So how can we protect our dogs from the inevitable impact of the post-lockdown lifestyle?įirstly, we need to acknowledge that it’s an issue. Some dogs will display their distress loudly and visibly when you’re leaving home, while others may become distressed with the passing hours, and instead, you may return to an anxious, wound up pup (and potentially the odd accident behind the sofa). Many pet owners might notice the struggle – dogs might be more clingy when you’re home, or more destructive or noisy when you aren’t. While ‘separation anxiety’ in its purest sense is a formal condition that needs an experienced expert to diagnose, there is little doubt that these pets are suffering from anxiety about separation. The transition away from the only life they’ve known to one where they spend nine hours alone each day trying to fill in the time is an extremely challenging time. They’re accustomed to having you nearby, receiving regular “procrasti-pats”, and maybe even extra treats throughout the day. All they have ever known is someone being home with them for most of the day. This is especially hard on dogs or puppies that were adopted recently. Now, as we come out the other end and start going back to work or study for long periods, our dogs lose their sense of security and certainty once more, but this time without us at home to reassure them. Even the changes that caused people to be at home with their pets during lockdown caused disruption to their lives, though you were generally there to bring them comfort and assurance when they were struggling. While many dogs love the opportunity to have their humans at home for extended periods, the transition back to ‘normal’ life is creating challenges even for pet owners who have never known their dogs to have trouble with separation.ĭogs are creatures of habit. Dogs struggling with being on their own for long stretches of the day is not a new phenomenon, but the Covid-era has certainly caused a unique change in the lives of many dogs and their carers.
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