Veterinary behaviorists Valarie Tynes and Laurie Bergman say there doesn’t seem to have been a notable increase in either the number of poorly socialized dogs or the number of pets with separation anxiety since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have eased. A recent study found that cats’ heart rates rise when their owners are not in the room during veterinary exams, suggesting that they experience separation anxiety in some situations, Dr. Bergman said.
