Vet issues warning to working owners who found puppy love during lockdown

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PEOPLE who bought puppies during lockdown could encounter fresh challenges as their new pets will soon be left home alone as the UK returns to work.

With many workers on furlough, shielding or working from home, there has been a rush to buy puppies.
Demand for new pets dramatically increased as families were forced to stay at home during coronavirus restrictions, with the Kennel Club reporting that prices of popular pooches have doubled and waiting lists have increased fourfold.
Now, as millions of people prepare to return to work, there are fears about puppies suffering separation anxiety if they are left at home, or even being abandoned if owners can’t cope.

Many new puppies have also had a sheltered start to life as during lockdown restrictions they have missed out on vital socialisation skills, including meeting other people and animals.
Dr Bruce Waddell, Clinical Director at Willows Vet Group, which runs five practices covering Warrington and Runcorn, has issued advice to owners.
Dr Waddell said: “We have a new lockdown generation of puppies who are missing out on socialisation skills at an early age and also at risk of abandonment issues when they are left at home after spending several months with a family. Puppies have not had the opportunity to meet other people or animals, they have not been able to go their veterinary practice and don’t know about other important and potentially scary things like buses, cars, parks and birds.
“We need to teach them these things by stimulating them and enriching their environment in an emotionally safe way. We need to take things slowly as some puppies will be older and it is harder to learn new tricks as we get older.”

Puppies and kittens have grown so used to having people around them at home that they could be distressed when their owners return to work after furlough or when workplaces reopen.
Dr Waddell added: “Some young puppies and kittens will never have been left on their own in the house. Sudden separation could lead to significant mental and emotional health problem in our pets. Poor mental health leads to new and different behaviours – a lot we don’t like such as destructive and aggressive behaviour.”


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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