“Please Don’t Go” – the unforeseen link between COVID and Separation Anxiety
It’s March 2020 and the UK sits with all eyes firmly fixed upon Boris as he orders us to “stay at home”. COVID was upon us and with it came lockdown. This news meant a change for us all. For the majority, this included working from home and with that came the possibility of owning that much longed for pet.
No longer was there the problem of leaving a new puppy or kitten alone during the “settle in stage” whilst we headed off to work. Instead, the entire family would be around to offer their new furry companion contact and interaction 24/7. “Amazing News”…..cue a boom in pet ownership!
Spring – Summer 2021, and the last of three lockdowns in the UK begins to ease. As business slowly reopens, the need for people to return to work arises. Great for the economy but not so great for the thousands of pets now facing time ‘home alone’….cue a boom in pet behavioural problems!
Separation anxiety is a behaviour that can affect all animals but is most common in dogs. Tell tail signs can include destructive behaviour, unwanted toileting or reports of howling or barking. Other less common signs may go undetected such as trembling, pacing, excessive salivation, self-mutilation (chewing their feet or tails) and repetitive behaviours. Many of these behaviours can also be displayed in cats.
So what can we do to help? Well, we can’t change the inevitable, so don’t ask us to have a word with your boss.
However, we can offer you and your pet our help. One of our dedicated team can lend a supportive ear and advise on what steps to take to try and alleviate those problematic symptoms. For many, behavioural training will be enough. This typically involves exposing the pet to mild versions of their triggers whilst teaching them to remain calm and then rewarding them with positive reinforcement.
Some pets will require the additional use of anxiety easing medication. These can include nutritional supplements, dog appeasing pheromones, body wraps that provide reassuring pressure and in some severe cases stronger sedative medications although these would be seen as a final option and only once others have been exhausted.
So, with these options on the table (and to stop the table leg being chewed!) give one of our friendly staff a call today on 01708 592 290 and we will do all we can to help your pet put its feet up and REEEELLLAAAAX….
