Lots of things have changed in our lives since the COVID-19 pandemic began circling the globe. Many of us have been working from home, while others have been laid off, and still others have been donning extra gear like masks and gloves to go to their essential jobs. Almost everyone has been affected by this catastrophe in some way. And whether you know it or not, it’s affecting the animals in our lives as well.
Here are just a few of the ways that the pandemic and social distancing rules may be affecting your dog, as well as some ideas for what you can do to help your dog adjust.
disrupted routines and diets
If you’ve been working from home or laid off lately, your dog’s regular routine has probably changed a little bit, whether it’s the time the two of you wake up and go to sleep, the time he gets fed, or the more frequent occurrence of potty breaks and walks during the day. He’s probably happy for the extra playtime, outdoor time, and some of the other changes, but they can also be confusing for him and difficult to get used to. For example, if your dog is used to long peaceful days with lots of naps, it may stress him out that you’re around all the time, being a distraction and disturbing his sleep. Some dogs need alone time, after all! Your dog is also probably picking up on your heightened anxiety, which contributes to an overall sense of uneasiness.
Author: lizabeth Nelson
Link: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/social-distancing/