GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — The Green Bay and Allouez Animal hospital has seen an increase in calls for pet anxiety symptoms.
“With businesses open, vaccine distribution expanding and kids back to school, we will probably see even more of this, so it’s important that people understand the symptoms and how to care for their pets because this can be very traumatic for the pet and owners,” says Dr. Becky Krull, owner of Green Bay and Allouez Animal hospital.
Pet adoption exploded last year and these pets got very used to their owners, Krull said. A recent study from Veterinary Naturals found that more than 50 percent of America’s dog owners were dealing with separation anxiety.
Krull provides the following list of symptoms and tips:
Signs of Pet Separation Anxiety:
● Whining, pacing or trembling
● Drooling and panting
● Peeing indoors
● Excessive barking or howling
● Destructive behaviors like chewing, scratching, and ripping things apart
● Escape attempts – some can cause serious injury
● Not eating their food or treats.
Things to do for pet separation anxiety:
● Call your veterinarian
● Don’t make a big deal about departure and arrivals - ignore pet for few minutes than calm
● Leave them with an article of clothing that smells like you
● Establish a word or action when you leave so your pet learns you will be coming back
● Find treat puzzles or things to keep them occupied
● Play music or leave TV on
