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Pet separation anxiety grew amid the pandemic: here’s how to help

Pet experts give advice on helping reduce problematic behaviours
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The National Institutes of Health stated that roughly 20 per cent of dogs experienced separation anxiety pre-pandemic and vets estimate that number to be higher post-pandemic. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald)

For animals and their owners, separation anxiety can be a challenge – one that grew as humans returned to normal lives as pandemic restrictions lifted.

Luckily, there are ways to both prevent and help the problem.

Tell-tale signs that a dog is experiencing separation anxiety include panting, hiding, trembling, not wanting to eat or showing signs of anxiety when their owner gets ready to leave, the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) said.

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