DOGTV Hosts Free Virtual Event to Prevent Post-Covid Dog Separation Anxiety Epidemic

As the world returns to a post-pandemic normal, DOGTV has jumped into action to prevent a new epidemic – dog separation anxiety – with a free virtual event convening the world’s leading pet behavioral therapists, veterinarians, trainers and pet service providers. Your Dog’s New Normal will air Saturday, June 12 at 4 PM ET. DOGTV, the most comprehensive education platform for dogs and their pet parents, will equip families with the tools they need to help pups navigate what is soon to become their “new normal.” A preview of the event is available here.

Hosted by celebrity pet expert Harrison Forbes, Your Dog’s New Normal will feature “dog talks” by a robust lineup of experts including world renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, celebrity dog trainer Laura Nativo, renowned veterinarians Dr. Marty Becker and Dr. Courtney Campbell, veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman and dozens more. Topics will help pet parents better understand the issue of separation anxiety by teaching them everything from how to recognize the signs, to training tips and ways to address the issue moving forward. There will also be appearances by pup loving celebrities including Jane Lynch, Scott Hamilton, Emmylou Harris, Skip Bayless, Renée Felice Smith and more. The full list of speakers is available here.

Millions of dogs are anticipated to be affected by separation anxiety when businesses and schools fully reopen and pet parents return to a pre-pandemic schedule. DOGTV conducted a survey of more than 1,000 dog parents across America. What they found was stunning:

• 58 percent of dogs are currently showing symptoms of separation anxiety when parents prepare to leave the home.
• 45 percent display symptoms of separation anxiety when left home alone.
• Yet, 62 percent of pet parents are not doing anything to prepare their pets for more alone time.
• Pandemic pups were 20 percent more likely to have separation anxiety when left home alone, compared to dogs adopted before the pandemic.
• 65 percent of dog parents aren’t currently comfortable leaving their pup home alone for the duration of an eight-hour workday. Only 14 percent feel ready to let Fido be alone for more than nine hours.

“While dogs loved this past year spending unlimited hours with their humans, the pandemic has left them vulnerable to developing a fear of being home alone,” said Gilad Neumann, CEO of DOGTV. “We want to do everything we can to ensure pets stay comfortable at home when their parents are gone. I’m excited to offer pet parents an opportunity to hear from top animal experts so they can learn how to identify the signs of anxiety and ultimately prevent separation anxiety in their dogs.”

Your Dog’s New Normal will be hosted on DOGTV, which can be viewed through streaming, cable or online and does not require a DOGTV subscription to attend. DOGTV is partnering with the North Shore Animal League America to raise awareness around separation anxiety in dogs. From now until the end of the year, DOGTV will donate $10 to the North Shore Animal League America for every new subscription that uses the code NEWNORMAL during sign-up. For more information and to sign up for the free Your Dog’s New Normal event, visit dogtv.com.