Posted By Kelly Harding | 2 comments

Managing Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Has this time of physically distancing and the need to work from home caused dogs to become more dependant on us, and has it caused an increase in cases of separation anxiety?

Whatcha doing? Can I help?

Since March, our dogs have had us all to themselves. We’ve been home with them each and every minute of every single day. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch watching Netflix, or being the centre of attention on our Zoom calls, they are living the dream.

What’s Going Through Our Dog’s Mind?

Will our dogs think this is the new normal, having us home ALL the time?

Or, is your dog thinking “are my humans ever going to leave the house again, because I could really use some alone time.”

Even though I work from home, in the past, I would leave the house, and my dogs, on a regular basis. My dogs understood and were comfortable with this routine of being on their own.

Then Everything Changed

COVID-19 became a household word, restrictions, physical and social distancing was put into place.

Suddenly, I was no longer going out to meet friends, do errands, attend meetings, nor was I leaving my dogs alone.

As much as we joked how we would love to be full-time, stay at home dog parents, would doing so affect our dogs? Would dogs become dependant on us being there all the time? Would separation anxiety become an issue with our dogs?

Thanks to the Ontario Veterinarian Medical Association for this helpful video with tips to assist us in managing our dog’s stress and anxiety as we head back out to work.

Tips To Manage Stress And Anxiety In Dogs

Slowly transition our dogs as we head back to work outside the home.

• Go back to a routine of preparing and leaving for work, even for just a few moments each day
• Revert back to their regular (pre-stay at home) walks and feeding schedules
• Give positive reinforcement before leaving the home
• Slowly start and increase break times without your dog,  – go for walks, work in a room they don’t have access to
• Introduce new toys and puzzles to keep your dog active

Extra Help To Reduce Dog’s Stress And Anxiety

Some dogs may have accidents, become destructive, bark excessively, even obsessively lick themselves when left home alone. Pheromone diffusers and calming supplements may help, but if your dog requires additional support for their stress and anxiety, be sure to speak with your veterinarian.