It may still seem like a return to normalcy will never get here. But with Covid-19 preventing vaccines soon becoming available, many households will soon shift gears. In our post pandemic world, adults will return to work. Children will go back to school. Dogs and cats accustomed to constant companionship will be left alone for extended periods of time. Now is the time to start preparing your pets for these life style changes.
Chewing and Other Destructive Behaviors
What we often consider destructive behaviors may be normal behaviors for our pets. Most dogs like to chew on things. Dogs and cats enjoy playing and practicing predator prey behaviors. Start now by establishing new routines that will be in effect when the daily cycle changes. Reward your pets for playing with appropriate objects. Restrict access to things you wish to protect. Leave safe toy puzzles for your cats and safe chew objects for your dogs as you spend increasingly more time away from the house without them.
If your dog is not crate trained, now is the time to start. A crate can be a safe haven for a dog, like a den for a fox or wolf. Even confining your pet to a small safe room, rather than free range of the house can foster a sense of security.
Exercise is very important to both cats and dogs. Plan to tire them out before you leave the house. Most pets like to sleep for 8-12 hours a day. Burn off that extra energy to encourage sleep time while you will be away. Develop a routine now.
Baby Steps Will Help Them Acclimate to a Post Pandemic World
If your dog is now accustomed to going for walks or trips outside to eliminate every hour or so, suddenly leaving them alone for 8 hours will potentially leave you with a mess to clean up when you get home. Start practicing longer times between their trips outside. If you need a break from work, go for a walk by yourself to practice leaving your pets home alone. Crate training is also an excellent way to prevent house soiling. Work slowly to increase the amount of time your pet is confined. If post pandemic work will keep you away for more than 6-8 hours a day, consider hiring a dog walker.
If your cat is your constant companion, sitting on your lap while you work from home, set up a nice cozy cat bed nearby and set your cat there instead of on your lap. Remember to get up and leave them alone as well. Like dogs, cats need toys and exercise. Be certain they become accustomed to safe toys they can play with while you are out of the house. Also like dogs, most cats will sleep through most of the day. Help them establish that habit. Stop being a constant entertainment system for them now.
Only You Can Prevent Post Pandemic Separation Anxiety in Your Pets
You can prevent separation anxiety by beginning new habits now. Start slowly and be willing to spend the time getting your pets used to your absences. You may at first only be able to stand on the other side of the door for a few seconds. Work up slowly to moving farther away for longer periods of time. Training is all about rewarding the good behaviors. Make your pets feel safe and secure in your home, even when you are not there.