As I write this we are on week 8 of lockdown for the Covid19 pandemic. Our pets are in heaven as they have had the kid’s home from school for 8 weeks and most adults are either off work or working from home. Pure heaven for any pet to have company all day, every day, extra treats, extra walks, someone to cuddle with 24/7. HOWEVER, as our town, province, country and the world starts to slowly reopen this can cause problems for our pets.
I had a chat with local business owner Kaylyn from Wag A While, she is also a Registered Veterinarian Technician – between us, we have about 40 years of experience with dogs and foresee a problem with our beloved fur kids as everyone heads back to work and school.
We hope you find some useful information in this video and I have outlined the tips below.
10 Tips to help your dog avoid separation anxiety when you return to work
TIP 1 – Start now, before you get the call back to work or school.
TIP 2 – The signs of separation anxiety can be very subtle so don’t think because your dog does not does not tear apart the house they are fine.
TIP 3 – Get them back into routine. Walk when you used to when you were working.
TIP 4 – Do things without your dog. Go for a walk as a family WITHOUT your dog, so they get used to being alone again even for a short time. Do your essential errands without your dog in the car.
TIP 5 – Even if you worked out of the home before and your dog didn’t have separation anxiety then, they could now since they are used to this new “normal”
TIP 6 – If you got a dog just before or during the pandemic, crate train them and get them into routine.
TIP 7 – If dog is crated, put them in even when you are watching TV – make their crate their happy place.
TIP 8 – If you work from home, don’t have your dog at your feet/in the same room as you. Get them used to not being next to you ALL the time.
TIP 9 – Have your dog walker come in and take the dog for the walk even just once a week to get them used to being out without you.
TIP 10 – Talk to your vet about Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats. It can help calm some pets and should be started BEFORE you go back to routine.
Morag is the owner and founder of York Regions most trusted premier in-home pet care and dog walking companies. In 2000 she saw a need for an alternative to kennels, catteries for family pets in the area and has always believed that pets are much happier and less stressed staying in their own familiar environment. Morag and her team are all certified in Pet 1st Aid and CPR, she also offers continuous training to her team members through online and hands on pet care and pet behaviour and care courses. Morag has earned her certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, Professional Dog Walking and Canine Attendant training. She has lived in the Newmarket/Aurora area since 1991 is a wife, a mother of 2 adult children and a grandmother of 2 delightful little balls of energy. She has also been owned by fish, birds, mice, rats, cats, dogs, gerbils and guinea pigs and is an advocate for all living creatures. In her spare time she likes to be involved in her community and events travelling, reading and cooking.
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