A GUISELEY-based vets has produced a guide to help dogs suffering with separation anxiety, as their owners return to work.

With lockdown restrictions beginning to ease and more businesses and workplaces reopening,White Cross Vets, which has 22 practices throughout the UK, has been inundated with questions from dog owners seeking advice about separation anxiety.

Tom Ward, from the Guiseley practice, said: “Dogs are naturally very sociable members of the home, and most enjoy having company and struggle to cope when they are alone for long periods of time.

“However, most dogs are fine being left for short periods, and especially if they get used to this from an early age, but lockdown means many dogs have now become accustomed to always having company at home. Their homes could suddenly feel very quiet as their families return to normal, so owners need to keep a close eye on them over the coming weeks.

“Signs of separation anxiety include becoming nervous, distressed or agitated when dogs see their owners getting ready to leave home. They might chew or damage things when they are alone and then become overly excited when their owners return. More severe symptoms can include loss of appetite, panic attacks, urinating inside, excessive barking and howling, and even self-harming. However, there are things owners can do to help their dogs readjust to the new routine.”

White Cross Vets has compiled a list of steps that dog owners can implement to help prevent separation anxiety. Among the suggestions they are advised to start reintroducing the routine that the dog will eventually follow, with consistent times for meals and exercise.

They should also desensitise their pet to the triggers that indicate they are going out, such as picking up car keys or putting coats on, by randomly doing these things throughout the day. To help dogs get used to being alone again, owners should start going out for short intervals that are increased daily. Visit www.whitecrossvets.co.uk for more information.