{"id":259,"date":"2020-07-16T11:54:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-16T15:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.allcreaturesvetbrooklyn.com\/blog\/?p=259"},"modified":"2022-01-19T15:58:05","modified_gmt":"2022-01-19T20:58:05","slug":"pet-separation-anxiety-in-a-post-covid-19-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allcreaturesvetbrooklyn.com\/blog\/pet-separation-anxiety-in-a-post-covid-19-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Separation Anxiety in a Strange New World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The last couple of months have been unbelievable in many ways. The good news, for pet owners anyway, is that they didn\u2019t have to shelter in place by themselves, and the companionship offered by their sweet pets really hit the spot in these times of shock, despair, fear and sadness. But now that we\u2019re approaching going back to a semi-normal way of life, pet separation anxiety may be just the beginning of our challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helping Pets with Transitions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many pets relished in all the extra time their people spent at home, doting on their every need. This is especially true for pets that were adopted shortly before<\/a> or in the midst of sheltering in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mandatory quarantines and stay at home orders created a different way of life for pets and their people alike. Despite relaxing restrictions we cannot expect our pets to simply accept roll with these particular punches. In  other words, don\u2019t be surprised if your pet suffers <\/a>from separation anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Advance Notice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Using this time to your advantage is key to your pet\u2019s success. Pets have to get used to the idea of your departure and they need skills to be able to cope with time apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Pet Separation Anxiety?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Characterized by a profound fear of one\u2019s own solitude, pet separation anxiety can range between mild and severe. They may sense<\/a> that you\u2019re getting ready to leave, but it won\u2019t sink in that they aren\u2019t going with you until you\u2019re on the other side of the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start to introduce your pet to alone time by leaving for short periods of time, a couple times every day. Increase frequency and\/or duration until you\u2019re satisfied that they aren\u2019t stressed out the entire time you\u2019re gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have the time and patience, crate train your pet so they always have a safe, comforting place they know they can retreat to in times of doubt or confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Would You Know?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While pet separation anxiety can be subtle, most pet owners know something\u2019s up. If you notice changes in your pet\u2019s behavior, respond swiftly. Left alone, the following symptoms can lead to a phobia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n