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When a colleague of mine discovered a tiny orphaned kitten who needed a house a few months ago, he didn’t hesitate to adopt it. He says his new companion has helped make the months of Covid-19 isolation at home much less stressful.
He is not alone. Animal shelters and breeders across the country have reported a record number of dog and cat adoptions in recent months.
But after my co-worker returned to work, he says his adorable kitten started urinating on the kitchen counter while he was away.
Another friend worries about his dog’s reaction to his return to the office. Her big, clumsy Labrador Retriever follows her everywhere, even to the bathroom. When she goes for a short run, the dog sits by the back door and whines, waiting for her return.
What should these pet owners do?
The problem of sudden changes in routine
A change in routine, such as being suddenly alone for several hours each day, is a major cause of separation anxiety in dogs and cats.
Separation anxiety is more than a little whimper as you walk out the door. This is a major and unwanted behavior that occurs whenever you go away or are away.
For dogs and cats, this can mean excessive pacing, barking or howling, whining, or self-grooming as you prepare to leave. In some cases, this can mean urinating or defecating around the house, often in places where odors persist, such as on bedding or rugs, or destroying household items while you are away. Another symptom is extreme adhesion or indigence.
Separation anxiety will not go away on its own and it can be difficult to get rid of it completely. But there are ways to manage it. As a clinical vet and teacher, I am often asked to help people find ways to relieve anxiety in their pets.
What you should not do
First of all, it is important to understand that this is not about you, but your pet. Your dog or cat is not trying to teach you a lesson or take revenge. Animals do not act out of spite.
Instead, it is a signal of extreme distress and frustration that should be addressed like any other medical condition. Your pet doesn’t want to feel separation anxiety any more than you want to suffer the consequences.
For this reason, punishment is never the answer. For one thing, your pet won’t relate the punishment to something that happened hours – or even minutes – earlier. And the punishment can only exacerbate your pet’s anxiety and stress.
Likewise, going to the opposite extreme of praising or giving affection when your pet is suffering from anxiety will also make the problem worse.
The goal is to create a balanced relationship so that your pet can tolerate being alone. First, have your pet examined by a veterinarian to rule out any physical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection if your pet urinates in inappropriate places.
Then make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. For dogs, this can mean a long run or a brisk walk every day. Exercising shortly before you leave the house can put your dog in a more relaxed state while you are away. It is more difficult to feel stressed when endorphin levels are high. For cats, it could mean a change of environment by being outside in a safe, enclosed area like a “catio”.
3. Treat separation anxiety with behavior change
Here we are talking about your behavior. The point is to give the impression that your absence is not a problem. Fussing with your pet when you leave or come home only makes things worse. If you treat it like it’s routine, your pet will learn to do the same.
Try to understand when your pet starts to show signs of anxiety and turn that into a low-key activity. If it’s when you pick up your purse, for example, practice picking it up and putting it back several times in a few hours. Likewise, dress or put on your shoes earlier than usual, but stay home instead of leaving right away. Try to start your car’s engine, then turn it off and get back inside.
Then practice short absences. When you are at home, make sure you spend time in another room. In addition, leave the house long enough to do one or two errands, then gradually increase the length of your absence so that leaving for an entire day becomes part of the family routine.
2. Change the environment
Boredom makes separation anxiety worse. Providing activities for your pet while you are away, such as a jigsaw puzzle full of treats, or simply hiding treats around the house, will make your absence less stressful. Other options for dogs and cats include collars and plug-in devices that release soothing pheromones.
To maintain your bond while you are away, place a piece of clothing that you have worn recently in a prominent place, such as on your bed or sofa, to comfort your pet. Likewise, you can leave the TV or radio on – there are even special programs just for pets – or set up a camera so you can observe and interact with your pet from a distance. Some of them come with a laser pointer or treats you can hand out.
1. Use of supplements or medications
In some severe cases, when the animal harms itself or causes property damage, medication or supplements may be needed. These alter neurotransmitters in the brain to create a feeling of calm.
While some are readily available without a prescription, it’s a good idea to seek advice from your veterinarian on which ones are the safest and most effective for your pet’s situation. Medication can help reduce anxiety, which makes it easier for the animal to learn new coping skills. A behavior modification plan accompanying the use of medication can help manage this problem.
Separation anxiety is difficult for you and your pet. But a few simple changes can make a huge difference as life returns to a semblance of normal.
This article was originally published on The Conversation by Lori M Teller of Texas A&M University. Read the original article here.
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