How to help your pet with post-quarantine separation anxiety

Whereas getting a pet during quarantine helped you feel less lonely and get through one of the hardest years in history, it also means you raised a puppy in quarantine that now has separation anxiety. Just like humans, dogs and cats can experience those same feelings of stress and fear when they are left alone for extended amounts of time that they are otherwise not accustomed to. So how do you help your pup get through this as the world starts to open back up?

Training

Probably the most effective way to ease your pet into the real world where you are not home 24/7 is through separation anxiety training. If you can, consider hiring a professional to help your dog or cat get through this hard time.

However, if hiring someone isn’t feasible right now, that’s completely understandable! You can train your dog on your own, just slowly, by following these tips:

·        Start small and don’t actually leave the perimeter of your house. Pending your pets’ level of anxiety, limit the time you are “gone” (meaning just outside the door, out of view) to 5-10 minutes and build up your dog’s tolerance.

·        Give your pet lots of praise and love upon returning into the house, especially if they didn’t do any damage to the home. If they did do some damage, show them, and tell them “no”. The next time, if they don’t repeat the negative behavior, give them even more praise!

Crate your pet

Some pets find that when you’re gone, they get too overwhelmed and respond by running all over and knocking things down, etc. This can be controlled simply by putting them in a crate. Crates can help you pet feel safe and secure, almost like their own little home inside your home. Fill the crate with soft pillows, their favorite blanket, a couple preferred toys or chewing items, etc. If your pet is comfortable, you can even put a blanket over the bulk of the crate to make it a little darker and cooler, which may cause them to fall asleep!

This method of social anxiety treatment varies animal to animal. Some pets enjoy being crated, and others are terrified of it so there is some trial and error that you’ll have to endure to figure that out!

Doggy rooms

If you have the option, consider having a room that is either designated to your pet or can be temporarily used for your pet when you’re gone. Some pets find that the crate is just a little too restricting, but the concept may still be beneficial at a slightly larger scale.

Pet cams