Here's the one family member who wants you to always work from home: Fido.
Chances are the family dog has had a fantastic time in quarantine with lots of company and maybe more walks.
Sadly, pooches might well suffer separation anxiety when you finally return to work.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 20 to 40 percent of dogs are diagnosed with separation anxiety.
Pets could pace, howl, chew, or urinate in their anxiety.
One way to help them is to start doing more absences for longer periods of time, preferably at the same time of day. You can try doing separation inside the house with the dog in one room and you in another with the doors closed.
Dogs love routine so try doing your separations at predictable times, similar to when you will be leaving for work.
When you do go back to work, try creating enrichment activities, such as toys with treats inside. White noise from a fan set on low might help too.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
