Four Steps to Help You Dog with Back to School Dog Separation Anxiety Blues

My owners don’t have kids (that is my cousin in the picture with me) but I’ve heard from other dogs that when their little friends go back to school the house gets really quiet and they don’t have anyone left to play with during the days. For some dogs this can cause a mild form of dog separation anxiety. The change in routine can make dogs feel depressed, lonely or maybe they feel like they just don’t know what to expect.

I doubt that your kids going back to school will cause massively destructive behavior but it still can effect sensitive dogs. If you have a dog with this problem there are a few things that you can do to get him or her through the dog separation anxiety that they might experience during the first few weeks that the kids are back to school.

Four Tips to Help Dog Separation Anxiety
Back to School Blues:

1. Make extra time for your dog:

   Take him or her on an extra walk or take a few minutes a couple times throughout the day to play ball or frizbee. Your dog will appreciate the extra time you spend with him or her and will have less energy to worry about where the kids have gone.

2. Add an extra activity to the schedule:

   Of course some of you have to work so why not drop your dog off at a doggie daycare while you are away or have a dog-walker come in for an extra walk while you are away. This will help break up the day and give your dog an exciting distraction from the fact that the kids are no longer home 24/7.

3. Give your dog an extra treat:

   We all like an extra snack or treat, so why not give your dog a stuffed frozen KONG with his favorite recipe? Or maybe a raw bone to tire him or her out. When dog’s chew on bones they release endorphines that help them relax and what better way to distract them from the kids being away?

   

4. Buy a new and exciting toy:

   Considder getting a new interactive toy for your dog. I really like toys that you can put treats in and then work on figuring out how to get them out.
   Two of my favorite toys are the Tug-A-Jug and the Busy Buddy toys from Primere Pet!

   

Remember, a change in routine can cause a dog’s separation anxiety to come back, even if you have helped him or her get over dog separation anxiety before. Try to give your dog some distractions to help them focus on things other than their separation anxiety and to build their confidence and sense of well-being.

Woof!
Manchego the Anxious Dog