Helping pets adjust to life after lockdown

Many people have said the love and company of a pet during the pandemic lockdowns has saved their sanity.

But this week Victorian businesses were allowed to have up to 75% of their workers back on site, and pets – many of whom were adopted during lockdown – may not be very happy about seeing their owners spend less time with them.

One silver lining of the Covid-19 lockdown has been the extra time we’ve had to dote on our pets at home. But now they’re used to it!

The Lost Dogs’ Home Animal Behaviour Team Leader Jade Currie said most pets thrived with a good, stable routine, but we were about to throw that routine out the window.

“Most pets have become used to getting more exercise and playtime than usual during lockdown. For example, dogs may have been given extra walks and cats might have been treated to extra hide and seek sessions,” Ms Currie said

“We’re seeing lots of puppies that are now adolescent – a difficult time at the best of times – experiencing a change in routine. This includes their care givers being at work more often, more people visiting, and more dogs out and about.

“As we move out of Covid-19 lockdown, we have seen lots of pets who are experiencing changes to their routine, creating stress and anxiety – and therefore resulting in more behaviour problems.

“We are seeing lots of pets, both cats and dogs, that are having difficulty adjusting to their new routine, whether that be showing signs of stress and anxiety when left alone, or having issues when out walking, such as dog reactivity or fearfulness.”

Ms Currie said pets were often very adaptable, but those with existing separation anxiety would struggle most.

“Being in lockdown created a lot of anxiety and social distress in pets because they didn’t have access to pet school and other outlets to help them with their behaviour,” Ms Currie said.

Ms Currie said many pets adopted during lockdown missed out on crucial socialisation and training, but it was not too late to start the process, such as with group or private training sessions.

The behaviour team at The Lost Dogs’ Home provides one-on-one behaviour training for animals in our care, as well as puppy preschool, kitten kinder, young dog and adult dog group training, and private behaviour sessions for any member of the public.

Find out more here.

What you can do

• Now is the time to think about easing your pets back into a routine. Gradually change the timings of your pet’s routine to the way they will eventually be.

• Tire them out with exercise and play at least 30 minutes before you head to work. A tired pet is more likely to relax while you’re not home. However, it is best to give them 30 minutes of “cool-down” time before you do leave the house.

• Give them enrichment puzzles to complete while you’re away. Puzzles make your pet think, keeping them happy and engaged, while also keeping them occupied and satisfied with treats in your absence.

• Try leaving the radio or television on to keep them company. Houses are quiet during the day when owner are not come. Leaving music or the television on may help to reduce focus on noises occurring outside the home that may alert your pet – such as the neighbours coming home or people walking past your house.

• Leave your pet with a treat-dispensing toy or long-lasting chew when you leave the house and don’t create fanfare about your departure. This helps to make leaving for work a normal and positive part of their day.

• Practise independence training at home. This includes teaching your dog to lay down on their mat and encouraging them to hunt for food using treat-dispensing toys. Once your pet becomes good at using treat-dispensing toys, you can place them in another room while you are still home to encourage independent behaviour.

• Know the signs of stress and take your pet to the vet is something seems out of the ordinary.

For further information or to organise interviews please contact:

Alex Sampson
T: 03 9321 8719
M: 0436 836 836
E: alex.sampson@dogshome.com