Back To School Blues

Tips to Manage Pet Separation Anxiety

With school starting all over the country after the extended break at home, people are concerned about going back out into the world, but what about your dog?

Since the pandemic began, people have been locked in their houses with their pets. For pets, this has been wonderful. They have had company all day, more walks than usual, and someone to play with during the day, but have you thought about how your pet will feel when he is left alone all day again?

Dogs who are used to having the kids around during the day or who have become accustomed to more outings may have a hard time adjusting. Since naturally, dogs are almost never away from their pack, it is our job to help make this unnatural situation less stressful, especially if they are an only pet.

Tips to manage anxiety:

• Walk your dog in the morning before you leave the house so your dog will be in a resting mode while you are away.
• Avoid emotional departures so that your dog believes that your time apart is not a big deal.
• Keep a radio or television going when you are away from the house. Many pets enjoy hearing the sounds of people when they are home alone.
• Leave some sturdy, interactive toys like a Kong for your dog to help keep him busy.
• Consider doggie daycare or a dog walker to prevent separation anxiety.

For more practical tips, click here. Not all dogs suffer from separation anxiety, but for those who do, it needs to be addressed quickly. Remember that your pets are sensitive to change and can develop anxiety easily. The smoother you make the transition the happier you both will be.