Now that people are slowly getting back to work, new or old pets most likely will not be going along with them. Many pets can experience separation anxiety, with the lockdowns and changes in everyone’s routine this can mean real problems for many of America’s pets. Pandemic adoptions were high this past year, many pets do not know anything other than 24/7 attention from their owners. This unfamiliar alone time can wreak havoc on a pet’s emotional and physical health. Getting the pet used to periods of time left alone is essential before the real and longer event happens, this can aid in less destructive behaviors that the pet may exhibit and encourages them to be independent and not rely directly on the owner.

The way a pet responds to being separated from the owner can vary. Many pets may vocalize/howl; destroy items in the house with the potential to cause self-harm; inappropriate elimination; getting jaws or feet caught in a kennel door; digging (which can lead to torn and infected nail beds); hiding/trembling; and can lead to serious gastrointestinal upset. This may even throw a pet’s system off that it can trigger pancreatitis. Cats may experience new destructive behaviors or begin to inappropriately urinate or defecate. Each species is unique.

Now is the time to start separating slowly from your pet and ensure that all avenues are covered for when you do actually leave for a full 8 to 10 hours a day. Use the following tips to aid your household with a happy transition.

• Make sure your pet gets enough exercise and playtime on a daily basis.
• Get your pet used to you getting ready to leave at various parts of the day. Get your keys and coat while you are paying bills, going to get the mail, making dinner. This is done so that the “my Mom is leaving!!” scary feeling does not happen.
• Spend small amounts of time while your dog is kenneled in the other room for short periods of time, be sure to give them something to keep them busy in the kennel such as a Kong filled with frozen peanut butter (with no xylitol), chicken broth ice cubes, or even a favorite toy. Keep calm classical music playing as well, this is proven to soothe pets.
• Begin to incorporate calming based nutraceuticals such as Composure Pro or pheromones such as Adaptil Calm to aid with the transition.
• Increase the time that you actually leave the home, this can be done by starting out for 5-15 minutes then you can slowly work your way up daily for longer periods of time.
• This may be a very big adjustment for some pets, observe and note how your pet is doing with you leaving by keeping a logbook of how your pet is responding.
• Some pets may need medication and further consult if cases are severe, the best bet is to be proactive so you are not trying to diffuse separation anxiety situations instead of prevent them.