2020 has been a strange year. While many of us have had to find new ways to keep ourselves entertained at home, many of our pets have loved the extra company each day. If it’s time to head back to the office, then you may need to learn how to stop your dog being anxious when you go back to work.
How separation anxiety affects dogs
Did you know that dogs – and other pets – have a deep range of emotions? Our dogs can quickly become depressed or sad if they are exposed to certain things. Separation anxiety can play a huge role in our pup’s lives in many different ways. You might notice a change in their behavior, but that could just be the beginning. Long-term issues, such as aggression, could quickly become a part of your everyday life as your dog doesn’t know how to deal with their emotions.
Spotting the signs
Before you learn how to stop your dog being anxious when you return to work, it’s vital that you know how to spot the signs of something wrong. Many dogs become destructive or bark and whine when they never used to. Others may start to use the bathroom indoors, while some dogs show anxious behavior, such as circling in one place or chewing on their feet. Separation anxiety may even just mean that your dog is overly excited when you finally return home.
Create a safe space
Our dogs thrive in a safe space, which can be all it takes to help some dogs recover from separation anxiety. Why not create your four-legged friend their own space in the house? You can fill it with all of their favorite blankets and toys to help them realize they have somewhere safe to sleep when you are gone. Another good idea is to close the curtains so that your dog doesn’t bark at passing neighbors and get even more stressed.
Think about distractions
A great way to help stop your dog being anxious when you return to work is to find ways to distract them. This could be investing in a new toy or food puzzle for them that they only get when you’re out of the house. All of a sudden, it becomes a treat for you to leave. Another great distraction is to leave the radio playing quietly to drown out any distracting noises and make it feel as though someone is home.
Give them some company
Perhaps you have a close neighbor or friend who could step in to help? Maybe you can slip away from work during your lunch hour? Breaking up the day for your dog can be a great way to stop your dog being anxious when you have to go back to work. You could even arrange for your dog to get a walk in the middle of the day to help calm their mind.
Learning how to stop your dog being anxious when you return to work can help make sure the whole experience is as stress-free as possible.