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According to mashable.com dogs are extremely social creatures and separation anxiety is a serious condition. If you think it\u2019s about something as simple as boredom, you\u2019re wrong; separation anxiety is the result of stress. This has nothing to do with your training capabilities. <\/p>\n
Because we\u2019ve spent so much time at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, chances are that your pet might experience a certain or higher level of separation anxiety after things have gone \u201cback to normal\u201d. Post-pandemic separation anxiety in pets has become quite common and can range from mild to severe. <\/p>\n
\u201cEvery pet is different, and each recovery period will have its own timeline. You should, however, see some adjustment within six to eight weeks of training, but if your pet is still struggling thereafter, you should reach out to an animal behaviourist,\u201d explains Alet Joubert, veterinary nurse. <\/p>\n
\u2018\u2019Behaviours that could indicate separation anxiety include being destructive, barking, pacing and even suddenly urinating and\/or defecating in areas where they wouldn\u2019t usually, like the bedroom or on the furniture,\u2019\u2019 she adds. <\/p>\n \u201cTraining plays a vital role in assisting your pet with their coping mechanisms. Pet owners need to retrain their pets to tolerate and even enjoy being at home when their owners leave\u201d, says Joubert. <\/p>\n A few methods to help your pet overcome separation anxiety would be to desensitize, counter-condition, exercise, and crate-train them.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you get home, complete a small task such as hanging up your jacket or packing away your bag before calmly greeting your pet. <\/p>\n \u201cGive your puppy or kitten opportunities to get used to you not being home. It\u2019s all about getting them comfortable in their own space when we are not there with them,\u201d further explains Joubert. <\/p>\n She says that behavioural therapy and treatment work well together and could be a great form of treatment as well. <\/p>\n In order to manage a pet who could be suffering from separation anxiety, Joubert explains that owners have to reach out to an animal behaviourist and a vet. This is especially important if your pet is injuring itself or being extremely destructive. Therefore, a behaviourist can assist in gradually changing the pet\u2019s behaviour, and the vet can prescribe a calming supplement that will assist immediately. <\/p>\n Just as important as it is to take care of yourself, you should take care of your pets as well, they are a part of the family after all. <\/p>\n