Many pets have been living "the life" during the pandemic with extra walks and all their people home to tend to their every whim.

That is about to change for some, and it could cause some trouble in what has become their perfect pet world.

With the work from home mandate having been lifted, it means that many people will be returning to the office for as much as eight to 10 hours a day. That’s a long enough day for people, let alone their pets.

Janine Rossler, Executive Director at the Cochrane and Area Humane Society says, “It can be a big adjustment for our pets that have become very used to having us at home and having the hustle and bustle of having the family there and always being a part of everything and then going to a situation where they might be completely alone at home in the silence and trying to figure out what they are going to do with themselves all day. So, we do recognize that for some pets, that is a big adjustment and there can be some anxiety surrounding being left alone at home.”

Rossler says it is important to be proactive in warding off the possible anxiety your pet may experience by taking baby steps of introducing the new reality of going back to work. “So, thinking about doing mini absences so recognizing what are your pets doing if you’re just heading out to take the garbage out? What does it look like when you just take a walk around the block? Those little mini absences to get your pets used to you not being there but knowing that you’re always coming home and keeping those really short in the beginning.”

Depending on the animal, you may need to provide your pet a break throughout the day by enlisting someone to let them out or perhaps install a doggie door if that is feasible. There are also doggy daycares available. 

Rossler suggests one of the ways you can ensure your pet is doing okay in your absence is by setting up a surveillance system of some sort. She says, “Possibly setting up Zoom on your laptop and having the app on your phone and just watching your pet when you leave. Have the camera set up towards the door and step away and watch on your phone.” It is a good way to monitor if the pet is exhibiting signs of anxiety such as panting, drooling, vocalizing, or being really frantic when you come back through the door. Rossler says, “When you do come back we highly suggest you keep your comings and goings low-key. Not coming back in and making a big fuss. Truly making it a non-event when you come back in.” If you create an excited state when you return and your pet is already anxious it can heighten the anxiety. Being able to view the behaviour of your pet while you are gone allows the opportunity to respond depending on the level of their anxiety. Perhaps the need to increase the mini separations will suffice or you may need to seek professional help for them. Separation anxiety is not felt by dogs alone, all pets including cats and rabbits can feel the effects too. 

Another tip to calm your pet's anxiety is to play calming music during your absence. 

Separation anxiety is a very real and serious panic disorder, but the good news is it is treatable. Rossler says professionals will treat the disorder, “Through a process of really gradually desensitizing your dog to being left at home. And we do have a trainer here that has a special interest in separation anxiety.”

Most importantly, the Cochrane and Area Humane Society wants people to know that there is help for your pet(s) if they are struggling with anxiety or other issues. Rossler says, “We’ve got some pretty qualified people to be able to help.”

You can contact the Cochrane Humane Society at 403-932-2072.