Life post-Covid has left anxious dogs in need of hormone diffusers for their depression.
Lockdown saw pets get lots of attention at home, but now our four-legged friends are being left alone once again as their owners return to the office.
The long term effects of the pandemics can be seen in our pups according to small/exotic vet surgeon, Dr. Bobby Ortiz.
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He told Dublin Live: “It’s something I'm talking about a lot. There’s lots of people coming in with their dogs for consultations with behavioural issues.
“Some dogs have reverted and are now depressed. It’s a change of everyone being home and now they’re not, it’s definitely something we see.
“My own dog is four, I had him two years before the pandemic started. My wife was home during most of the pandemic and he became very possessive over us.
“He used to play all the time, he didn’t become aggressive but he became very reactionary with other dogs. We found that was a new behaviour that we only just now are getting him back over.”
Dr Ortiz says the sudden change has lead to some behavioural problems causing owners concern.
The Dublin vet said: “They slept during the day, then things change up all of a sudden, everyone is there.
“They liked that a bit more, but it’s reverted back now to what it was pre-pandemic so we’re seeing different types of behavioural cases.
“They’re becoming more reserved and depressed unfortunately, then we’re also seeing cases where dogs become destructive, lashing out and having bad behavioural problems.”
Pandemic puppies are now being left alone which is a new experience for them, leading to crying and barking.
“I’ve referred a few to animal dog trainers and behaviourists around Dublin and the whole country,” the dogtor added.
“I’m working with them to find specific triggers in dogs that cause them to be stressed or anxious when you’re leaving the house, if they’re on their own or if people are coming and going.
“It’s about identifying those behaviours and how to change them so the dog isn’t as anxious and allowing them to succeed.”
So what’s the solution? Dr Ortiz told us how he treats it in his own pup.
He said: “I say a tired dog is a happy dog. If you’ve a very active and anxious dog, like I do myself, getting them out in the morning helps.
“I wake up early, throw the ball, take him on a run and make sure he’s stimulated, tired and not destructive in the house. Most people can do this and help their dog get into a better routine.
“Another way is reaching out to trainers, even going into dog classes, have them sit, fetch, all these things that help build a bond between you and the pup.
“If that’s not working, there’s over the counter hormone diffusers in pet shops. They can work in mild cases, they won’t work in every dog but for mild anxiety, they might have a calming effect on them.
“In severe anxiety cases, reaching out to your vet for other medications that may help manage their anxiety.”
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But can you teach an old dog new tricks?
He said: “Absolutely. Dogs are always learning, once you find their trigger and what makes them want to learn.
“Some dogs are food motivated, some want to play, they can learn from other dogs.
“Once you find their trigger, you can train any dog.”
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