(BPT) – With good weather and flexible work schedules, summer time is the best season for spending some extra time with your pet. However, once fall comes, the kids aren’t the only ones in the family that experience the back-to-school blues. Separation anxiety can happen for many reasons among pets, but with the changing routine and lack of attention due to busy schedules, back-to-school is a common time when pet owners may start noticing changes in their dog or cat’s behavior. To support them during this time Dr. Kurt Venator, Purina’s Chief Veterinary Officer offers five tips to address separation anxiety in pets.
1. Get your pet into a routine. Pets love routines because it makes them feel secure. During the summer, kids are always around to make things entertaining and exciting. When they suddenly disappear, some cats and dogs will feel sad and confused while others may experience real separation anxiety. It’s important to get your pet acclimated to the change by replacing their old schedule with a new one. This new schedule should include allocating time to play after work and keeping a consistent schedule when coming and going from the house.
2. Burn off some energy. Some pets deal with separation anxiety by engaging in negative or destructive behaviors, such as howling, excessive barking or chewing on inappropriate objects. A great way to keep your dog from doing this is to take them on a walk in the morning before you leave the house to help burn off some of that extra energy. For cats, consider playing with them at night as well – whether it’s making them chase a feather wand or play with a ball.
3. Create an interactive environment. Back-to-school season is a great time to buy your pet a new, interactive toy to play with. This will help mentally stimulate them and keep them occupied during the day when children are away at school. For dogs, chew toys are a way for them to relieve their anxiety, frustration and boredom. For cats, creating a play area – including scratching posts and cat furniture – can keep them entertained even when you’re not home.
4. Turn up the tunes and start with baby steps. Try leaving some soothing music on at your home while everyone is out of the house. The music will help drown out distracting noises that your dog may mistakenly associate with their family coming home. Some animal shelters have even found that playing calming music helps animals in their facilities relax. Additionally, help your pets adjust to a new routine by providing them with clear cues. For example, jingling your car keys prior to leaving for work each day can provide your pet with an important audible cue and ultimately, help with the transition to a new family schedule.
5. Spend time with your pet. It’s important to remember that while you may have had a long day, your pet may have been sitting at home feeling lonely, waiting for you to come home. Spending some quality time with your pet at the end of the day is critical to helping keep them active and mentally sharp. It may be tough to fit into a busy work schedule, but be sure to build some interactive time – whether it’s a walk or cuddle session -to benefit both you and your pet.
For more information on helping your pet deal with separation anxiety, check out this article on Purina.com.
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* Loud barking, chewed up shoes, peeing on the rug! Your dog’s separation anxiety can be a huge problem and dog training takes time and patience. Our experts offer up their suggestions for helping train your dog to feel more comfortable while home alone.
How To Deal With Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety
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Useless info. Doesn't work. I can walk my dog forever and it still cries like crazy when I leave.
my dog has separation anxiety when I have to leave her in the car alone and is usually hiding at the foot of the seat when I return. She also does not like being out in the yard alone.
I took my puppy from a dog foster home about a year ago. I love him to bits; he has a great personality, and I feel that he loves our family so much. BUT he barks A LOT. . So, leaving home is always a challenge for us.
My wife and I were thinking about taking him to 'doggy school', but then again, it’s extremely expensive, and the nearest 'doggy school' is far away from us. Maybe you have some advice? THANK YOU!!!!
the most important point was not mentioned: no dog should be alone for more than 4-5 hours per day !!! if you dont have time for your dog – dont get a dog! thats it.
Great tips, Im getting a dog soon 🙂 good stuff to know
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when i leave the house my dog gets upset and she starts licking everything.the only thing i can think of is separation anxiety,does anybody have advise? (anything will help)
Well speaking of 7 year olds, you should know the difference between the words "your" and "you're." Mr. Grown Up
I decided that I wanted to know EXACTLY what all recovered anxiety and panic attacks sufferers had done to eliminate their conditions. ANXIETYANDDEPRESSIONTREATMENT.JUPLO.COM
americans are no help what so ever, PLEASE can some normal English dog experts give some real advise,,,,,Americans talk to you like your 7 years old STOP STOP