Summer is a fun time for the whole family – including the dog. But what happens when the kids go back to school? Your dog may suffer from separation anxiety of all their playmates are suddenly gone all day long.
This sudden change in daily routine can cause depression in your dog. Separation anxiety occurs when dogs are upset by a separation from someone they’re attached to.
Signs your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety include destructive or anxious behaviors like:
- Howling
- Chewing
- Pacing
- Housesoiling
- Attempting to escape from the house or yard
If you’ve noticed these behaviors in your dog, try these tips to help.
- Schedule an appointment with our veterinary hospital. We can provide specific ideas to help relieve your dog’s stress. If they’re having a particularly tough time, we might prescribe an anti-anxiety medication.
- Consider preparing toys stuffed with peanut butter or some other favorite treat. Working to get the treat out will provide your dog a distraction from his stress and hours of enjoyment and mental stimulation while you’re gone.
- Check out some doggie day cares in your area. A day or two of supervised play and exercise may be beneficial to your lonely dog.
- Take your dog for long morning walks to get him plenty of exercise and tire him out.
- Spend quality time with your dog when you are at home; include him in family activities to assure him he’s still an important part of the family.