When the pandemic first started, it was like the world suddenly froze. Everything came to a grinding halt. People were forced to stay indoors to protect themselves and their loved ones. During this time, people began to turn to the one tried and true source of friendship, companionship, and cuddly comfort: puppies. Through the start of the pandemic, puppy adoptions soared, and so did the money people spent on their beloved new friends. Working from home meant that people could spend more time with their new pets and form a tight bond.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, people began going back to the office. That’s when an unintended side effect of the pandemic began to rear its ugly head. Work-from-home situations and quarantine gave our pets an unrealistic expectation of the time they could expect to spend with us. Pet parents may be ready to get back out into the world, but our four-legged friends are not. Many pet owners are starting to notice the classic signs of separation anxiety in their COVID puppies.
What Is Separation Anxiety?
For many pandemic pets, spending almost 24/7 with their favorite human was normal. Fast forward to today, where many pets are dealing with the sudden shock of being left alone for hours on end while their pet parent is at work. It can be a lot for an animal to handle. In many cases, these pets are developing signs of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a condition where animals become anxious, distressed, or panicked when their pet parent is absent. Some animals become very “clingy” to their owners when they are around and become frustrated when they leave again.
Signs of separation anxiety sometimes include:
- Pacing
- Panting
- Salivation
- Excessive barking or howling
- Gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhea
- Urinating in areas they are not supposed to
- Chewing, digging, or other destructive behaviors
One news source claims that about 50 percent of dogs in the United States suffer from some form of separation anxiety, and because of the pandemic, that number is sharply increasing.
Other Pandemic Problems
Another problem that many pet lovers are experiencing is the sudden management of their dog’s unsocial behavior. Again, since many people had to remain at home, their COVID puppies did not get much needed socialization with other people and animals. Suddenly they are taken to the park and do not know how to handle being thrust into a situation with strange people and strange animals.
What Can You Do to Help Your Four-Legged Friend?
All hope is not lost. There are steps that you can take to help ease your pup into more social behavior. These tools can also get them to adjust to your new schedule without all the stress. The ASPCA has wonderful advice and tips on what you can do today to correct your dog’s behavior and make them more comfortable with you going back to the office.
Another way you can help your dog adjust to its “new” normal is by hiring an experienced and qualified dog walker. A dog walker can give your furry friend some much-needed companionship while you are away to help ease their anxiety. A dog walker with Walk! ATX can also help expose your pet to the sights and sounds of the great outdoors and other animals while keeping them safe. Routine exercise may also help ease destructive, anxious behaviors by getting their energy out in a more constructive way.
At Walk! ATX, we know you want to do what’s best for your pandemic pup. Start by making a phone call to (512) 655-9557. Let the pet people at Walk! ATX help you give your pet the love and attention they deserve.