Returning To The Office? Here’s How To Prepare Your Pets

As businesses begin reopening their physical office locations, you might be planning to return to work full-time or on a hybrid schedule. You may be looking forward to seeing co-workers again, but your pet might not be so thrilled to lose their daily hangout buddy.

In order to prevent the risk of separation anxiety in your furry friends, here’s what you need to know when preparing for your return to work.

What Is Separation Anxiety In Pets?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, separation anxiety occurs when a pet is scared of being separated from its owner, thus becoming panicked or anxious when the owner does leave. Both dogs and cats can experience separation anxiety, though some associated behaviors differ between the two.

Behavioral signs of separation anxiety in dogs include increased barking or whining, licking that causes fur loss, pacing or shaking and panting when they are not hot. An anxious dog may present with wider eyes and bigger pupils than usual, and have their ears down or to the side. They may also have accidents in the home, refuse treats and exhibit overly excited behavior when their owners return home.

Cats with separation anxiety may also exhibit increased meowing, as well as licking or grooming that causes fur loss. They may hold their whiskers flat against their cheeks or far forward, stay low to the ground or keep their tails close to their body. Other signs include having accidents outside the litter box, moving away from the owner or being overly affectionate and breathing quickly in the absence of exercise.

Why Do Pets Become Anxious When Left Alone?

While the cause of separation anxiety is unknown, both genetics and environmental factors are considered to play a role. Pets that were orphaned at a young age, weaned too early or experienced trauma are more likely to experience separation anxiety. This anxious response can also be triggered when pets are left alone for the first time, when they are used to constant human contact or amid changes in the family’s routine or structure.

Ways To Prepare Your Pets For Your Return To Work

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your pet experiencing separation anxiety when you return to work. Here are seven ways to help ease the transition back.

1. Control your moods.

Even if you’re feeling anxious about leaving your pet alone during the workday, try not to let them see it. Pets take cues from their owners to determine how they should feel in new situations. If you are outwardly nervous or tense, they’ll believe they have reason to feel the same way and act accordingly. Conversely, if you project a calm and relaxed demeanor, your pet is likely to pick up on that and be less anxious as a result.

2. Make leaving and coming home a low-key event.

In a similar vein, it’s best to leave your house and come home as quietly and calmly as possible — no matter how excited you are to see your furry friend after a long day. Hyping up either time can reinforce panic or anxious tendencies and doesn’t let your pet calm down.

For pets with mild separation anxiety, setting aside one minute of gentle petting and soothing talk can help them stay calm through your departure. (For moderate to severe cases, it’s best to skip this step and leave without making any fuss.) When you do return home, greet your pet only after they have calmed down.

3. Get interactive toys.

Your pet may get bored throughout the day or they may take on destructive behaviors due to anxiety. Supplying your furry friend with interactive toys provides a healthy outlet for this energy. They’ll be more likely to engage in these toys than to destroy your home. Puzzle toys, chew toys and brain games not only help keep your dog or cat busy, they also help distract them from other potential anxiety triggers, such as other noises and activities happening outside.

4. Create a routine.

Pets thrive on routine — it helps them know what to expect, which makes them feel safe. If working from home has wreaked havoc on your usual daily routine, getting back into it can help your pet adjust. Start feeding and exercising your pet at the times you typically would before and after work. If you are working from home part time, separate your pet from yourself and others for increasing periods so they can get accustomed to your absence.

5. Ensure your pet gets adequate exercise.

Many behavioral challenges in pets, including separation anxiety, can be reduced or even eliminated with proper exercise. Getting your pet moving can help them burn off excess energy, allowing them to stay calm while you are away. While it’s ideal to do this sometime before you leave for work, any exercise time you can set aside will benefit your furry friend.

Try to get your dog out for a 30-minute walk each day or set aside 15 minutes for a vigorous play session. While you may not take your cat out for a walk or have them run around the yard, felines need exercise too. Having a tower to climb, as well as cat wands or laser lights, allows your cat to get the physical movement they need.

6. Practice desensitization.

If your pet is used to you being home 24/7, your sudden and extended absence can be jarring. This can trigger separation anxiety even in pets that have not experienced it before and amplify its effects for pets that have. Desensitization — leaving your pet alone for shorter periods and then increasing that duration little by little — can help them get used to you being away. It’s best to practice desensitization when your pet is calm and when you have the time to devote to it, rather than when you are actually leaving. (This will help them prepare for the real thing.)

7. Talk to your vet or a behavioral specialist.

While mild separation anxiety can often be solved with the simple management strategies outlined above, more severe or persistent cases may require additional support. For serious behavioral issues, talk to a behavioral specialist or vet about anxiety medications. If your veterinarian does decide to prescribe medication, GoodRx can get you the best price on pet medications to help your furry friend remain calm even when you aren’t there.

Returning to the office after working from home can be challenging for both you and your pets. By understanding the signs and symptoms of separation anxiety, as well as taking steps to manage it, you’ll be able to ensure that your pet is as calm and comfortable as possible during the transition.

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