Coronavirus face masks: How to combat dog anxiety over new regulations
Humans aren’t the only ones having a hard time adjusting to face masks with animal behaviourists reporting a spike in calls about dogs “freaking out” at their owner’s masked face. Here’s how you can help your dog get used to your new accessory.
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Humans aren’t the only ones finding it hard to get used to masks with many dog owners reporting their pet “freak outs” when they don the mandatory face protection.
Animal behaviourists say recent rules making masks compulsory in public have sparked a surge in calls from worried fur-parents.
Animal behaviour team leader at the Lost Dogs’ Home Jade Curry said many people had reported their pooches appeared to be afraid of their owners’ masked faces, but she said there are ways to help your pet feel more at ease.
There have also been reports of dogs being frightened of masked strangers while out on their walks.
“Pooches are used to seeing their owners’ mouth and nose and reading our facial expressions is one of the ways dogs communicate with us,” she said.
“Dogs are creatures of habit, so instantly changing routine without a rational explanation can cause anxiety in dogs.”
Ms Curry said if your dog appears o be anxious or frightened when you put your mask on, give them space and don’t force them to approach.
“Instead, begin counter-conditioning (when you walk past a person on the street, offer your dog a treat, regardless of their behaviour).
“They will begin to associate ‘scary’ people wearing masks with treats, which will change their emotional response from fear to excitement.
“Most dogs will have never seen people wearing masks before and so they might find it scary or intimidating, which may cause anxiety in some dogs.”
TOP TIPS FOR PET OWNERS:
1. Association people wearing masks with treats.
2. Speak clearly as your voice may sound muffled through the mask, making it harder for your dog to pick up commands.
3. If people do notice a change in their dog’s behaviour, give them space and don’t force them to approach — offer them a treat instead.
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MAJOR CENTRES TO QUIZ PEOPLE NOT WEARING MASKS