Life After Coronavirus: Will Our Dogs Be Okay?

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Life has changed in so many ways with the coronavirus. But, how will our pets react when “life” does return and once again, they are left to face long, lonely hours on their own without us? Before that happens, it’s a good time to begin now to help our pets make an easier transition without potential separation anxiety. 

For pets who may tend to be clingy, suddenly being on their own again may lead to an unhealthy, stressful behavior called separation anxiety. 

 

Signs of Separation Anxiety

Not all dogs will experience separation anxiety; and for those who do, they will not all react in the same way. But once the signs of anxiety begin to manifest (see below), it’s critical to intervene immediately. 

  • Barking, whining or howling

  • Excessive drooling/panting

  • Scratching walls, doors or floors 

  • Eliminating in the house 

  • Escaping rooms or crates

  • Destructive behaviors 

 

Prevent it before it starts 

Prevention is always the best option. By employing the tips below, before you resume your normal schedule, you can encourage your dog to be confident alone and avoid unnecessary separation anxiety. 

  • Ask dogs/puppies to leave you alone during the day using: 

    • “Stay”

    • “Place”

    • “Go to” (bed, crate, etc.) 

  • Create - and use - a release word so your dog learns to wait. 

  • Keep to your regular daily schedule as much as possible; leave the house at various times and lengths of time. 

  • Do not allow your dog to follow you everywhere in the house.

  • Hire a dog walker or use a local doggy daycare to keep your dog positively engaged during the day when you’re gone. 

    SOURCES: DrMartyPets.com, ColdNoseNews.com, VetStreet.com

Nicole Pablico