With the summer coming to an end, many children have to return to school. This may be upsetting to your precious pooch, as they will likely be missing their playmate who they hung out with a ton over the summer. As many dogs don’t understand the importance of education, they may feel like their BFF is just abandoning them for no good reason. Thankfully, there are a few ways to help your furry friend cope while your kids are at school.

Give Your Dog Some Toys

Giving your furry friend an interactive dog toy is a great way to distract them from the fact that they are missing your kid. Canine companions typically like contraptions that have a compartment for treats, like a Kong toy.

Pretend To Go Outside Without Your Dog

Because your children are now leaving the house for a long time during the weekday, your pup may exhibit some clinginess, especially if you work from home. This means that they may have a bit of a meltdown when you leave. To help remedy this issue, consider starting a routine of pretending to go outside and immediately coming back. You’ll have to do all your regular steps, like searching for your keys, wallet, and mask.

Upon your quick return, give your pup plenty of praise. Another option is to go through all of these steps and remain inside your home. This repeated procedure should alleviate some of your pup’s stress, as they hopefully should come to the conclusion that getting ready for the day isn’t necessarily an indication that you will be gone for as long as your children.

Exercise

If you are also planning on leaving during the day, it is in everyone’s best interest to tire your dog out before you head out. Consider going on a brisk stroll with your furry friend before you get ready for the day. During an August 2021 interview with the AKC, Dr. Jessica Taylor, DMV, explained that “pets that normally spend their day playing, going in and out with kids, or being stimulated with people around them, can experience stress and anxiety when they are suddenly left alone.” For this reason, pup parents should “aim to get up a bit earlier to allow for a long walk or 20-minute play session in the yard to get their energy out.”

“Then your pet can rest during the day while you are gone and be ready for playtime again when you come home,” said the veterinarian.

Once you arrive back home, you should take your dog out again for an even longer walk if possible, so they can get in more exercise and also have a much-needed bathroom break.

Put On Background Noise

If you are leaving at the same time as your children, put on some background noise. Anyone with kids can attest that it is rare for your household to be silent. For this reason, it may be distressing for your furry friend to be all alone without any noises. To make the situation a little less scary, turn on a movie. My dog, personally, is a fan of the “Air Bud” film franchise, so we usually have that playing on a continuous loop.

Have Plenty Of Family Time

After school, during the weekends, and on holidays, make sure you include your pup in family activities. For instance, go on a hike or take a picnic in the park. You can even have a movie night together. My dog obviously recommends watching the “Air Bud” movies, especially “Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch,” “Air Bud: World Pup,” and “Air Bud: Spikes Back.”

Seek Professional Help

If you believe your pup is suffering from severe separation anxiety due to your children going back to school, bring up the issue to your veterinarian. They may end up prescribing your dog an SSRI.

How To Deal With Your Dog's Anxiety When Your Kids Go Back To School