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WHO LOCKED THE DOGS UP Preparing our pets for our PAGE 1-2 return to work
BY RIDA BABAR uring the COVID-19 lockdowns one good thing that came about was pets and pet owners being able to spend more time together. However, the time has come when most owners are returning to work and are dealing with the major question: how to prepare their furry friends for business as usual? As restrictions begin to lift, pet owners, both new and old face the difficult preparation of leaving their little animals. According to Dr Angela Nehring of Bondi Veterinary Hospital, “animals are going to get separation anxiety, which is basically pets
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becoming dependant on their humans for happiness. “When owners go back to work, the pets are going to panic because they need their human parents for their happiness. We’ve got to get these animals used to loving their own company and being independent, so when owners are at work, they’ll be happy.” Dr Nehring suggested two main tips for preparing pets for this change. “You’ve got to get them into your routine. Say, you’re going to work at certain days and times each week. Try and ignore them at home during those times so they’ll get into the mindset of playing with their toys or taking a nap instead of being dependant on you.
“Secondly, if you walk them before and after work, start walking them at those specific times so they get used to that structure and routine.” When asked which animals would be at most risk of not adapting well, Dr Nehring said “Little dogs. No breed in particular, but any dog that is well loved. We see a lot of cavoodles in Bondi, and I think they’re too well loved!” Dr Nehring also provided insight into what can happen if an owner does not adequately prepare their pet(s) for a normal post-COVID routine. When the owner is at work, the pet will be at home fretting. What this means is that the animal will start to panic and start engaging in destructive behaviour like tearing up furniture, ripping off
skirting boards and chewing furniture. The animal is suffering, wondering where their human parents have gone.” Bondi Veterinary Hospital was operational during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and had a lot of people coming in, according to Dr Nehring. In last words of advice, Dr. Nehring said, “dogs who are quite anxious at home and can’t really be left alone because they have become so dependent on humans can go to doggy day-care, or can be left with dog-walkers, or they can seek veterinary help. “We’ve got veterinary psychiatrists and psychologists. Some of the pets even need medication because they get so bad.” Continued on page 2