The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on how we work, socialize, and live our daily lives. This effect is mirrored in our pets, who have also had to adapt to the continually changing times we live in.
Recently, we met with Dr. Karren Prost, Companion Animal Veterinary Services Manager at Ceva Animal Health Canada, to talk about something affecting pets across North America, and likely around the world; anxiety due to changing routines.
While most cats can handle changing routines with grace, dogs are not usually as fortunate. Dogs thrive on a routine that includes exercise, socializing, and in many cases, expecting their humans to leave the home and return during specific times of the day. When this routine changes, especially with their humans staying home for months and then suddenly returning to the workplace, it can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety.
Dogs who are experiencing anxiety can show it in many ways, including panting, licking, vocalizing, lack of appetite, destructive behaviours, and more. This behavioural change is predominant in puppies, but affects dogs of all ages.
Preparing your pup for changes in routine by gently easing into it can make a big difference. Leave the radio on, give them a safe toy as a distraction, and don’t make a big deal about leaving or coming back. For some dogs, this can help to reduce stress and anxiety as your new routine sets in.
However, for other dogs, a little extra help can go a long way. There’s hundreds of calming products on the market, from hemp oils to weighted vests, all offering different methods of coping. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to dealing with canine stress and anxiety.
Thankfully, Dr. Prost has a unique solution to help your pooch keep calm during hectic schedule changes; pheromones. These communicative chemicals naturally release from most mammals, sending “messages” to those around them. They can affect emotions as well as behaviour. In fact, mother dogs will use pheromones to let their puppies know they’re safe, and to keep them calm as well.
Synthetic versions of these pheromones can be equally efficient, and science has allowed innovative manufacturers to create easy-to-use products for the pet marketplace. One brand, ADAPTIL, is leading the charge in pheromone-based products, with a complete line of sprays, collars, and diffusers.
Dr. Prost states that dogs of all ages have responded favourably to the use of ADAPTIL products. We agree; their complete lineup has the right product for every situation. The junior collar is perfect for bringing new puppies home, while the on-the-go collar works for a large variety of situations. Their travel spray can make your car, a hotel room, or other places feel safer and more relaxing for your pooch. Finally, the home diffuser spray is perfect for making your home feel more comfortable.
Similar to humans, stress and anxiety affects all dogs differently. Resultantly, the measures of reducing stress will ultimately vary from pet to pet. Dealing with pet stress and anxiety often requires some experimentation to determine the most effective solutions.
Luckily, ADAPTIL products are clinically proven, and are recommended by Veterinarians. They’re a safe and effective way to help your dog feel calm in stressful situations, and highly recommended by our own Pet Experts, too.