Getting Your Pet Comfortable with Face Masks
with Dr. Josie Arbogast
On May 1st, 2020, Illinois began its state-mandated mask requirement. While wearing a face mask is meant to protect us, it can be quite confusing for our pets to see both familiar faces and unfamiliar faces donning the protective gear. Pets do recognize faces, but likely won’t initially understand that a mask is a temporary change like clothing. This confusion can cause some stress and you should consider proactively acclimatizing them to the change in a positive manner.
Dr. Josie Arbogast, a Boulevard Veterinarian, provides some insight on ways to get your pet comfortable with face masks.
Come Down to Their Level
Seeing life through your pet’s eyes will help guide the way you approach their acceptance of the face mask.
“Hovering over them with a mask is not a great plan. Come down to their level and talk to them like you would do normally. Let them hear your voice. Let them smell you. That way they know that even though you’re wearing this scary thing on your face, you’re still my owner.”
Some important things to remember:
Pets rely on verbal and visual queues to understand us.
Wearing a mask blocks communication with our pets.
Conditioning your pet to be comfortable with the mask is crucial.
Conditioning
Start at home in a familiar environment. When your pet is in a relaxed state, slowly begin introducing the mask while you are not wearing it. Let your pet interact with the mask at their own pace. You can leave one near their favorite chair or allow them to sniff one that you are holding in your hand. Each time your pet is confident enough to approach the mask, reward them with their favorite, high-reward treat.
Pay attention to your pet’s signs of discomfort and let them approach at their own speed. Do not overwhelm your pet by placing the mask near them if they are not yet comfortable with it. The key is making this a positive experience so they get so used to the mask that they don’t even acknowledge it. Repeat these short, positively-reinforced training sessions until your pet is not bothered by the presence of the mask, always rewarding the behavior you want to see.
Once they have reached this point, you can begin wearing the mask for short periods of time around the house. Wear the mask during positive times, like during play, cuddling or mealtime. After some patience, your pet will perceive the mask as just another part of everyday life.
Face Your Fears
Once your pet is completely comfortable with the people in your home wearing face masks, you can begin exposing them to the outside population. A good way to begin conditioning your pet to being comfortable seeing strangers in masks is simply allowing them to witness people around you while consistently rewarding your pet. This continues to teach them that they are in a safe and positive space.
“When in public, just be sure to talk them through it, giving them verbal positive reinforcement. You can carry a bag of treats with you and if they’re acting nervous…The more they’re conditioned to seeing masks on you at home or in their comfortable spaces, they’re going to be less freaked out when they go out into the universe and they won’t be as scared.”
If your pet remains uncomfortable with the mask even after conditioning, start from the beginning. You never want to overwhelm your pet by forcing the mask on them if they are not ready. Start over by repeatedly exposing the mask to your pet in the same low-stress environment, always rewarding their acceptance.
We hope you found these tips useful and that they help you keep your pet happy and healthy! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us. As always, we’re here for you and your pets.