Pandemic pets to experience separation anxiety as Alberta owners return to office: expert
Posted Mar 12, 2022 5:38 pm.
Last Updated Mar 13, 2022 10:42 am.
As COVID-19 restrictions ease, your return to the office may just be as anxiety-producing for your pandemic pets who are missing you at home, says one expert.
Albertans are nearing a full return to the office on March 28. But many of the animals people bought in over the past two years have been around people most of the time. Now founder of Welfare for Animals (WFA), Ruby Leslie, tells CityNews this change can be concerning for pets who may experience separation anxiety.
So if you know you’re returning to the office soon, Leslie suggests you can help your pet adjust if you start creating cues for when you’re about the leave the house. For example: putting on your jacket or jingling your keys.
But it’s also best to start leaving them alone for short periods of time, she adds.
“Go out to your backyard, go for a walk on your own. Do five, 10 or 15-minute spans, but while you’re doing that, put a camera up just to see what your dog is doing,” says Leslie.
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Leslie warns if your pet is starting to make a mess of the home, destroying furniture, or “house soiling” when you’re away, it is a sign they may be suffering from separation anxiety.
If you are noticing your pet pacing, howling, or crying during these short absences, Leslie says it’s best to speak to a veterinarian about behavioural medication.
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“If they’re trying to vainly get out [of the home with you] or they can’t stop barking or howling or crying in that time frame, you know you need to talk to your veterinarian immediately,” said Leslie.
Another option Leslie recommends is pet owners reaching out to an animal daycare or dog walker to help reduce their pet’s anxiety.
With files from Jasmine Vickaryous
