Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home launches separation anxiety campaign

As restrictions are lifted, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is calling for pet owners to take steps to reduce the risk of separation anxiety.

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s education officer, Daniel Tipping, said, “Our pets find comfort in routine and – like it or not – due to the pandemic, working from home, and not being able to socialise as often, many of our routines have become quite predictable.

“We at the Home worry that as more workers return to the office or people leave the house more to socialise with friends and family, the sudden change from being home all day to hardly home at all may come as quite a shock to our pets.”

“One of the difficulties of separation anxiety is, because it only happens when we’re separated from our pets, we can easily miss the early signs of stress and not be aware of the condition until it’s become quite serious.”

In their campaign, the Home is highlighting the signs and symptoms an anxious pet may display, as well as what can be done to help alleviate their stress when alone.

Some of the signs of separation anxiety include “easily missed cues such as pacing around the house and excessive panting, or more undesirable behaviours such as destruction, soiling and vocalisation”.

For more information, visit the EDCH’s website.