Work from home, social distancing, contactless delivery. These are just a few of the things that have become a normal part of our daily lives and made it possible for us to stay at home most of the time. While this past year has been tough for us humans, our pets have been loving it, as we’ve been home to spend more time with them than ever.
As restrictions begin to lift and people start making the trek to and from the office again, separation-related anxiety, boredom and loneliness, and other responses to this change for our furry friends are expected. Luckily, there are some things that you can work on right now to help your cat or dog feel more comfortable as you make this transition.
Cats are not prone to separation anxiety, but dogs may experience this when there is a sudden change to their schedule. Dogs thrive on consistency, and their behavior and well-being will improve if they know what to expect during their day. Begin leaving at the same time each day for short periods of time to give them a chance to adjust and provide them with mentally-engaging activities each time you leave. Puzzle toys, stuffed Kongs, and food-dispensing toys will help keep your dog’s mind occupied while you are away. Finally, invest in a camera. This allows you to check in on your dog and will provide you with peace of mind knowing they are sleeping the day away!
Providing enriching experiences for your cat is the biggest way to help them adjust to the new changes and increased time alone. It doesn’t have to require a lot of time, effort, or money to give your kitty things to keep them happy and engaged! Providing window perches can be very enriching and peaceful for cats to watch their surroundings. Cats also love to sunbathe, so having an open blind so they can catch some rays will also be beneficial. YouTube is a great place to find CatTV that you can play on your TV screen while you are away. Your cat can have fun watching birds, squirrels, and mice during the time that you are working.
If your dog does exhibit signs of separation anxiety when left alone such as chewing or destroying things around the home, urinating or defecating indoors, or excessive pacing, contact a certified dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement training techniques and behavior modification. For cats, behaviors such as scratching on furniture can display itself. Providing cat scratchers around your home can help. There are several different types from which to choose. A cat tree will provide them with safe furniture to scratch. Cardboard scratchers are also another material cats like to use their nails on.
If you’d like more information about helping your dog adjust to post-pandemic life, contact Kaitlin Cheek, our Training and Behavior Manager, at kaitlin@nuzzlesandco.org. If you’d like more information about helping your cat adjust to post-pandemic life, contact Aileen Herrador, our Cat Manager, at aileen@nuzzlesandco.org.
