We are all feeling the effects of this pandemic, especially when it comes to being isolated at home. If you’re noticing a change in your four legged furry family member, you’re not alone. Take our Australian Cattle Dog, Barnacle, for example. He's known around the neighborhood for saying 'hello' very loudly. But, lately even the usual passersby are getting an extra loud greeting through the window.

"Well it is an interesting dynamic with everyone home," Sarah Sears, Hospital Administrator at Village Veterinary Clinic of Hamburg said.

With the New York Pause order in effect, we are home a lot more. Sears says that change in routine alone can make the perfect pup act a little funny.

"Dogs and cats like to be creatures of habit, so when their world is turned upside down, especially cats, they just don't know how to outlet themselves,” Sears said.  

Sears suggests trying to create a new daily routine, giving your pet some stability. Even starting behavior training is a good way to keep them busy. Sears says animals also pick up on our anxiety and stress, leading to feeling it themselves. Then, they need a way to get it out.

"They are going to have behaviors such as barking, or eating things that they shouldn't, or clawing and scratching at things they normally do,” she said.

Here’s her advice to pet owners.

"So the best thing for us to do is have a mental health and physical health balance," she said.

And speaking of eating things they normally don't, Sears says watch out for that stash of cleaning supplies and medication.

"You know everybody is stocking up on things such as the household cleaners and Tylenol, those are all very, very toxic to dogs and cats," Sears reminded.

You can never give your pet enough treats, though. Sears says if that's something they start turning down, that's a sign there could be a health issue.

"If they start to deviate from way their normal is, probably a good idea to call your vet,” Sears said. “Pets are very good at hiding their illnesses."

Finally, if you feel like your pet just really needs some time alone, just go for a car ride to give them the house to themselves. It's also something vets say to start thinking about doing to get them into that old routine before the pandemic began.

Overall, Sears says don't feel discouraged if your otherwise calm cat has started clawing at everything, or if your pup starts barking at the kids for playing with its favorite toy. It's just their way of coping.