Tips on Easing your Dog out of Lockdown

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For the past year, we’ve spent a lot of time at home. With the roadmap suggesting that lockdown will start to ease again, our dogs may need to get used to us being away for longer periods of time.

For some dogs, the transition will be easy. However, for others and especially those who have suffered with anxiety in the past, they’ll find it difficult adjusting to another sudden change to their routine.

Here are some top tips to help prepare you for the transition and prevent separation anxiety following lockdown:

Practice separation in short bursts

Get your dog used to the idea of your absence by leaving them alone for short bursts of time. Gradually increasing the time daily over a period of one to two weeks, until you reach the full hours of a working day. This will reassure your best friend that you will return.

Provide entertainment

Boredom could play a part in your dog’s separation anxiety. In order to prevent this boredom when you’re back at work, provide them with plenty of toys to keep them entertained. Toys such as food mazes and food-related toys are often popular and provide your dog with a added treat.

Don’t make a fuss

Don’t make a fuss of your dog when you leave or return home. When you return home, wait until your dog settles and then reward your dog for settling down.

Say “goodbye” well before you leave

If you like to say cheerio to your dog, say your goodbyes at least thirty minutes before you have to leave the house. This means that your dog will get your appreciation and attention but won’t associate it with the imminence of your absence.

Calming products

There are a number of calming products that can be used alongside environmental changes. Supplements like Zylkene help to promote the feeling of relaxation. Or, if your dog isn’t keen on tablets, Adaptil diffusers are scientifically proven to help anxious dogs. The pheromones they release help dogs feel safe, calm and secure.

Every dog will require different levels of help when it comes to reducing their anxiety after lockdown. However, taking these steps could make a difference. As with any pet health concerns, mental or physical, you should always seek veterinary advice.

It’s always a good idea to have a dog insurance policy in place. That way, you can have peace of mind that your pawfect pal is covered in case of unexpected illness or injury.

Updated: March 2021