Summer is here and while some countries are still going through lockdowns, things have started opening up in the United States. This means going out slightly more in some cases. While it might be something you are looking forward to, your pet might have a hard time dealing with the lack of your presence.
In order to make this transition easier, you need to gradually introduce small changes in your routine. We are here to help you!
Restrict some time with them and leave them alone: If your pet has been around you constantly, when you begin to step out it might be harder for them to stay alone for prolonged hours. To avoid this, try to make them spend time alone for a few months to prepare them. You can begin with a shorter timespan and then eventually increase it.
Give them something to do: When they have been hanging around with you, a lot of their time is engaged merely by you. They might have lost the habit of spending time by themselves and eventually forgetting how to spend it. You can engage with cheap dog toys or feed them the Best wet food for dogs, which they can eat throughout the day. The aim is to make sure they have something to do.
Look for signs of distress: When you might leave your pet by themselves, they might be stressed and in turn, make a mess in the house while you are away. Signs of distress in pets can look exactly like that. If you notice this, the first thing you are required to do is, to make sure you reduce the time you are leaving them alone. You can also take it slower, in case it is not a behavioral problem - get your pet checked by a vet.
Introducing them socially: If you ended up getting your pet in the pandemic, it can be all the more difficult for your pet to be exposed to strangers. However, if they have been around people before, you can gradually expose them to a smaller group and eventually to a larger one.
If they have never been exposed to strangers, especially a group these are a few things you can keep in mind. You can introduce them to guests one by one, however, before doing so, make sure they have a safe space. Experts suggest creating a safe space for your pet, in your house where they can go if they are uncomfortable.
Create your and their routine: To practice all of this effectively, the first thing to do is to create a routine that resembles your post-pandemic routine. This will help you outline a routine for your pet as well. The key is to start slow and gradually increase.
Do not create a big deal: Your pets will sense if you create a big deal of anything. Whenever you are saying goodbye, try to make it look casual. You can always involve treats in your training. If a problem is continuously faced, visit a vet.
These are the few steps you can take to make sure that your pet has just as much fun post-pandemic as you do because we care for your pets too!