By: Lia De Lemos
The COVID-19 pandemic had many of us quarantined and indoors. However, it opened opportunities for people to indulge in new hobbies, try new recipes, and most importantly – bond with pets. While many people were scared during the time, pets offered comfort and love. For both pets and their owners, this was paradise. However, as we transition towards a sense of normalcy (or “post-pandemic” times), our pets will have to face being alone in the home more often as we go back to in-person activities. Here’s some ways on how we can help our pets transition smoothly and stress-free post-pandemic!
Separation Anxiety
Many pets, primarily cats and dogs, are social creatures. During the pandemic, our pets became accustomed to our everyday presence at home. If we were to suddenly go back to school or our 9 to 5 jobs, our pets are bound to experience some sort of shock. This can result in some behavioral or even health problems in pets. Separation anxiety is the simplest way to put this kind of pattern in pets. Some symptoms of separation anxiety include urinating/defecating, howling, chewing/ripping furniture, pacing, or escaping/”door-dashing”. According to the ASPCA, “if a dog’s guardian works from home and spends all day with his dog but then gets a new job that requires him to leave his dog alone for six or more hours at a time, the dog might develop separation anxiety because of that change”. The chances of separation anxiety in pets are much more likely considering the length of the COVID-19 pandemic. A separate category might as well be identified as post-COVID-19 separation anxiety. Depending on the pet, there can be severe cases of separation anxiety if we transition too quickly. The best way to address the new challenges of separation anxiety is to take things slow and use your resources for the benefit of your pet’s health.
Training
Your pet is smarter and more independent than you think. Sure, they can all be clingy at times but, especially for cats, many pets are capable of being by themselves. All this to say that we should have hope in our companions! Independence training is a general term used for pets who experience separation anxiety. If you expect to be out of the house for long hours, you should start training and guiding your pet as soon as possible. While you are at home, designate a period of time for them to be alone aka “alone time”. Firstly, make sure your pet has a safe space or room. This can usually look like a bed in the order for dogs or a comfy window perch or burrow for cats. Once they have a safe space established, leave your pet there and separate yourself in another room or area. Start small, leaving them for only a few minutes then gradually increase it over time. Most pets will show symptoms of separation anxiety between 3 to 7 minutes. All pets react differently. Always see and gauge out their condition first. Meet your pet where they’re at and don’t force them into any change too quickly.
Whenever we arrive or depart from our homes, it’s pretty instinctive to call out to our pets. If you want your pet to become less anxious when you leave, you need to desensitize them to your arrivals and departures. Most pets know when we leave, leading them to often destructive behavior. And when we arrive home, most pets get ecstatic and playful. Try to gradually keep your calm when you enter and leave the space. Granted, it can be very hard not to be all excited seeing your pet after a long, busy day. However, this will ultimately lessen their anxiety when you’re not home! If your pet is more on the playful side, make sure they have enough toys and resources to keep themselves busy. Before you leave, you can even distract your pet from your departure by giving them their favorite treat or toy before you leave. This is called counterconditioning where you reward your pet to lessen their separation anxiety. It’s hard to feel anxious when you have positive rewards!
Setting boundaries is always difficult (for both you and your pet!). If there are no set boundaries around the house, your pet will be confused if you scold them. You should never add or heighten your pet’s anxiety to begin with. This leads to more types of training such as obedience training or general positive reinforcements. With separation anxiety in particular, your pet should learn that you cannot always be there for them. With working-from-home becoming a new type of work, setting boundaries is especially important if you don’t want your cat sleeping in front of your computer monitor all the time!
Your Own Wellbeing
While pets may experience separation anxiety, humans can equally experience it too. The pandemic has had an emotional toll on all of us, no doubt. It can be extremely difficult going to work or school without the familiar, reliable, emotional supportive companion by our sides. Pet relationships have never been more important and comforting than during the COVID-19 pandemic. For other cases, the pandemic has impacted people financially, forcing some to give up their companions entirely.
If you own a pet, are worried about them being alone for long hours, and have the means to do so, there are reliable pet sitting services out there. When we think of pet-sitting services, we tend to reserve those for long vacations out of town. However, pet-sitting services are also great resources for pets with separation anxiety post-pandemic. Pet-sitting services can be local or may have a designated hotel location. Dog and cat sitting services are out there. Catbuddy is a pet-sitting service that specializes in cats! Catbuddy has trusted cat sitters in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Pet-sitting services are definitely a great option! You’re able to be at ease knowing that your pet still has company when you’re away. Booking appointments are also easy and hassle-free. Pet-sitters love pets as much as you do, so you know they’ll be in trustworthy hands. It’s a convenient option for pets with separation anxiety and you are able to support local businesses!
Takeaways
Moving forward during these post-pandemic times is difficult. Our pets who have been by our side for so long will now have to face isolation on their own, leading to separation anxiety. However, with time and training, your pet will be able to get through that obstacle! Your pet can overcome post-pandemic separation anxiety as long as they have the resources and boundaries set in place. You can also source out pet-sitting services, such as Catbuddy for cats, to ensure that your pet is loved and taken care of when you leave the house!
Lia is a rising third-year student studying Journalism and minoring in Film, TV, and Media Studies and Asian Pacific American Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She is grateful to be able to write for Catbuddy and looks forward to developing her career in digital media. She has two cats and three dogs back at home, so you might call her an animal-lover. Lastly, Lia hopes for her content to be an enjoyable read to all audiences!