COVID has meant the past year has been very different for everyone. With home-schooling, working from home and holidays being few and far between. But what about our pets? Whilst many dogs will just slot in with new ways of living, for others, all of these changes will have had a big impact on them.
Shifting habits for lockdown
Lockdown has meant that we have been spending more time at home than ever before. During the strictest lockdowns, this has even meant the children have been home, with schools being closed. For our pets, this will have meant new routines.
Dogs that had previously been used to being left at home alone, will suddenly have had company all day. It will also have meant more walks and playtime in the garden, what with other activities and sports being cancelled. The majority of dogs will have loved spending more time with their family and revelled in having more attention.
Cats on the other hand may have found their new situation a bit more stressful, with more hustle and bustle and less quiet periods to relax!
‘Lockdown puppies’
With people spending more time at home and enjoying the great outdoors, some have decided to expand their family and welcome a new four-legged friend. This has given rise to hundreds of dogs that have never experienced life outside of lockdown. So, as things head back to normal, these dogs may struggle and will miss their family. For many, the first step to normality has been the children going back to school. Your dog may be missing the noise and excitement of their human playmates – with far fewer belly rubs and ball games on offer.
As things (hopefully) continue to improve, we will all be venturing back out to work as well. This will mean your lockdown puppy could be facing an empty home for the first time. For most animals, this can be a daunting experience. But it can be particularly difficult for those dogs that have never experienced this type of normality before.
Separation anxiety
Dogs that are worried about being left on their own may develop separation anxiety. This can cause them to show destructive behaviours such as chewing, digging and scratching at things as they vent their frustration and stress. Some dogs will vocalise and may spend hours barking or howling. Not only is this stressful for your dog, but could result in complaints from your neighbours!! Some dogs might not show extremes of behaviour, and could be more subtle with their distress. This could involve pacing up and down, remaining on high alert for the whole time you are gone or having urinary or faecal accidents.
Training your dog to feel happy being left alone for short periods is an important life skill. You should build it into their training program from a young age. Start by leaving your pup in one room of the house whilst you go into another. Then come back. Keep repeating this and build it up very gradually, until you can start to leave the house for short periods too.
In conjunction with training, calming pheromones can help your dog feel less stressed. You can even leave a radio on quietly in the background whilst you are out. Giving long-lasting treats or interesting toys may also help provide distraction.
If you are struggling with your dog’s training then you should contact a behaviourist for help.
Meeting your dog’s needs
With work and school at the forefront of our agendas, our dogs could struggle to get their demands met. Where once we had a free schedule and no commutes, our mornings may become hectic and chaotic as we rush to get out the door.
Your dog must receive enough exercise to keep him physically fit and mentally stimulated. If you are unable to carve out enough time in the day for this around your other commitments then consider employing a dog walker to come and take your dog out. This will help break their day up and allow them to burn some energy off. Alternatively, doggy daycare or boarding may suit your dog better.
Dogs should not be left alone for more than 4 – 6 hours at a time, so make sure as you head back to the office that your pup has someone who can go in on them and give them some company during the day, as well as letting them out to toilet.
TL:DR
Dogs are very social animals and will have enjoyed all the extra attention that lockdown has brought them. Whilst you might be celebrating the fact that the kids have gone back to school, your dog may not feel the same. Make sure you work on your dog’s training to help overcome any potential separation anxiety and ensure measures are put in place to care for them in your absence.
You may also be interested in;
- How to make the most of walks with your dog
- Why won’t my puppy give his toys back?
- When can I leave my puppy on their own
- How long should I walk my puppy for?
- Is Valerian effective against stress in pets?
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