My dog has turned into a scaredy-cat during pandemic

DEAR JOAN >> My dog, Autumn, has become a scaredy-cat since the pandemic. Early fireworks, darkness of the evening hours — and now she will not complete a circuit around our favorite block.

I am afraid when we all go back to work and school, she will be a wreck to stay home alone. What can I do to build her confidence back?

— Lawrence, Woodland Hills

DEAR LAWRENCE >> Researchers have confirmed what we pet lovers had been noticing in our animals during this long pandemic. Many have had changes in their personalities and some, like your Autumn, seem to have developed unusual fears.

A recent study of 14,000 dogs from 264 breeds revealed that almost75%ofthe pets had developed at least one anxiety-related behavior during quarantine. Those behaviors included barking and aggression.

Is Autumn one of those dogs that is reacting to pandemic stress? Your first step should be to the vet for a thorough exam to rule out other issues and illnesses. If she is labeled healthy, then you need to consider what exactly is causing her stress, and that might not be easy to pinpoint.

In the study, a third of dogs had noise sensitivity, perhaps brought on by most of a family’s activities being centered inside the home. The noise and activity made the dogs sensitive to other sounds, including fireworks and thunder.

The researchers concluded that most of the behavioral changes could be laid at the feet of the pet owners, although we are causing the stress unintentionally. Not surprisingly, dogs are extremely receptive animals, easily picking up and internalizing our stress, which has increased, whether we realizeitornot.

Concerns about our family’s health and our own, anxiety over the state of affairs in the nation, fears over losing jobs or just the stress of not being able to do the things we used to so easily do, such as going out for a meal or seeing friends, all can be communicated to our dogs.

We shouldn’t feel guilty about inflicting added stress on our dogs, the researchers assure us. The presence of our pets can help reduce our stress, which in turn reduces the stress in our pets.

You are right to be concerned about what being left alone when normal life resumes will mean for Autumn. You should start now by going back to at least some pre-pandemic routines. Give Autumn some space to be on her own and live her dog life. Try getting everyoneoutofthehouse for short periods of time, slowly building up the length of time that you’re away. Always greet her withjoyuponyourreturn and reward her.

Schedule regular walks withher,andevenifyou only go a few yards down the street, if she starts showing anxiety, return home.Atthenextscheduled walk, try going a little farther. Over time, she again should become comfortable with being outandabout.

Inside the home, schedule playtimes that coincide with the times you’ll be available when you return to working outside the house. Dogs love companionship and routines.

Most importantly, try not to worry so much.