The COVID-19 pandemic has increased anxiety levels in some pets according to a Tasmanian veterinarian

Like many Tasmanians Sarah Banks has enjoyed the added time spent with her beloved pooch while working from home but says recent COVID-19-related changes have been hard on her pet.

GEILSTON BAY mum Sarah Banks has enjoyed the added time spent with her beloved pooch Gizmo while working from home, but says recent COVID-19-related changes have been hard on her pet.

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Mrs Banks, a school teacher who has spent the past few weeks teaching from home, said she was not sure how 18-month-old Gizmo, a King Charles spaniel, will cope with her return to work next week.

Mrs Banks is one of a number of Tasmanians returning to their place of work next week as coronavirus restrictions ease.

Sarah Banks and her daughter Brydie Peckham 6 of Geilston Bay with their dog Gizmo at the Howrah Dog Park. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“Gizmo has been loving the attention the past few weeks, but with so many other people off work and walking past our property, it has made him a bit anxious with so much foot traffic,” she said.

“I’m a bit worried about how next week will go as I won’t be there to settle him. I’m hoping he’ll be OK for the neighbours’ sake.”

Hobart veterinarian Dr Raj Wicks said The Dog Clinic Hobart had seen an increase of visits from pet owners worried about their anxious dogs.

“We are seeing this with people being at home more recently,” he said.

“Sometimes these animal behavioural problems seen during COVID-19 have actually been an issue prior to the pandemic but now are coming to light as the owners are at home.”

He said the vet clinic was taking bookings for behavioural assessments and issuing referrals to veterinary behaviouralists.

READ ANNE BOXHALL’S COLUMN IN THE SUNDAY TASMANIAN