Once stay-at-home-restrictions are lifted and we start going about their daily lives again and back to work, our pets are going to be very confused.
Experts are saying dog owners need to plan for this change. They anticipate a lot of separation anxiety.
Here's how owners can address dogs with different needs:
Dogs with previous separation anxiety
Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave the house. Use the tools you have at your disposal, such as:
- Pheromone products
- Probiotics
- Nutraceutical products
- Comfort vest
Dogs without previous separation anxiety
Other dogs enjoy the company of their humans but also like a little time alone. Owners should look out for any developing signs of anxiety. Signs of separation anxiety include:
- Dogs howling or crying when their owners leave their homes
- Housetrained dogs having accidents
- Dogs digging at the door, perhaps as a way to try to escape.
Newly adopted dogs
Young dogs are quick learners, and owners can use this to their advantage.
For dogs that were recently adopted or are in foster, here's what you do: Go take a walk without the dog. If you can, set up a camera or leave treats out all over. If the dog gobbles up those treats, it's a good sign that the dog wasn't anxious.
Jack Kulp and Carolyn McArdle talked about it on the air! Listen below...