Prevent Separation Anxiety In Dogs After COVID-19

One of the few good things about quarantining during COVID-19 has been getting to spend more time with family, including our pets. Dogs have been overjoyed to have their people home so much and thrilled that walks are now the primary out-of-the-house activity.  

In many parts of the country, we're going back to work. This means our dogs are going back to being left at home for longer periods of time.. Some dogs may have a hard time adjusting, even if they didn't mind solitude before the quarantine. 

Here's what you need to know about how to prevent separation anxiety after COVID 19.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety in dogs is overwhelming stress that occurs whenever a dog is isolated from their family. Some dogs have separation anxiety when separated from any member of their family. Others only experience it when they are completely alone. Some dogs can have their anxiety relieved by the presence of animals, while others need people. 

Every dog is a little bit different in how and when they express separation anxiety, but in all cases, dogs experience discomfort in the absence of loved ones.

Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs 

Your dog may begin to show signs of anxiety before you leave or while you're gone. Signs may worsen as your absences continue. For instance, your dog may have relatively minor symptoms on your first day back to work or school, but anxiety may be more severe by day 5. Here are some of the clues that your dog may be stressed by your departure. 

●      Inappropriate elimination in otherwise potty-trained dogs cleared of medical problems.

●      Vocalizing, especially continuous and monotonous vocalizations; including howling, barking, or whining.

●      Inability to settle. Pacing, circling, and restlessness.

●      Destructiveness, especially centered around doors, windows, or other areas of possible escape.

●      Excessive panting, salivating, and signs of anxiety like wide eyes and a tight mouth.

●      Disinterest in food, toys, and other distractions.

Why do Dogs Experience Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral problems, diagnosed in as many as 20% to 40% of North American dogs. We don't really know why some dogs experience it. Some breeds seem to be more prone to separation anxiety, especially breeds that tend to be more closely connected with their people.

Life changes like divorce, a death in the family, or a move can result in a dog with separation anxiety. A big change, like going back to work after the COVID-19 quarantine, can also be the sort of event that may prompt anxiety.

Prevent Separation Anxiety in Dogs After COVID-19

If you haven't gone back to work or school yet, now is the time to prepare your dog. Whether your dog has shown anxiety before or not, it is best to take steps to help your dog during this unique time. Treating anxiety in dogs is certainly possible, but it is much more challenging than preventing anxiety in the first place. 

Reduce Your Stress Level

Reducing your stress is hard during the COVID-19 quarantine. Most of us have experienced more stress than is normal. Dogs pick up on that stress, which causes them anxiety. 

Fewer visitors coming to your home, distance from people on walks, and other subtle changes register with your dog as indications that something is wrong. If you have been sick from COVID-19, your dog is probably even more likely to be anxious.

Do your best to reduce your stress level, especially when you're around your dog. Here are a few things that you can do:

●      Avoid stressful activities. Try not to watch the news, scroll through social media, or do anything else that will cause you excessive stress when you're with your dog. 

●      Lose yourself in the moment. Play tug-of-war, throw a ball, and run around with your dog. Enjoying a moment isn't just good for your dog; it's therapeutic for you as well.

●      Meditate with your dog. Have you ever noticed the perfect contentedness with which a dog can gaze out from a sunny porch? Take time to clear your thoughts and just be with your dog, fully in the moment. 

Set Up a Baby Cam

A baby cam is an ideal way to keep an eye on your pup while you are gone. It is also a great way to monitor your dog from another room so that you can quickly interfere if your dog becomes destructive or suddenly anxious. You can even get a camera that lets you talk to your dog and toss treats. A baby cam can be an invaluable tool in helping your dog overcome anxiety. 

Spend Time Apart

If you don’t have to be away from your dog you may want to spend every minute with them. However, being constantly together won't be good for either of you when you need to separate. 

Make a comfortable place for your dog in a crate or room away from where you'll be. Give them a great food distributing toy like a Kong stuffed with peanut butter and leave them alone. Make sure that you do this for various lengths of time every day. 

This is a good opportunity for you to observe your dog while you're still in the house to see whether any destructive tendencies or anxious behavior emerge.  

Associate Alone Time with Good Things

Make the time that your dog spends away from you as appealing as possible. Offer the most desirable treats, chew toys, and food distributing toys when your dog is alone.

Whatever you can do to make your dog's alone-time highly pleasing for them will make separation anxiety less likely. Counterconditioning is an effective way of treating anxiety in dogs that have milder symptoms. It is also a great way to prevent separation anxiety from beginning in the first place. 

Your dog will love being with you because they enjoy your company so much. Still, they will also enjoy being alone because of all the good things that solitude means.

Be Unpredictable

Many dogs with separation anxiety begin to show symptoms as soon as their owner shows signs of leaving. Picking up your keys, putting on your coat, and locking the door are all known as "pre-departure cues," which can trigger your dog to feel anxiety.

To avoid your dog building strong associations with pre-departure cues and with absences, mix up the cues and absences. Pick up your keys and then don't go anywhere. Leave the house without performing any pre-departure cues. 

Leave your dog unsure of when you will leave and when you won't. In time, this will desensitize your dog to pre-departure cues. For dogs that are already experiencing separation anxiety, desensitizing pre-departure cues will be your first step in treatment.

Train Self-Control

The better self-control your dog has, the better they'll be able to learn to tolerate being away from you. Start by asking your dog to stay for brief periods while you step out of the room. Increase the periods that your dog can stay until you can step out of the house for several minutes and then come back.

While you won't expect your dog to stay like this while you leave the house for longer periods of time, this is a great mental exercise that teaches your dog that you will come back and that they can wait without panicking.

Don't Make a Big Deal of Coming and Going

The more hype there is around coming and going, the more your dog is likely to experience separation anxiety when they see departure cues. Leave and come home quietly, without making a big show of it, so that your dog doesn't think it's a big deal for you to come and go. 

Set Your Dog Up for Success When You Go Back to Work or School

If you want your dog to be stress-free after COVID 19, it's best to prepare now. Making these simple changes to your routine before you go back to work or school will make it much easier for your dog to adjust.