Helping our pets adjust when we return to work
Many pets have grown used to having their moms and dads working at home and are experiencing separation anxiety as their parents go back to their offices. Pet expert Kallie Milleman has a few tips to help your furry friend deal with the transition better.
All companion animals are susceptible to developing separation anxiety, especially if they have become used to spending more time with their families. Common signs of separation anxiety in pets are:
- Howling, barking, or whining excessively
- Housetrained dogs having "accidents" indoors
- Inappropriate chewing or eating of household items
- Digging at the carpet or scratching at windows and doors
- Excessive drooling or panting
The Ontario SPCA has five tips for pet owners to help prevent separation anxiety and unwanted behaviours in your furry friends when your schedule returns to normal.
Create a consistent daily routine
If your pet went on two or three walks per day before COVID-19, maintain that level so when you return to work, your pet doesn't expect to go on ten walks a day.
A Routine Mealtime
Their food is the most anticipated event of the day and should be given roughly at the same time daily. If your pet's meal times have changed since you've been home more, slowly start to move the time back to when they would normally be fed.
Institute Quiet Time
This should be a time for rest, away from you (not under the desk or perhaps on it, in your home office) to help your pet adjust to more upcoming time alone.
Leave and Come Back
Animals need to understand that you can leave, and you always come back. That will help reduce separation anxiety. You can even go for a walk without your pet for short periods to get them used to being home alone.
Encourage Independent Activities
Providing self-entertaining toys will help with mental stimulation, and will allow their mind to stay active while you're away. There are many puzzle toys on the market that you can put treats or kibble into for your pet to play with.
