The average number of COVID-19 cases in the United States is decreasing every day now. With this comes new opportunities to venture out into the world once more (with safety precautions, of course)– but what happens to our pets now that the world is changing again? 

During the pandemic, many pets have become used to their humans being home all the time. At first, this was a good thing, as humans and animals were able to spend more quality bonding time together. However, now that the world has been in a pandemic for nearly a year, pets have become more dependent on the time they’ve been spending with their owners than they were before, hence causing high levels of separation anxiety when pet owners begin to leave the house more often. 

For some pet owners, something as simple as leaving the house to go to the grocery store has triggered severe separation anxiety in house pets who’ve become used to the constant presence of their caretaker. As the world begins to heal from the pandemic, and move forward, we must ensure we look out for our pets, and guide them through the changes that are taking place and that are still yet to come. 

What causes separation anxiety? 

While it’s not fully understood why some dogs are more prone to separation anxiety than others, there are indicators that suggest a higher chance of the anxiety showing up: 

• Puppies: Due to their young and impressionable phase of life, puppies might develop a more severe attachment to their caretaker. Thankfully, catching separation anxiety at an earlier point in your pup’s life is easier to treat. 
• Dogs with pre-existing behavioral conditions: If your dog is already prone to any sort of behavioral conditions, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for any signs of separation anxiety. 
• Recently adopted pets: As a newly adopted pet has a past which will remain mostly unknown to you, it’s important to be extra sensitive and aware of what might trigger your pet. 

If you have been a work-from-home pet owner for the past year, it’s important to take the following precautions to ensure the well-being of your beloved pet if you know you’ll be heading back to the office soon. Beginning to prepare your pet a few weeks prior to returning to work is ideal. 

How to treat separation anxiety: 

• Exposure therapy: Leaving your pet at home for short periods of time, then gradually increasing the amount of time your pet is left alone for, will acquaint your pet with your periodic absence. Eventually, he or she will start becoming used to these increments of time when you’re out of the house. 
• Give your pet a treat or toy: Giving your dog a treat or toy will give them something to focus on in your absence. Toys like this puzzle toy are calming, stimulate your pet’s mind, and keep him or her occupied for long periods of time. 
• Create a safe and calming environment: If your pet has the type of separation anxiety in which he or she causes mass chaos and destruction to anything in their path, try designating an accident-free zone where your pet can feel at peace. This could be any room with the least amount of furniture and/or fragile house decor, or any room you transform into such. The goal is to keep your pet safe and comfortable, while also protecting your home. 
• Leave your recently worn clothes: The pheromones from an article of clothing produce a calming effect, making your dog feel like you are close. 
• Pet camera: If you are unsure whether your pet has separation anxiety, or if you have suspicions that they do but you’ve been unable to identify it, try purchasing a pet camera in order to keep an eye on them throughout the day. Many pets will not exhibit the true nature of their distress until their owner has already left the house.

H

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post How to Calm your Pet’s COVID-Induced Separation Anxiety appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Positive association with the work day

When it’s time for you to sit down and get some work done, give your dog something to work on too! Bring out one of their favorite toys to start the day. By doing this they will feel excited as you begin to get your work done, rather than feeling ignored. If your dog has a handful of favorite toys, keep them stored away and rotate which one you give them. Keeping things fresh and different will continue to keep them occupied.

Eyes & Ears

Keeping your dog stimulated throughout the day can be easier than you think! By simply putting on some calming music or turning on the TV, you can keep your dog’s brain occupied. They may not know the lyrics to the song, but they sure can hear it! Non-threatening noises are a great way to stimulate your dog. Likewise, opening the curtains and providing a view for your dog is another great way to keep them occupied.

Puzzles, Treats, & Chews!

Whether you stuff a Kong with peanut butter, or have another interactive dog toy, creating a challenge for your dog that leads to treats is a perfect way to keep them occupied! So many dogs are food driven that you can keep them busy for hours by creating fun and difficult ways for them to get treats. Not all dogs are obsessed with food, but they sure still love to chew. Giving your dog healthy chews like a Nature Gnaw Bully Stick, or Greenies Dental Treats is a great way to keep them healthy and busy all in one!

As Always, Exercise

Not everyone is under the same quarantine laws right now, making it very important to read up on the restrictions across your city and state. Here in Colorado, outdoor exercise is allowed as long as extreme social distancing is being practiced. Taking your dog for a few long walks throughout the day is the perfect way to give everyone in the house a break. Sunshine, exercise, and fresh air are all crucial ingredients for staying sane during this weird and scary time. We hope these tricks and tips are helpful! Stay safe everyone!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Keeping Your Dog (And Yourself) Sane During Quarantine appeared first on Lilly Brush.

Fostering Animals

Emergency foster homes are the biggest thing shelters need right now. With so many shelters on the verge of being shut down, the number of animals without homes drastically outweighs the resources available to take care of them.  What we can do is sign up with a local shelter and register as an emergency foster home for shelter animals. Every animal that can find a temporary foster home is a life saved if these shelters are eventually forced to shut down entirely.

Donate money

Any amount helps! It doesn’t matter if you can spare $5 or $500, every dollar donated to these shelters goes towards food and supplies to care for these animals in need. Animal shelters are non-profits as it is, and are always relying on donations to help them operate as efficiently as they can. In these trying times, they need the help more than ever. Much of their money comes from fundraising efforts, which are all of course shut down for the time being.

Donate Supplies

If you have extra pet supplies laying around, consider donating them to local shelters! Anything from food, beds, leashes, bowls, or even toys! Whatever you can spare to help care for these animals will go a very long way. Oftentimes an old dog bed or toy can hold sentimental value and are hard to part with. In times like this just try to imagine the joy it could bring to a lonely animal. We encourage you to part with whatever you can to make life better for those in need.

Spread Awareness

Lastly, help spread awareness. Follow your local shelters on Instagram and Facebook, and share their posts with your community! Spreading awareness is a huge part of helping these shelters, the more people willing to help the better!

This is a trying time for everyone, and we know that not everyone has the means to donate to shelters. Simply doing your best to spread awareness can go a very long way, and we encourage everyone to help to the best of their abilities. Together we WILL get through this!

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Elsie Hamilton

old.lillybrush.com

The post Helping Shelters in This Time of Need appeared first on Lilly Brush.