Your Dog Is Probably Going To Experience Separation Anxiety When The Quarantine Ends
I’ll tell you who’s NOT hating this quarantine: my four-legged children, Mary Poppins Bender & Truly Scrumptious Bender.
While most humans are living for the day when the COVID-19 quarantine ends and they can get out of the house, doggos are loving this overload of quality time with their hoomans!
However, experts say to expect increased separation anxiety from your pets when life gets back to normal and you return to work outside of the house.
We already knew that our furry friends hate when we have to leave them, so they’re REALLY getting spoiled by our 24/7 companionship.
One veterinary behaviorist points out that dogs “thrive on consistency and predictability, so anytime there’s a change, it can cause stress.” Stress in dogs isn’t just limited to psychological effects, either. The ASPCA warns pet owners that many dogs try to cope with stress by digging or trying to chew through walls or furniture, which can injure their teeth or paws.
Pet experts say that it’s a good idea to get your dog used to post-quarantine separation now, to minimize their stress later.
A few things you can do:
Keep your dog on a routine that includes space from you. (This one is SO hard for me; I LOVE having my pups beside me while I work!)
“Mommy, we sitz here and stares at you until you finish work, yas?” – Mary Poppins & Truly Scrumptious
Another helpful hint to keep your pooch used to being alone: practice some absence now. After you take your pet for a walk, return them home and then take another walk by yourself. Work on a project in the yard or the garage and leave your pet indoors. (I suck at this one, too. I love taking my dogs with me and having them around me while I work on projects around the house.)
Truly Scrumptious loves helping me cook–and by cook, I mean lick up whatever I drop on the floor.
Pet experts say that you can also use the quarantine time to work on training your dog. (My dogs are already the goodest girls, but let’s call it what it is: I did not train them; it was the other way around.)
Did you think that I was going to let a global pandemic keep me from throwing Truly Scrumptious a first birthday party? Honey, please.
Getting back to normal is going to be an adjustment for all of us, and as excited as I am for this pandemic to be over, I don’t think that my dogs are going to be the only ones having separation anxiety…I’m going to miss getting to spend all day everyday with my girls!
This is the view from my “office” while working from home.
Both girls were super excited to find out that Mommy & Daddy would be home all day for the next several weeks!
…although I think they’re wondering what’s going on. “Mommy, why you no go anywhere no more??”
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LEAVE THESE BABIES?! *brb, sobbing*
