IN SOME CASES, YOU CAN MAKE THE CHANGE IN ROUTINE A LITTLE EASIER.
Whether it’s vacation, recovery or extended period of remote-working, our routine and the one of our pets can be disturbed several times during the year!
But such an unusual time comes to an end, and family members head back to school and to work. You all got ready for this transition. You know that your schedule and routine are about to change. The rhythm of the household won’t be the same. Now, in the morning, you all leave and don’t get back home until much later. On the other hand, your dogs and cats may not have seen this coming.
When things go back to “normal”, how will your pet react in your absence? Will it affect them at all? What will they do during the day?
Many pets will transition very well when vacation ends. As for others, both dogs and cats might start showing signs of stress as soon as you are out of the house.
For example, your dog may manifest concern by a constant, sort-of coming and going… and by getting vocal about the situation (strong enough that your neighbours could very well hear it). A dog might start destroying furniture or other objects…and even creating other types of messes (we’re sure you can imagine). He can be bored or lack mental stimulation.
Cats may exhibit less dramatic, more subtle, behaviour, but they will react. For instance, a cat will sleep more often and won’t be as active or interactive. Your cat may even lose their appetite, to the point where they stop eating altogether. He can meow when alone and even urinate and defecate out of the litter box.
Leave your dog or your cat alone at home, even for a short period of time and film him before you leave him alone for a full day will allow you to know how your pet behaves when you are not there. If there are signs of stress, it is important to act quickly to limit the anxiety caused by you leaving the house in the future. The following tips could come out handy!
The changes affect you? Change can be tough for anyone—humans and animals alike.