During this time of being quarantined many people have chosen to adopt dogs and puppies, which is great. There is nothing better than getting dogs out of shelters and into loving homes. It just makes sense.

Right now, people have more time to take walks and toss the ball around, right?

Sure, but there’s also a downside.

Animal psychologist Dr. Roger Mugford, who is also a consultant for the Royal Family, has offered up some very interesting points for dog owners. He warns that pets might experience separation anxiety once we return to work and school.

Speaking to The Times, he said: “With such an overload of quality time with their families, dogs are building up a huge reservoir of over-dependency which could see them suffer when mums and dads suddenly return to work and the children go back to school.

“The lockdown is such a massive change in routine. When it’s lifted it’s going to be a huge shock for dogs. That’s why structured, short training periods of separation are really important.”

Mugford went on to say some of the signs of distress your dog may exhibit can include howling, barking, pacing and urinating and defecating inside. He said that some dogs might even self harm.

So what can you do cut down the risk of separation anxiety?

Mugford suggested introducing short “separation breaks” to get the dogs used to time without you around again.

He says dog owners should put their animals in a separate room in the house for about 30 minutes at a time, several times a day to get them used to being on their own. This advice is seconded by Animal Welfare charity, Blue Cross.

In a post on their website, they explain how to deal with a dog’s separation anxiety and why they experience it.

It reads: “Most dogs would choose to spend the majority of their time in our company. Some might actually prefer the company of their own kind, but what is certain, is that being alone just doesn’t come naturally for most. Although dogs should never be left for too long on their own, if they get used to being left for short periods when young, they are likely to grow up feeling relaxed and comfortable when left on their own for some part of the day.”

Being a fur parent definitely has its perks and its downsides — don’t make your pup pay when this all comes to an end.