5 Ways to Help Your Dog with Separation Anxiety after Covid-19

Written by Martin Carpio

Edited by Eva Ternovska

Let’s face it: We all wish we could lounge with our dogs until the end of time. For the past year, this reality has been one that many dog owners had the opportunity to enjoy. However, with the increasing percentage of vaccinated individuals in the United States, coupled with the declining rate of Covid-19 cases, this occurrence may soon come to an end. More and more dog owners will have to leave home to go to work, raising the chances for their dogs to develop separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common issues among dogs and develops for various reasons, such as a change in schedule, residence, household membership, or guardian. Some of the symptoms of separation anxiety include barking, howling, urinating and defecating, and destruction of property. To combat this behavior, here are a few tips that you can follow:

  1. Counterconditioning

Counterconditioning is a process that attempts to turn a dog’s feeling of anxiety into one of relief. This can be done by rewarding your dog whenever you leave with something that they enjoy. For example, if you have to go grocery shopping for a few hours, you can give your dog their favorite treat to munch on while you are away.

  1. Desensitization

Desensitization is similar to counterconditioning, but instead of rewarding your dog whenever you leave, you slowly leave your dog alone for longer increments. Whether it be five minutes or ten seconds, you must exert patience and gradually let your dog acclimate to longer times alone.

  1. Exercise

Consider taking your dog for a walk, and letting it release all of its energy before you leave. Your pet is bound to be calmer when you have to go.

  1. Crate Training

Crate training is a controversial method of disciplining your dog, but if done correctly it can help you out in the long run. Similar to counterconditioning, crate training requires you to create a positive association with your absence by providing treats and toys for your dog to enjoy while you are gone.

  1. Medication

If all else fails, you can ask your veterinarian for recommendations about medication for your dog to take in order to aid this behavioral issue. Trazodone, for example, is a very common medication used to combat separation anxiety in dogs.

Citation:

Fabian, Renée. “Separation Anxiety: How to Prepare Your Pets for Your Return to Work After COVID-19.” GoodRx, 13 May 2021, www.goodrx.com/blog/separation-anxiety-in-pets-post-covid-19/. 

Gibeault, Stephanie. “Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Puppies: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 21 Apr. 2021, www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/separation-anxiety-dogs-puppies/. 

“Separation Anxiety.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety. 

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