Going Back To The Office? Separation Anxiety And Pet Boarding Service Options
Posted on: 24 June 2021
Did your employer recently end your work-from-home days? A return to the office after more than a year at home is a major transition for everyone in your family—including your canine companion. Take a look at what you need to know about pet boarding and other ways to make the home-to-office change easier.
Can You Leave Your Dog Alone?
While you can leave your pup alone, you may not want to. Your work-from-home lifestyle meant you were constantly close to your dog. Whether your dog wanted to cuddle, go for a mid-day walk, or just sit nearby as you video conferenced with your co-workers, they had you all to themselves almost 24-7. Months of this type of companionship may have made your dog rely on your presence.
Now that you'll leave the home for eight or more hours a day, your pup could feel a sense of separation anxiety. Your sudden absence can trigger this normal canine issue. Separation anxiety can cause your dog to engage in unwanted or destructive behaviors. These may include urinating or defecating in the house, chewing on non-food items (such as furniture or bedding), pacing, or constant barking.
Canine separation anxiety may sneak up on you. Even if your dog could easily tolerate a solo day before you started working from home, you may notice a marked change in their behavior as your transition back to office life. This means you may need to get extra help for your dog or choose a doggie daycare to avoid this issue entirely.
Can a Pet Boarding Service Help?
Simply stated—yes. There isn't one universal option to help your dog's separation anxiety or ease your mind when your return to working outside of the home. But a boarding service (or doggie daycare) can help both you and your dog to adjust during this transitional time. An out-of-the-home option eliminates the home-alone risks to your dog and your home. This means they can't tear through your living room couch cushions, pee on your bedroom rug, howl, or scratch at the front door.
Along with the home risk reduction and safety issues, boarding services provide a stimulating setting for your dog and a social space to play during the day. Not only will your dog have the attention of caring staff members, but they can also socialize with other pets. This can help your dog to overcome separation anxiety or loneliness while they learn how to act as part of a larger pup-filled community.
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