Helping Pets Overcome Stress When You Return to Work, School
While people talk about the safest ways to return to the workplace and school, protecting the well- being of pets should be part of the conversation too. “Many of us have been with our pets nearly all day, every day during the pandemic,” says Joseph Hahn, DVM, executive director, companion animal and equine professional services, Merck Animal Health. “But when we go back to the workplace or go to school and disappear for the day, the pets left behind can experience anxiety, fear, frustration and boredom.” With a little training and patience, you can help your furry family members ease into the new routine. When you return home at the end of the day, you’ll find a calm pet rather than a house full of couch stuffing, urine in your favorite shoes and a note from the neighbor complaining about the annoying noises coming from your house all day. Signs of anxiety For dogs, signs of anxiety include constant panting, irritability, increased barking, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, destruction of objects in the home,
and urinating or defecating in the house.
patience, you’ll see good results.”
#2: Give your pets something to see (and hear) Make sure your pets have access to spaces where they can see the street, people or other animals. Bird watching, for example, is fascinating for people and animals too. Or, if you typically leave the TV or music playing, keep them on while you’re away. #3: Stimulate your pet’s brain When you leave the house, make sure to place toys around the house that stimulate your pet’s brain. Puzzle toys filled with food are great options for dogs, along with toys that dispense treats when your dog rolls and scoots them a certain way. For cats, add a few scratching posts and comfy window perches. Place a bird feeder in clear view of your cat’s post. You can also place cardboard boxes in different rooms to allow your kitty to explore the space. #4: Avoid scolding “Avoid scolding or punishing your pet if you come home and find an unwanted surprise,” says Dr. Hahn.
“Cats can show some of the same signs, in addition to increased hunting behavior, isolation, excessive vocalization (crying, moaning, meowing) and excessive self-grooming,” says Dr. Hahn. To support pet owners and pet health, our companion animal health experts and staff veterinarians have created a list of things you can do to smooth the transition back to the office or to school. #1: Practice leaving Walk through everything you would normally do before leaving the house. Put on your shoes, have coffee, grab your keys, and head for the door. Go out but only for a few minutes. Come back in and resume your day in the house. Repeat this process for a few days in a row but leave the house a little longer each time, building up to an hour, then two, then four. “It’s important to repeat the routine for a few consecutive days and to be consistent,” says Dr. Hahn. “With
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