Does your pet have separation anxiety?

Watch our for these signs that they're struggling being alone

From dogs to cats and your feathered friends, it's normal for pets to experience separation anxiety when their routines change. So if you're suddenly spending less time at home than you were during the height of the pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, it's possible your pet may be missing you more than you think.

"If family members have now returned to normal routines, it is important to watch your pet for signs of anxiety or stress," says vet Dr Teagan Lever. "Behaviours will be exhibited often just before leaving. They may begin to show signs of stress when they see you performing leaving behaviours, like putting on your shoes or picking up the keys."

KNOW THE SIGNS

If your pet is following you closely around the house, barking, whining, vocalising, drooling or sweating, it could be a sign of anxiety. In some pets, anxiety may show as aggression.

When you leave the house, this can develop into howling, crying, not eating, going to the toilet inside, destroying furniture or other objects, licking their fur more than usual, or trying to escape by chewing or scratching doors and windows.