Penn Veterinary Supply, Inc. - Since 1981

We’re all settling into a new normal right now - telecommuting for some, increased time spent at home, less company coming over, and more time spent outside walking. Depending on the personality of our pets, they may be loving it or they may be counting down the days until things go back to how they used to be. For pets that are loving the increased attention resulting from their owners being home more, it could be very difficult for them when owners go back to work and their schedule is abruptly changed. It’s important that you prepare dog owners now for the behavior issues that could arise with the stress and anxiety that their dogs may feel when the new normal ends.

Start Now

While we may not know when this quarantine will completely end, we do know that certain areas and businesses are beginning to open up and pet owners may already be starting to go back to work. It’s important to start preparing our dogs now for the change in schedule. Pet owners should be advised to start taking walks and drives without their pet to get them accustomed again to being alone. They should monitor the situation to see if they see any signs of separation anxiety.

• Common behaviors that can be a symptom of anxiety are:¹
• Barking and howling
• Urinating and defecating as well as coprophagia
• Chewing, digging, and destruction
• Escaping
• Pacing

If the signs are there, there are several things that you can advise pet owners to do to help alleviate separation anxiety. If they can begin to correct the behavior now while leaving in short stints, it will make it easier for when the dog needs to be able to be alone for longer amounts of time.

Invest in Calming Products

There are, of course, several supplements and calming products available that can ease anxiety caused by a multitude of reasons. Here are a few that Penn Vet carries:
 

• Adaptil & Feliway Diffusers, Sprays, and Collars
• C.E.T. Veggiedent Zen
• Composure Pro Chews
• Solliquin Soft Chews & Chewable Tablets
• Nurture Calm 24/7 Collars

Stocking these items for your patients is a great way to support them in relieving their pet’s anxiety issues as well as creating revenue for your practice. Now is a great time to stock up and advertise that you carry these products!

Counterconditioning¹

Have pet owners correlate leaving the house with something good. This can hopefully change the pet’s reaction from fear and anxiety to a more pleasant and relaxed one. For example, when the owner leaves, they might prepare a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter to give to their dog. This way the dog will associate the owner leaving with something that the dog loves. This may not work on more severe cases of separation anxiety but it is a good step to try!

Create a safe space²

Pet owners should create a safe space for dogs with separation anxiety. Choose an area of the house that loosely confines the dog. You don’t want total isolation - a window is always nice! It shouldn’t contain any furniture or items that the dog could destroy or that might be harmful to the dog. Fill the space with the dog’s favorite toys, blankets, and even a few items of the owner’s worn clothing - the scent will be calming.

Pet’s will experience anxiety throughout life for a multitude of reasons: fireworks, being introduced to a new pet, larger gatherings of strangers, and, of course, separation from their owner. This should be a hot topic now at your practice as owners may find that their pet may show signs of separation anxiety even though they’ve never had that problem before. We are experiencing an unprecedented time, as are our pets. Talk about separation anxiety and let your patients know that you’re here to help!

¹https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety
²https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/does-your-dog-freak-out-when-you-leave