DOGS across the country have spent endless hours with their owners during the coronavirus lockdown but this could lead to separation anxiety as people start going back to work.

Some symptoms displayed when a dog is suffering with separation anxiety includes barking, howling and chewing on objects.

Bex Morley, owner of Bonexis Animal Services in Darwen has noticed the dogs she walks are struggling with separation anxiety now they are back to a pre-covid routine.

She said: "When I go and collect the dogs, ordinarily most of them will be bouncing around and will be in a certain routine.

"Since lockdown, because a lot of people are at home they are less likely to want to come out with me because they are so used to being with their owners."

With owners spending so much time at home with their animals, it can become difficult for pets to deal with the change in routine.

Bex has two of her own dogs and has not just noticed a change in the dogs she is walking but also in her own pets.

"One of them in particular will follow us everywhere in the house now and I think that's probably because we have been inside for so long that he's not wanting to be away from us," Bex said.

"He's not used to being away, it's become the norm for him to be with us."

Bex has managed to train the dogs she walks back up but it has taken hard work both mentally and physically.

"The dogs are not unhappy by any means but they are now out of routine whereas when lockdown started, they were out of routine then but the lockdown has now become a routine," she added.

"It has only taken four to six weeks to get them back into a routine. When I go and see dogs that are at this level with their recall, now when you see them not wanting to leave the house.

"It's quite hard hitting because you gain a bond with these animals. Its not their fault that these symptoms have arisen, because of the pandemic they have unintentionally learnt these habits."

Separation anxiety is fairly easy to overcome but will require a gradual approach such as slowly increasing the amount of time spent in a crate along with obedience training.

Other symptoms include indoor "accidents" even though they are housebroken, digging holes, scratch at windows and doors, drooling, panting, pacing and trying to escape.

The Dogs trust have issued guidance on how to avoid separation anxiety with your pet by scheduling in time apart from your dog each day.