PAW ME AT HOME Anxiety risk for animals

PET owners returning to work are worried their dogs will suffer from separation anxiety and trash their homes.

Anxious pets can destroy furniture, soil the floor, howl, bark, pant and drool. It is a particular issue for dogs bought during lockdown who have never been left alone.

Kirsten Dillon, canine behaviourist, said: “One of the positives to come out of lockdown is dog owners’ increased understanding of their pets’ behaviours and needs.

“It has been a unique experience for everyone, including our canine friends, and returning to the workplace will not be easy.”

More than three quarters of owners are concerned about their pet missing them, a survey by raw pet food brand Natural Instinct found.

One in four finds their dog needs more attention now than before lockdown. People say pets follow them around at home constantly.

But Kirsten says there are ways to make the transition back to work easier. A third of owners are hoping to negotiate working different hours in order to spend more time with their dogs. Kirsten says you could try to work from home whenever possible.

Failing that, send your dog to a friend or relative’s house, so they have human company, or employ a good pet sitter or dog walker if you can.

If you want a happier dog better able to cope with periods of isolation you could develop its confidence by trying out slightly challenging games and new routes on walks.

Planning

And you should be making your dog calm before you leave them, not falling for the mistake of wearing them out through rigorous exercise.

She said: “We don’t want to leave behind an excited and adrenalised dog. Give them a massage before you go.”

“Studies have shown that at least 50 per cent of all dogs have separation issues, although sadly, it is likely to be more,” she added.

“So it is very encouraging to see that dog owners are planning to work from home more often from now on to be with their dogs.”

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