Tips for Transitioning Your Pets to a New Routine

With life starting to slowly get back to normal and everyone going back to work, we need to remember our pets and consider their needs. Not only were our worlds turned upside down by COVID-19, but so were theirs. Whether a dog, cat, rabbit, or any other kind of domestic animal you may have, they had to adjust their routine since you may have been home more (and likely becoming very attached). Granted, they probably sleep all day, but with their owner home, it is probably less since they don't understand why you are around so much all of the sudden. If you are getting ready to go back to work, here are some tips to help transition your pets so they don't have separation anxiety:

• Leave for a short time – To help ease your pets back into being alone, take some time each day of the week to leave your home. This can be for just a walk, shopping, or visiting family or friends. Be sure that each person in the house leaves to give the pet a sense of being alone. It's always a good idea to leave them a bone or some kind of toy or treat to occupy them and keep them busy.
  
• Praise and reward when you return – Make sure to show some extra love to your pet when you return for the day. If they behaved, you can even give them a special treat. 
• Leave the TV or radio on – Many pets can be calmed by some background noise. It also helps cut down on barking or anxiety related to outside noise. 
• Talk to your vet – Some breeds are already known to have separation anxiety as part of their personality.  If you have one of these breeds, talk to your vet. They can offer some solutions and even medication if severe. 
  

Our pets mean the world to us, and we have to remember that their lives have been impacted by this pandemic also. Getting back to work is great, but remember to help your pet's transition, along with your’s, to have a happy household.