The best way to avoid any extreme reaction is to transition your pet back into the new routine. All Breed Care can assist you by helping you get your pet out the door and back to a normal midday walk with our pet care providers or longer visits for acclimation for longer getaways.
If you have a puppy, you want to build times into your schedule when you leave them alone. You also want to get them used to a dog walker during the day if you'll be heading back to the office. Exposing them to different schedules and people, with safe social distancing, will help head off separation anxiety. For travel plans, you may need to build up to extended durations of absence. My dog had a stress reaction to my two nights away from home (even with an overnight pet sitter) and a trip to the vet for upset stomach was required.
Hopefully, you can avoid any behavior issues from separation anxiety by taking steps now to get your pet readjusted slowly to different routines. Contact us and we can work with you to create a schedule for your pets that will build up to whatever new routine you might need. Let us know about any special accommodations you may have. Stay safe, transition slowly, and avoid separation anxiety.
Comments