For nearly two years, many people have worked from home and some have even added a pet to their family. People and their pets have enjoyed all of this time together, however, with pet owners returning to the office, they need to prepare their pets for this new stage of life.
Separation anxiety can be a problem for some pets, especially as people head back to the office. It might be a good idea to have your pet in a different room/area of the house while you are out of sight and out of reach from your pet while you are working.
You can slowly build this up over time. It is important to gradually increase the length of time that you leave your pet alone. Do not leave them on their own suddenly for several hours.
Some tips for when you leave the house:
– Give them an interactive toy when you are leaving. This can be a toy that is stuffed with food and will keep your pet entertained immediately after you leave. This will also give them a positive experience each time they are left alone.
– It is easier for a tired dog to relax and sleep rather than a dog that is full of energy. Take the time to get up and walk your dog before you go to work. If they’re too young, you can play with them and do a little bit of training instead.
– Leave a radio on so that there is some background noise in the house. This will help your dog relax
– Create a routine that helps them to settle
– When you return, don’t make a big fuss. Being overly excited may make your pet more prone to separation anxiety
Your dog should not be left alone for longer than four hours. They should have the opportunity to stretch their legs, use the toilet and have human interaction. If your canine companion joined the family during lockdown, measures will need to be introduced to ensure that they will not be left alone for excessive periods of time during the day when you return to work.
Some ways you can help that could be:
- Come home for lunch
- Ask a friend, neighbour or family member to visit during the day and to spend some time with them
- Use a dog walking service
- Use a doggy daycare service
- Perhaps, if your work allows, take your dog to work with you for short periods of the day
Signs of anxiety in pets:
- Lack of appetite
- Visibly restless
- Excessive barking and vocalisation
- Destruction of objects in the home
- Tail between the legs
Major changes can be eased by transitioning slowly. Be mindful of how your pet reacts to your absence and adjust as needed.
It is worth noting that in severe cases of separation anxiety, professional help may be required for your pet. You can discuss this with your veterinarian.
