Behaviours to look for in your pet as you return to a more normal routine
Battling a global health crisis has been no walk in the park — but a northern Ontario dog trainer says for many pets, it's been the time of their lives.
Angele Gemme of Pawsitive Gems Dog Training said with the gradual reopening and many returning to their usual workplaces outside the home, it leaves pets in a rough spot.
Pets will need help adjusting as people start returning to a more normal routine, she said, and it may not be an easy transition for them.
"You've got to keep in mind that they've been used to having you home all day every day, and now, all of a sudden, you're leaving. So … I would definitely make sure that it's something that they do gradually and not expect that the pets can go a full eight hours," Gemme said.
Shelley Grady of Keen's Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds is a dog breeder in Kirkland Lake who said demand for dogs skyrocketed during the pandemic, especially during extended lockdown periods. She said pet ownership has been a form of therapy for people.
"I think that that has a lot to do with it, being shut-in. Lots of people want the companionship. People don't like to be alone," Grady said.
Gemme said pets don't like to be alone either and that it's important to look for signs of distress as pet owners start leaving home for longer periods of time.
"Are you finding puddles of slobber on your floor? Are you finding baseboards chewed up? Are your neighbours saying that your dog barked and whined all day long," she said.
Gemme suggests having a friend or family member check up on your furry friend every couple hours, then gradually adding half an hour to an hour of alone time, if the pet can handle it.
Behaviours like pacing and panting could indicate separation anxiety, which would require extra care from a veterinarian, she said.
But for pets that just seem uncomfortable being alone, she said tiring them out with a walk or games are great tools.
"Any kind of exercise that's going to alleviate some of that pent-up energy is huge," Gemme said.
Even for those who like working from home, the dog trainer said it's still important to look after your pet's mental health as we work to end this pandemic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.