DAY 20

HAS THE LOCKDOWN DISTRESSED YOUR DOG?

With the lockdown causing an upheaval in our lives and in those of our dogs, it isn’t odd for many pet parents to see signs of distress in their dogs. A change in diet, toiletting timings, constantly having family at home, lack of exercise and human worry could be taking a toll on our dogs.

How can you tell whether your dog is distressed but he lockdown? Here are some signs…

• A happy dog is sitting quietly in a corner for most of the day
• Excessive sleeping
• Your dog follows you from room to room and needs to constantly be around you. Highly distressed when he cannot.
• A return of naughty puppy behaviours – such as attention seeking behaviours, destruction and even toiletting in the house
• Pacing or circling excessively
• A regression in toilet training
• A change in appetite
• A lack of wanting to play anymore
• Cranky or restless behaviour
• Excessive self-mutilating behaviours such as paw licking (only if its in excess)

Don’t panic if your dog shows any of these symptoms. However if your dog exhibits more than 3 , then do each out and I can help you find ways to alleviate the stress.

Let’s all do our best to keep ourselves and our dogs sane during the lockdown.