Due to the recent pandemic, many people decided to adopt from animal shelters across the United States. They want company during the quarantine, and animals would be perfect roommates.

(Photo : Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash)
Puppy waiting for adoption

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Because of that adopting trend, many lovely dogs and cats found their forever homes.

It's a win-win for everyone, right? Because after all, animals get to have a place to live while their humans had new quarantine buddies.

However, as mandatory lockdowns started lifting, just when the animals began to get used to having their humans around, every time, people started getting. Not only to go and get the deliveries or for a grocery run, but people also started going out for long periods.

Unbeknownst to many, a lot of rescued animals, especially those who came from shelters, have this thing called separation anxiety. 

Separation Anxiety

For animals, especially dogs, separation anxiety is the anxious behavior shown by overly attached animals when they get separated from their owners.

They feel tremendous amounts of restlessness that makes them erratic and, in some cases, even destructive.

During their moments of separation, the animals are in so much distress.

What CAUSES Separation Anxiety to Pets

Sudden change in routines

Especially after getting used to being on a regime during the times the pet and their owners are together, a sudden change in everyday routine can leave a pet anxious.

Unscheduled separations

After being stuck together for so long, pets will get used to being around their owners all the time. They develop a sense of comfort around them. When their owners suddenly go out without their pets for long periods, the animals will become restless. 

Detachment

Loyalty is one of the things a faithful pet can offer to their humans. Especially when reciprocated, it is deemed to blossom into a very great mutual relationship. However, if their humans suddenly shift their treatment towards them, they will feel like they have been detached from each other. This will make pets feel anxious and worried.

How to HANDLE Pets with Separation Anxiety

For Mild Cases

  • Give your pets treats every time you leave; this will give them a sense of comfort because of the treatment despite you going out without them.
  • Don't make a scene each time you leave. As much as possible, don't excite your pets when you are leaving because when you suddenly cut out that excitement when you go, you will make your pet anxious.
  • Leave some recently worn clothes, especially ones that still have your smell in them. Pets feel comfort when they can sense you around them; by leaving your trace behind, you ensure that you are still around.
  • If it is in your budget, leave them to pet-sitters or animal daycares when you have to go for an extended period. By doing so, you are making sure that your pets will have people or pets to hang out with while you are gone.

For Extreme Cases

  • Take them to the vet and tend to their needs;
  • Get them over the counter or prescribed calming supplements; and
  • Enroll them with therapies that deal with similar cases.

Pets are loyal companions who will be willing to dedicate their lives to make their owners feel that they are not alone. They deserved to be treated and handled correctly, especially when they have anxiety.

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