How To Get Your Dog To Cope With Post-COVID Separation Anxiety

Pets have been having the best time of their lives for over a year now, enjoying all the attention from their owners and endless belly rubs as offices initiated remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown situation.

The extra time together during the pandemic has been a rewarding experience for both pets and their owners but as the workforce is expected back in offices amid declining caseloads and rising vaccination rates, the little pooches are likely to face separation anxiety.

According to The Washington Post, dog adoptions and sales rose drastically in 2020, when people started spending most of their time at home. Americans tried filling the void in their lives created by the pandemic with the man's best friend -- dogs. Breeders across the U.S. even reported waiting lists well into 2021.

Now, when offices are beginning to open up again, experts said the separation stress from their owners could lead to a loss of interest in fancy treats among pets, and could drive them to be destructive or irritable. In short, they would have a hard time coping with the absence of human company for a longer period.

While returning to work will take a lot of adjustment for humans, it will be even harder for the pups.

“Many [dogs] will probably adjust relatively quickly and well. Some may actually enjoy having quiet time if they have been overstimulated due to their families being around constantly,” Candace Croney, a professor of animal behavior and well-being at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine told HuffPost.

“Others may have a harder time, particularly if they were inclined toward separation anxiety prior to stay-at-home orders going into effect,” she added. “Dogs adopted from shelters who have had no experience in the home beyond what they experienced during the pandemic may need additional support.”

The good thing is experts have also suggested ways to deal with the overwhelming sense of panic in the canines and reinforce calm during this difficult transition.

Separation anxiety requires to be addressed at the very early stages to evade the chances of things going out of hand. Here are some ways you can prepare your pets for your return to the office.

1. The desensitization technique- The desensitization technique means allowing your dog to have some time alone while you are not around. That way, you can teach them to become independent and not pine for your touch when you are at the office. Start with distancing yourself for a short time and gradually increase the time.

2. Avoid punishing them- Dogs act solely out of emotions -- they can tear up a cushion or destroy a pricey décor when they are having an overwhelming sense of panic. If a dog is acting up, it simply means they are stressed out. Punishing them will only increase their anxiety. Experts say a positive encouragement to behave better goes a long way than negative words.

3. Give them more of those "scenting" toys- Scenting toys stimulate pheromones in your pets and get their brains and bodies to work better with an energy same as the wild animals have while foraging for food. The scenting toys, treat-release toys, or food puzzle toys help keep them busy all day and divert their mind from the pain of separation.

4. Normalize the hellos and goodbyes- Ensure your emotions are in check while leaving for office or returning from work because it can greatly impact your pet’s behavior. Leave home by making some gestures familiar to them such as jingling the car keys or simple goodbyes. Greet your pet calmly as you get back home and it will find confidence in staying alone in no time.

5. Seek professional help- If you are pressed for time, hire a professional trainer or vet behaviorist to emotionally train your pet. In case your dog’s separation anxiety is going out of hand, you are always advised to seek medical attention.