How to leave the dog
AS MANY SWAP HOME FOR THE OFFICE AGAIN, OOUR TOP TIPS COULD EASE YOUR PETS’ WORRIES
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MORE and more of us are returning to work – but how will our fourlegged friends cope when normal life resumes?
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Used to having humans around, it can be confusing for animals when we’re not at home all the time, and even cause separation anxiety.
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Here Star Paws columnist CATHERINE WOODING helps you prepare for life after lockdown with her tips on how pets can have a happy and healthy transition.
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While CLAIRE STALLARD, behaviour and training manager at Blue Cross, has compiled a quiz to help you check if your pet is anxious and having a hard time adjusting to life without you.
TAKE OUR CANINE QUIZ
1) Has there been a noticeable change in your pet’s usual patterns of behaviour?
2) Is your dog reluctant to go on walks?
3) Is your dog panting and pacing in the house?
4) Has their facial expression changed?
5) Has their body posture changed?
6) Has their appetite changed?
7) Is your dog being more or less vocal?
8) Are they going to the toilet in the house?
9) Are they excessively licking or nibbling their body?
If you answer yes to any of these, it could mean your pet has anxiety.
If you’re concerned, Blue Cross is offering expert behaviour advice.
Call 0300 790 9903 or visit bluecross.org.uk
HOW TO HELP YOUR PET ADJUST
1) Ease into new routines slowly. Dogs flourish with routine so sudden changes can cause stress. Make changes gradually so as not to overwhelm them.
2) Enjoy time on your own. It’s important to get pets used to being alone more. Leave them on their own in the house for short periods and build it up. Associate the down time with something positive like a treat.
3) Dedicate 10 minutes a day to them. Play some games, try agility or teach them a new trick. It will keep your bond strong, tire them out and help reduce destructive behaviour.
4) Go on adventures. The opportunity to go out, get fresh air and discover new local walks
has become the highlight of our days recently. Don’t let the dog walk go back on the “chore list”. Explore more local walks.
5) Build up fitness slowly.
We all may be a little less fit than we were a few months ago. Don’t rush back to multiple long walks a day. Play games at home alongside walkies time – it will keep their body moving and mind active.
6) Touch up on training.
With lockdown restricting off-lead time, our dogs’ recall may be a little rusty. If you’re unsure how they’ll be, keep them on a long training lead and do some recall exercises first.
7) Don’t overwhelm them. Lockdown restrictions have reduced the amount of exposure we’ve all had to the world. Be mindful that it may take time settling back into things.
8) Have a chat with your pet’s carer. If you’re not back at work but usually use a dog walker then think about booking in the occasional walk. This will help ease your pet back into spending time with someone outside of the household.
9) Remove the pressure to get everything right. If you don’t feel like going out, ditch the walk for training time and cuddles. You’ll both feel better for it.
10) Seek help if you need it.
If you’re already seeing signs that your dog has become hyperattached, speak to a force-free canine behaviourist to get support. ●
Advice provided by vet, Dr Louisa Graham, in partnership with Laughing Dog Food, and animal behaviourist Caroline Wilkinson, in partnership with Forthglade natural pet food.