He says his new partner helped with the months of loneliness of COVID-19 at home much less stress.
He is not alone. Animal and breeder shelters across the country have seen the highest numbers of dog and cat adoptions in recent months.
But after my colleague returned to work, he says that his elegant kitten began to squirm at the kitchen counter while he was away.
Another friend is worried about how her dog will react when she returns to the office. Her big, goofy Labrador collector follows her everywhere, even to the bathroom. When she leaves to run a quick errand, the dog sits next to the back door and whistles, waiting to return.
What should these pet owners do?
The problem with sudden changes in routine
A change in routine, such as being suddenly alone for many hours each day, is a major cause of anxiety for dogs and cats.
Separation anxiety is more than a little whimpering when you walk out the door. It’s a big unwanted behavior that happens every time you leave or you’re away.
For dogs and cats, this can mean over-packing, barking or shouting, whimpering or self-marriage as you prepare to leave. In some cases it can be threatening or dazzling around the house, often in areas where odors are spreading, such as on bedding or rugs, or destroying household items without it. Clinginess or other extreme need is a symptom.
Concerns about separation do not go away on their own, and it can be difficult to get rid of them completely. But there are ways to manage it. As a clinical veterinarian and professor, I am often asked to help people find ways to reduce their pet’s anxiety.
What not to do
First, it’s important to understand that it’s not about you – it’s about your pet. Your dog or cat is not trying to teach you a lesson or get revenge. There will be no animals though.
Instead, it is a sign of real distress and frustration that should be treated like any other medical illness. Your pet does not want to experience separation anxiety any more than you want to experience the consequences.
For this reason, punishment is never the answer. For one thing, your pet won’t associate the punishment with something that happened hours – or even a few minutes – earlier. And punishment may only make your pet’s anxiety and stress worse.
Similarly, going the other way by praising or respecting when your pet is suffering from anxiety will also make the problem worse.
The goal is to create a balanced relationship so that your pet accepts being alone. First, check your pet with a veterinarian to get out of physical conditions, such as urinary tract disease if your pet is moaning in inappropriate places.
Next, make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. For dogs, this could mean a long or fast walk every day. Getting exercise shortly before you leave home may put your dog in a more relaxed state while you are away. It is more difficult to feel pressure when endorphin levels are raised. For cats, this could mean changing the environment by being outdoors in an enclosed safe place like a “catio.”
Photo by bradley pisney on Unsplash
Treating separation anxiety with behavior change
Here, we are talking about your behavior. The goal is to make your presence seem like nothing major. Resting over your pet when you leave or come home just makes matters worse. If you treat it normally, your pet will learn to do the same.
Try to find out when your pet will start showing signs of anxiety and turn that into low key activity. If you are lifting your handbag, for example, try to pick it up and put it back several times over a few hours. Similarly, put on your clothes or put on your shoes earlier than usual but stay home instead of leaving immediately. Try starting your car’s engine and then turning it off and walking back inside.
Next, use a short absence. When you are at home, make it a point to spend some time in another room. In addition, leave the house long enough to run an errand or two, then gradually increase the time you are away until you are away for a full day to become part of the family routine.
Changing the environment
Boredom makes separation anxiety worse. By giving your pet an activity while you’re away, such as a puzzle toy full of food, or just hiding dances around the house, you won’t be overweight. Other options for dogs and cats include collars and plug-in devices that release silent pheromones.
To maintain your bond while you are away, place a piece of clothing that you would have recently worn in a conspicuous place, such as on your bed or bedstead, to comfort your pet. Similarly, you can leave the TV or radio – there are even special programs just for pets – or set up a camera so you can see and interact with your pet at a distance. Some of these come with a laser machine or treatments that you can administer.
Using pharmaceuticals or medications
In some severe cases, when the animal is self-harming or causing damage to property, it may require medication or medications. These alter the brain’s neurotransmitters to create a calm feeling.
While some are readily available without medication, it is a good idea to seek advice from your veterinarian to determine which ones are safest and most effective for your pet’s condition. Medication can help reduce anxiety, making it easier for the pet to learn new copying skills. A behavior change plan combined with medication use can help manage this problem.
Worrying about separation is difficult for you and your pet. But a few simple changes can make a big difference as life returns to normal.
Lori M Teller, Clinical Associate Professor, Telehealth Veterinary Surgeon, University of Texas A&M.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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