Tackling pet health

Despite coronavirus figures rising to an all-time high in recent months, restrictions in the UK have been lifted, meaning that many people are gradually returning to their offices – whether that be in a hybrid format or full-time. 

Whilst this move back to ‘normal life’ has been welcomed by many, for the millions of pets acquired over lockdown this change will mean they are being left alone for the very first time. 

"Many of our pets are now used to having us around all the time, while others have never known any different," says RSPCA pet welfare expert Samantha Gaines. "We have real concerns that life post-lockdown, both in terms of a new routine and spending time alone, could be really difficult for them to adjust to, which is why it’s so important that owners start to prepare them now."

So, what are the mental health signs customers should be looking out for and how can pharmacy teams help their furry friends?

The pet effect

It has long been established that having a pet can improve mental health. Indeed, 87 per cent of pet owners say owning a pet makes them mentally healthier, according to the 2021 'PAW Report', by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). 

Typically, this relationship goes both ways. In fact, the term 'the pet effect' represents the mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals that positively impacts the health and wellbeing of both species. 

Poor mental health in their owners can, however, have a negative impact on a pet’s mood. Research suggests that animals are very capable of responding to human emotional expression and can sense how their owner is feeling, often mirroring their stress. 

Nearly three quarters of UK dogs show signs of poor mental health and 74 per cent exhibit behaviour indicating anxiety or depression, according to a Guide Dogs poll. Yet, a quarter of UK dog-owners admit that they didn’t know a dog’s mental health could suffer. 

"It’s an outdated viewpoint to think that dogs just need a walk or two a day to be content," says Dr Helen Whiteside, chief scientific officer at Guide Dogs. "Without different forms of mental stimulation, dogs can begin to show signs of behavioural issues, such as anxiety and frustration, which can have a huge impact on their mental wellbeing."

According to Dr Whiteside, providing a bit of variation helps to keep things interesting. Tips which can be passed on to pharmacy customers include: 

• Creating food-based problem-solving puzzles
• Giving a dog a lick mat
• Taking them on a 'sniffari' walk. "The goal is just sniffing not necessarily walking. Dogs love to sniff and gather an incredible amount of information just by doing so," emphasises Julie Burgess, certified dog trainer and vet technician.

It is also important to remind customers that balance is essential. With increased mental stimulation, dogs will need quality sleep and downtime too. 

Pet peeves

Of course, lockdown made it easier for pet owners to dedicate more time to paying attention to their animal’s needs. Indeed, most pets will have adjusted to having their owners at home 24/7 and as owners go back to working outside the home, many pets will find this distressing. 

This doesn’t just apply to dogs, as Ali Taylor, head of canine behaviour at Battersea explains: “While dogs are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety, cats can also find it stressful when their routine changes suddenly.”

Signs that a pet is experiencing separation-related problems include: 

• Destructive behaviour – often targeted at the door the owner left the house from, as well as chewing and destroying furniture
• Noise – such as howling or barking
• Toileting – in the house.

Pharmacy teams can recommend customers take simple steps to introduce their pets to the idea of them spending more time on their own. For example, if they are working from home, they should start working in a different room or area to their pet. They can also build up time alone slowly – even if that means only closing the door for 30 seconds at first – and should make sure to reward good behaviour.