Buzz
Many pet owners have observed peculiar behaviors in their cats and dogs during the pandemic. If your pet has been acting unusually, you're not alone. Reports include odd actions like hissing, growling, clinginess, and destructive habits such as furniture attacks, spinning, over-grooming, excessive meowing or barking, and relentless scratching. These behaviors have become the new norm for many pets.
Similar to their human counterparts, cats and dogs can experience anxiety due to sudden changes in their routines, leading to unexpected or concerning behaviors. Additionally, pets are highly sensitive to their owners' stress, which can further heighten their own anxiety levels.
“Pets, especially dogs and cats, rely heavily on routine,” explained Sydney Bartson Queen, an animal behavior counselor at the ASPCA, in an email to Mytour. “Any abrupt changes to their daily schedule can significantly disrupt their sense of stability and well-being.”
Indicators Your Pets May Be Experiencing Stress
Stress in dogs can manifest through behaviors like jumping, barking for attention, chewing on household items, or showing agitation when left alone. They might also become overly clingy or, on the flip side, unusually withdrawn. Cats, on the other hand, may exhibit stress by hiding more often, displaying heightened aggression, or having issues with their litter box habits.
“Just as humans react differently to working from home—some thrive in the chaos while others need structure—pets are no different,” Marjie Alonso, executive director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, explained to the Washington Post. “Some remain calm, while others feel stressed. It’s important to recognize that each pet is unique.”
Strategies to Support Your Pet’s Well-Being
If your pet has been displaying unusual behaviors, what steps can you take to assist them?
“Maintain your pet’s daily schedule as consistently as possible,” Queen advised. “Pets often exhibit unwanted behaviors due to boredom or surplus energy. Make sure to allocate time for walks, runs, or hikes with your dog, or engage in interactive activities like tug-of-war or fetch with your dog or cat.”
Currently, some pets may be relishing the extra time you’re spending at home. For others, it could be a cause of anxiety, as they have less time to themselves. Each pet will respond differently, with some becoming more restless than others.
Going back to work can introduce an additional layer of stress for your pets.
After months of constant companionship, your return to work might create another disruption, adding a new layer of stress. This is especially true if you adopted a cat or dog during the pandemic, as you may observe significant behavioral changes once you begin leaving the house regularly.
“As our usual work and school routines resume, your newly adopted dog or cat might feel confused and lonely,” Queens mentioned. She recommends acclimating your pets, both new and old, to upcoming changes by setting aside alone time for them during the day. Periodically leaving your pet for brief intervals, whether you’re working outside or taking a walk, can help prepare them for the time when you’ll need to leave for work daily.
Consulting a behavior specialist online can provide valuable assistance.
If your pet’s behavior is causing concern or becoming difficult to handle, there are solutions available. Many dog trainers now provide virtual sessions, which are particularly beneficial for new dog owners, as they can guide you in establishing effective routines with your pet.
“Many pet owners turn to a behaviorist only after problems escalate, but early intervention with a professional can often prevent issues from arising,” Queen explained.
It’s wise to seek help before the situation worsens. As the saying goes, even for our pets, a small effort in prevention can save a lot of trouble later.
