Due to the shelter-in-place reality we have all been living under, our dogs have gotten used to the work-from-home protocol – and are happy to have their humans around 24/7. However, as stay-at-home orders get lifted, their situation will have to shift again. This can be worrying, especially if your dog has a history of separation anxiety or general anxiety around routine changes. Dogs, and cats especially, tend to thrive when they have a routine they can count on and it is up to owners to ease transitions in that routine as best we can. So if you know you will be transitioning back to a 9-5 schedule soon, read on for some tips on how to make easier post-quarantine separation anxiety for your pup.
Practice Runs: If you have been home all day every day for the past few weeks, it can be helpful to ease your dog into being home alone again. Start by leaving for an hour or two at a time, and slowly increase the time over a week or two if possible. Give Fido lots of treats and snuggles when you get home to remind him that you’re not abandoning him and that being alone means more attention later on.
Make the Day Fun: If your dog is struggling with being alone for even an hour now, there are plenty of ways you can make your dog’s day easier without being there. Services like Rover and Wag allow you to hire a dog-walker to take Fido out on a 30+ minute walk practically any time of day. Wag offers on-demand walks while Rover workers need to be scheduled in advance. Either way, your dog will appreciate a chance to get some exercise and make a new friend during their day.
The Power of Sound: YouTube has a plethora of videos geared towards dogs with separation anxiety. From calming music to videos of long hikes or walks on the beach, there is bound to be something your dog finds soothing. The best part is that most videos are around eight hours long, so it can run for your entire workday. A study conducted by Dr. Lori R. Kogan with the Colorado State College of Veterinary Medicine showed that classical music has a calming effect on dogs. Next time you have to leave, try putting a classical music CD on for your pup to help them relax while you’re gone.
A Snuggly Companion: Stuffed animals have long been used to soothe children and can be used to soothe dogs as well. Products like the Snuggle Puppy combine the softness of a plush toy, the warmth of a heating pad, and the sound of a heartbeat – guaranteed to calm an anxious dog. For a dog that loves to snuggle, the Snuggle Puppy could be the perfect companion while you’re at work. This toy is not suitable for dogs that like to tear things, though, as small parts such as the nose or heartbeat insert can be removed by a determined pup.
Seek Veterinarian Help: Sometimes environmental changes don’t help and your dog might need medical intervention to deal with post-quarantine separation anxiety. Talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications to ease Fido’s stress. Quarantine is has been their dream come true – coming out of it may be stressful, and they may need some help making the transition.
While the quarantine was unexpected, post-quarantine separation anxiety doesn’t have to be a given. Take cues from your dog, and give them plenty of affirmation and love.
Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is committed to training your dog, and making your life together as safe and happy as possible. Call us today to learn more about our dog taining and obedience classes.
