OVER a thousand pets were rehomed by the RSPCA in Wales last year.

But, while many of these pets found a new home during lockdowns, there are fears that changes to people’s routines may cause distress among animals.

It comes as the animal charity launches its Adoptober campaign, in which people are being encouraged to adopt a new pet, rather than shopping around.

But, while the RSPCA are encouraging people to give a home to rescue animals currently in RSPCA care, they have warned that it isn’t necessarily a simple process.

With the number of pets, and pet owners in the UK – including South Wales, rising, the charity have urged pet owners to take the time to learn the behaviours of their animals, and watch out for when things aren’t quite right.

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Changes in a person’s behaviours and routines can have a massive impact on pets too.

Perhaps the biggest example is separation anxiety.

Many of the 1,162 pets rehomed in Wales in 2020 found their home during one of the lockdowns.

As a result, those pets may only ever have known their owners to be home for the vast majority of the time.

And, with the return of offices, and the availability of travel and leisure, pets may be struggling when finding themselves on their own.

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What are the warning signs?

Dogs

As dog owners go back to offices, the RSPCA has revealed that it is concerned that some dogs may struggle to adapt to being left alone for short periods.

One of the major reasons that dogs are given up is due to behaviour problems.

It is also suggested that 85 per cent of dogs have separation related behaviours.

The signs to watch out for are:

  • They are standing but their body posture and head position is low. Tail is tucked under, ears are back and the dog is yawning.
  • Dog is lying down and avoiding eye contact or turning their head away from you and lip licking with their ears back.
  • They are sitting with their head lowered, ears back, tail tucked away, not making eye contact, yawning, or raising a front paw.
  • Dog is standing with a stiffened body posture, weight forward, ears are up, hair raised, eyes looking at you with pupils dark and enlarged. Their tail is also up and stiff and they may wrinkle their nose.
  • They are lying down and cowering, their ears are flat, and their teeth are showing with their tail down between their legs.

Cats

Meanwhile, most cats like routine and a disruption to this routine, like owners returning to work and being absent from home, may leave some feeling stressed or anxious.

Fighting for resources with other cats, a change to their food or litter, a house move, or a new pet, are all factors which could lead to your cat becoming distressed.

It is worth noting that a cat’s behaviours are typically more subtle than dogs.

Body language of a worried or unhappy cat:

  • They are in a crouched position, muscles are tense, body is held tightly, their tail is tucked tightly into their body, and the ears are slightly swivelled sideways. Their head is slightly lowered and tucked into the body, pupils are dilated, and mild tension shows in their face.
  • Cat is lying down, body is flattened, ears are flattened to the head, their pupils are dilated, and the tail is held tightly into the body.
  • Cat is lying down, body is flattened, ears are flattened to the head and drawn back, body is slightly rolled over to one side, pupils are dilated, mouth is open and tense, and their teeth are showing.
  • They are standing and their back is arched, with their body held sideways and their hair is raised. Their posture will be tense, with the front paw slightly lifted off the ground (ready to swipe if needed), ears are lowered and pointing out to the side, mouth is open and tense, their teeth are showing, and the tail is tensed.

What has been said about the news?

Dr Sam Gaines, head of the companion animals team at the RSPCA, said: “There has been a boom in pet ownership during the pandemic and whilst it’s great to see so many pets becoming a real source of comfort during the last year, it’s important that we remember that our mental health can impact on that of our pets and we need to make sure we consider their mental health and know how they are feeling.

“From changes in their behaviour to their body language, our pets can give us insight into their mental wellbeing and it’s important that as pet owners we know how to spot these signs and act on them.”