Your pets also get back-to-work blues

If you’re feeling blue about heading back to the office this month, spare a thought for your poor pooch.

After a few blissful weeks of quality time with you at home, your pets now face the reality of their family members heading off in different directions to work and school.

Research has shown that unlike pre-pandemic days when between 30 to 40% of dogs suffered from separation anxiety, the figure now is as high as 75%.

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The problem is that this can then lead to destructive and annoying behaviour, which leaves both pets and their owners stressed and frustrated.

So what can you do to make the back-to-reality transition a little smoother for your fur babies?

“The best advice is to teach your dog to be independent and spend time alone from when they are a puppy,” said Absolute Pets’ animal behaviourist expert Ludovica Barnato.

“You should allow dogs to learn to be by themselves for very short periods of time and then gradually increase the amount of time at the dog’s pace.

“It is important to start from when the puppies enter their forever home: owners should teach puppies to relax on their beds or crates in separate rooms from the rest of the family, to teach alone time without trauma.

“Owners should not expect dogs to suddenly be alright with being left alone, it should be a gradual and stress-free process, so it is best to start practising well ahead of the holidays,” Barnato added.

“You can also leave interactive toys and treats for your pet while you’re away and treat-stuffing toys.”

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Barnato recommends not trying anything new without supervision though, as some chews can splinter and cause injury.

“Another thing pet owners should do is engage and exercise with their animals before heading off for a long period of time.

“Some pets are more anxious than others because of their genetics or past experiences. Those pets generally don’t do well when left alone. However, well-adjusted adult dogs who have been trained to be alone gradually and positively can be left alone for four to six hours maximum.

“It is always a good idea to walk the dogs first to get rid of some energy and provide some stimulation outdoors,” Barnato said.