SEE YOU LATER
If you’ve just gone back to work, your dog may be having a hard time without you
FOR months, even years, you’ve been their constant companion, a reassuring presence in the home, always ready with a pat or a treat. Now it’s time for you to go back to work as life returns to normal after the pandemic.
So how can you help your furry friend to cope with your absence? Separation anxiety may become a serious problem for your pets, especially if you got them during lockdown. But there are ways to manage it.
DOGS CAN ‘CATCH’ YOUR STRESS
It’s been proven that dogs can read human facial expressions and behaviour.
A study published by the Learning & Behaviour journal in 2018 found that dogs respond to human faces that express six basic emotions – anger, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise and disgust – with changes in their gaze and heart rate.
If you’re feeling anxious about leaving your pooch at home when you leave for work, it is therefore highly likely they will pick up on it. “The emotional connection between humans and dogs is the essence of the relationship,” says Clive Wynne, a professor of psychology at the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University.
“Dogs are amazingly social beings, so they are easily infected with our warmth and joy. But the converse is true as well, which means their owner’s stress can also become the dog’s stress and anxiety.”
SIGNS OF SEPARATION ANXIETY
It’s worth paying close attention to your dog’s behaviour as some signs of separation anxiety can start before you even leave the house. You could also set up a camera to record your dog’s behaviour while you’re away.
■ Barking, whimpering or whining when you leave or after you’ve gone.
■ Staying close to the door through which you left.
■ Pacing or unable to rest while you’re away.
■ Destructive behaviours such as chewing or destroying things.
■ Reacting to noises that wouldn’t usually bother them.
■ Loss of appetite.
■ House soiling even though they’re house trained.
■ Panting and drooling.
■ Obsessive behaviours such as over-grooming and excessive licking.
TECHNIQUES TO HELP
■ Create a predictable routine If you’re returning to work, start leaving the house more often and for longer periods of time to get your dog used to spending time apart from you.
■ Leave and arrive quietly This may be difficult but keep hellos and goodbyes low-key. When your leaving and homecoming rituals involve minimal fuss, it helps your dog to understand that your absence isn’t anything to worry about. Prolonging it with hugs and kisses may increase their anxiety. ■ Give them toys/play soft music To help make your pet feel more relaxed, leave them with a special treat or toy. You can also leave a blanket or piece of clothing with your scent on it as this may comfort them. Leaving a radio or TV on or playing soft music can also help soothe your dog.
■ Being active beforehand It may help to go walking or running with your dog before you leave for work. If they’re a bit tired they’re more likely to sleep or at least be more relaxed in your absence.
■ Consider doggy daycare For your own peace of mind it may be worth taking your pooch to a local doggy daycare while you’re at work. It will also be more stimulating for your dog.
■ Speak to your vet If all else fails, consider speaking to a vet about possibly introducing some anti-anxiety medications or supplements to help. There are many natural ones on the market such as CBD oil. The vet will also be able to ascertain if there’s an underlying medical condition or if there are other factors at work such as a new pet or baby coming into the household, a death or a house move, etc.