Back-to-school season is here! As parents and kids gather supplies and work to get used to their new routine, there’s one family member that has no idea what’s coming- your fur babies!
Why the Back-to-School Transition Can Be Hard on Dogs
Dogs thrive on routine and predictability so after a summer full of fun, extra attention, exercise, and family in the home the transition to an empty, quiet house during the school year can be very jarring for your pup. This transition can lead to confusion, stress, and even separation anxiety that your dogs don’t know how to handle.
Signs Your Dog Is Struggling
How do you know if your dog is struggling with separation anxiety or boredom? There are several signs that you can look for!
According to Jennie Willis, Ph.D., at Colorado State University separation anxiety can present itself in different forms. One of the easiest ways to tell is through your dog’s bark, whine, or crying. If you notice these more frequently than normal, and at a higher pitch than usual, it can be indicative of distress. Destructive behaviors and accidents are also signs that your dog(s) are struggling with the transition. More subtle signs to look out for are clinginess when family members are home or excessive sleeping or pacing.
Did You Know: Dogs often chew on items where their owners’ scent is the strongest! AKA your couch, pillows, or beds!
Willis, Ph.D., warned that, “Dogs between 18 months and 3 years of age that have a significant change in schedule” are most at risk of developing separation anxiety. One of the best things you can do for your fur babies is to ease them into the new routine!
Ease Into the New Routine
Ease your pets into the routine that they’ll experience during the school year by slowly increasing the time your pup spends alone. Start with shorter periods and gradually increase them until they are equal to the amount of time your family will be out of the house during the school year.
Two major parts of your dogs’ schedule are feedings and exercise! Ensure you keep feeding schedules and walking/play times consistent to give your dog a sense of predictability. Distract your pups by keeping their mind and body busy! Give your dog an outlet for energy by taking them on a walk or engaging them in a short training session before you head to school/work and after you get home. Provide mental stimulation to your dog by giving them puzzle toys or frozen treats while you’re away. You can also create a toy rotation for them to keep them interested with their toys.
Consider a Midday Dog Walk
If your dog seems to be struggling with the transition, consider adding a midday walk to their schedule! It breaks up their long days alone, provides them with exercise and mental stimulation, gives your dog a potty break, helps reduce their boredom, and decreases the time that they have alone to engage in unwanted behaviors. Paws at Home can give you the peace of mind you need by checking in on your pup and providing a detailed report, with photos, at the end of our visits!
A few simple steps can minimize your dogs’ stress as everyone returns to school and work. Formulating a consistent routine that includes enrichment and exercise will allow most dogs to adjust to a new schedule. If your pup needs a little extra attention or exercise, hire Paws at Home for midday walks/visits to help everyone settle into the new school-year with ease! Happy learning!
Sources:
https://source.colostate.edu/pet-health-back-to-school-time-can-trigger-separation-anxiety-in-pets/
