Worried About How Your Pet Will Cope When You Head Back to the Office?

As COVID numbers continue to fall here in the U.S., and many of us contemplate our moves back into the office (at least part time), our unsuspecting pets face some time without us. What are some secrets for easing this transition?

If you’ve been watching the news the past few months, you know that there are more pets than ever, with approximately 67 percent of U.S. households currently owning a pet, according to spots.com. Yes, the pandemic has created a high demand of dogs and cats. Many of us are new to pet parenthood and navigating separation for the first time.

Wondering how Bella, Simba, Luna or Charlie will fare on his or her own after a year of having near-constant human companionship? Veterinarians weigh in with advice on dog and cat separation anxiety and how to make this adjustment easier.

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Separation anxiety in pets is real.

When you leave the house and your pet chews up your shoes, it’s not out of spite. Separation anxiety is diagnosed in 20 to 40 percent of dogs (more common in older dogs) but rarely diagnosed in cats. One of the most important things to remember about separation anxiety in pets is they are not getting back at you for leaving. However, their expressions of anxiety can, none the less, be destructive and inconvenient.

In dogs, anxiety can show up as excessive barking or whining, restlessness or pacing, destructive behavior, self-harm such as chewing or licking, and an unwillingness to eat.

In cats, separation anxiety can include excessive grooming, meowing or crying, destructive behavior, changes in eating, elimination outside the litter box and attempts to escape.

Suggestions to ease your dog or cat’s separation anxiety:

• Ease into the new routine. Start to slowly adjust your routine to times and activities you can follow when you go back to work. If you won’t be home for a short morning walk, but will instead be home at lunch when you go back to the office, move the walk now, so your pet can adjust. If meals will soon be morning and evening only, gradually move them toward these new times. If your pet will be alone more, start leaving him or her alone for small periods now, increasing the length of time gradually. Adjust as you go, based on your pet’s anxiety and behavior, suggests petmate.com. They also suggest feeding your pet in a room that’s away from you, so they see that being separated has its rewards.
• Avoid emotional goodbyes or hellos. Coming and going with little interaction and a calm attitude will make these transitions less of a big deal, suggests dogtopia.com. If you want to smother your pet with love, do it well in advance of your departure, so your pet doesn’t associate your affection with the time you leave. Gather your car keys or bag and put on your coat quietly.
• Make alone time distracting and busy. Provide interactive toys and time-consuming treats when you leave. Kong© makes a variety of treat dispensers you can fill and freeze to lengthen the time it takes your dog to finish. Trixie Pet© makes stimulating food puzzles for cats. You could also try leaving a tv or radio station on that you normally listen to when you’re home. You could also consider a pet sitter to help break up the day with a walk or company.
• Continue daily exercise. Increase the amount of exercise your pet gets by taking him or her on an early morning walk or upping your level of play time. “If your pet is tired before you leave, they’ll spend more time snoozing and less time stressing,” suggests petmate.com.
• Avoid punishing your pet. Bad behavior isn’t out of spite, but rather out of fear. Disciplining your pet can add to their stress. Instead, be patient and use the tips above as well as consulting with your veterinarian.

Adjusting to your new routine can take time (and varies from animal to animal) according to cnn.com, so prepare for and be patient as your pet gets used to your absence. Think of the stress relief your pet has provided you over the past few months. Now it’s your turn to return the favor.