Furlough has come to an end for many people, some may have to find a new job or return to work. Which ever the situation, this can have BIG affect on pets who have been used to their owners being around! Some pets feel anxious to sudden change in circumstance's .e.g. owners returning to work. Our pets develop close bonds with us, depending on us for food, water, play and companionship. Sudden change to routines causes worry or anxiety. Leaving them in a unpredictable and confusing situation. Especially if they haven't been left alone for long periods of time before.
Ranges of Separation-related Behavior Problems in Cats & Dogs The underlying motivations are related to factors of Fear, Anxiety, Over-attachment or a lack of stimulation. (BSAVA,P 146, 2015) Domestic Dogs or Cats include their human family in their social group, this is more common with dogs. When they experience distress of being alone, they often engage in problem behaviors. These behaviors include Anorexia, Drooling, attempts to escape, behavioral depression, Destruction, Vocalization, Elimination of urine or stool(Mc Crave, 1991). Separation distress in cats is not often documented about compared to dogs. Research suggests cats do form a social-bond and maybe of risk to separation distress(Turner, 2000;Edwards et al.,2007). When owners are absent, some cats would show house soiling/urination, being sick and over-grooming behaviors of self-mutilation(over grooming causing open wounds)(Schwartz, 2002). Separation-related behaviors are often seen more in dogs, 20-40% of dogs presented at behavioral referral clinics with this problem.(Chapman & Voith, 1990; Landsberg & Ruehl, 1997). Animals experiencing these behaviors can harm themselves by, attempting to escape confinement or home. Constant stress can lower the immune system resulting in infections, if injured. They might have a urine tract infection, symptoms can be incontinence, blood in the urine, drinking more water, needing frequent toilet breaks or struggling to pass urine. If you recognize the symptoms book a appointment with your vet, they may need prescribed anti-biotics. If left untreated the infection can spread to the bladder and other organs. This can be very painful for your pet! Destruction or elimination in the home, whether its anxiety related or not. Is frustrating for owners they may consider re-homing their pet.( Salman et al, 2000) Without realizing separation distress is a treatable condition(BSAVA, 2015). Behaviors indicating Hyper-attachment; Extreme following behaviors when leaving and excessive greeting on return. Ask yourself these questions, such as;
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