He says his new partner helped reduce the stress of months of isolating COVID-19 at home.
He is not alone. Shelters and animal breeders across the country have reported a record number of dog and cat adoptions in recent months.
But after my co-worker returned to work, he says his adorable kitten started urinating on the kitchen counter while he was gone.
Another friend is worried about how her dog will react when she returns to the office. Her big, naughty retriever, Labrador follows her everywhere, even to the bathroom. When he leaves to make a quick commission, the dog sits down at the back door and complains, waiting for her return.
What should these pet owners do?
The problem of sudden routine changes
A change in routine, such as being suddenly alone for many hours each day, is a major cause of separation anxiety for both dogs and cats.
Separation anxiety is more than a small whimper when you walk out the door. It is a major, unwanted behavior that happens every time you leave or are gone.
For dogs and cats, this can mean excessive rhythm, barking or howling, whining or self-care as you prepare to leave. In some cases, this may mean urinating or defecating around the house, often in places where odors persist, such as on bedding or carpets, or destroying household items in your absence. Adherence or extreme need is another symptom.
Separation anxiety will not go away on its own and it can be difficult to get rid of it completely. But there are ways to manage it. As a veterinarian and teacher, I am often asked to help people find ways to alleviate pet anxiety.
What not to do
First of all, it’s important to understand that it’s not about you – it’s about your pet. Your dog or cat is not trying to teach you a lesson or take revenge. Animals do not act out of spite.
Instead, it is a sign of extreme suffering and frustration that should be addressed like any other medical condition. Your pet does not want to experience separation anxiety more than you want to experience its consequences.
For this reason, punishment is never the answer. First, your pet won’t connect the punishment with something that happened a few hours – or even a few minutes – earlier. And punishment can exacerbate your pet’s anxiety and stress.
Similarly, walking in the opposite extremity praising or offering affection when your pet suffers from anxiety will make the problem worse.
The goal is to create a balanced relationship so that your pet can tolerate being alone. First, have your pet checked by a veterinarian to rule out physical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection if your pet urinates in inappropriate places.
Then make sure your pet does a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. For dogs, this can mean a long run or a brisk walk every day. Exercising shortly before leaving the house can bring your dog into a more relaxed state while you are away. It is harder to feel stressed when endorphin levels are high. For cats, this could mean a change in the environment by being outdoors in a closed and safe area, such as a “catio”.
Photo by Bradley Pisney on Unsplash
Treating separation anxiety with behavior change
Here we are talking about your behavior. The goal is to make your absence seem like no big deal. Making a fuss about your pet when you leave or get home only makes things worse. If you treat it like a routine, your pet will learn to do the same.
Try to figure out when your pet starts showing signs of anxiety and turn it into a discreet activity. For example, when you lift your handbag, practice lifting it and putting it back on several times in a few hours. Similarly, get dressed or put on your shoes earlier than usual, but stay home instead of leaving immediately. Try to start the car’s engine, then stop it and go back inside.
Then practice short absences. When you are at home, it is important to spend some time in another room. In addition, leave the house long enough to do a commission or two, then gradually increase the time you are away so that you are gone for a whole day to become part of the family routine.
Changing the environment
Boredom aggravates separation anxiety. Offering an activity for your pet while you’re away, such as a puzzle toy filled with delicacies or simply hiding sweets around the house will make your absence less stressful. Other options for dogs and cats include collars and plug-in devices that release soothing pheromones.
To keep in touch while you’re gone, place a piece of clothing you’ve recently worn in a prominent place, such as on a bed or couch, to comfort your pet. Similarly, you can leave your TV or radio on – there are even special programs for pets only – or you can set up a room so you can observe and interact with your pet remotely. Some of them are equipped with a laser pointer or delicacies that you can distribute.
Use of supplements or medications
In some severe cases, when the animal harms itself or causes material damage, medications or supplements may be needed. They alter the brain’s neurotransmitters to create a sense of calm.
Although some are available without a prescription, it is a good idea to get advice from your veterinarian to determine which are the safest and most effective for your pet’s situation. Medication can help reduce anxiety, making it easier for the animal to learn new coping skills. A behavior modification plan that accompanies medication use can help manage this problem.
Separation anxiety is difficult for both you and your pet. But a few simple changes can make a huge difference as life returns to a normal appearance.
Lori M Teller, Associate Professor, Clinical Veterinary Telehealth University of Texas A&M.
This article is republished from Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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