A lot of pets will become more vulnerable to experiencing separation distress soon as the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the working world gradually weakens. Your routine will change and the same will hold true for your pet cat or dog.
Being faced with the sudden reality of no longer having you around all the time can be difficult for your pet. It’s your duty as the pet parent to make the transition easier for them.
We’ve already highlighted some things in our April 2 and April 9 articles you can do to help your pet combat separation distress. Let’s talk about four more tips that should prove just as helpful.
Leave Some of Your Old Clothes Behind
Animals rely on scent more than we do. They use it to track down food, find their way home, and recognize their surroundings. Pets can quickly feel more comfortable if they are exposed to scents that they recognize.
Help your pets feel more comfortable while you’re away by leaving some of your clothes behind. Take an old shirt you haven’t washed yet and place it on top of your pet’s bed. When you get home, you may see him/her sleeping on top of it.
You can also leave out an old hoodie or jacket. That may even work better because it’s more durable. Your pet won’t accidentally rip it as he/she continues to cuddle with it.
Give Your Pet a View of Your Home’s Surroundings
Distractions can really help your pets cope with your absence better. Giving your cat a view of your home’s surroundings can work as a suitable distraction.
Fix up a spot close to one of your windows so your cat can climb and rest there. Set it up in such a way that they can lie down there and just hang out. Perhaps you can even leave some toys or old clothes there to ensure your pet goes to that spot.
Staring outside a window can be very stimulating for cats. They may not notice that they’re home alone due to the abundance of interesting things they’re seeing beyond the window.
Take Part in Some Crate Training for Separation Distress
Crate training is something many dog owners take part in at some point. It’s often a necessary process for puppies to experience so they can get used to staying inside your home. This type of training also prevents your dog from tearing through your stuff and causing all kinds of havoc.
To get started, make sure you choose a crate that will fit your pet properly. A nice, spacious crate would be ideal so your pet can remain comfortable. Also look for crates made from durable materials that your dog won’t be able to bust through easily.
From there, you have to condition your pet to using the crate in various stages. The Humane Society suggests slowly introducing your pet to the crate. After that, try feeding your pet only when he/she is inside the crate so they grow fonder of it.
Once your dog gets used to staying inside the crate, you can leave them there for longer periods of time. Keep them there overnight or for a few hours during the day so it no longer feels unnatural to them. Just avoid relying on the crate too much.
Asking your dog to stay in the crate whenever you’re at the office is not going to work. The idea behind crate training your pet is to eliminate their destructive tendencies and to calm them down.
After they learn how to stay calm inside the crate, you can also feel confident about leaving them home alone. You don’t have to worry about them causing a mess whether they’re inside the crate or not.
Seek Help from Trainers and Behavior Specialists
Some pets may continue to experience separation distress even after you’ve tried all sorts of methods. If that is the case with your pet, it may be time for you to approach the professionals.
Look for trainers and behavior specialists. They are the professionals who can help you come up with the most effective ways to treat your pet’s separation distress. Feel free to approach us at TAILored Pet Services as well because we can recommend the specialists your pet needs.
Do you need help training your pet so they can deal with their separation distress better? If that’s the case, we at TAILored Pet Services can help you out. Just reach out to us by either calling 425-923-771 or browsing our website to learn more about the work we do.
Recent Comments