Summer can be a fun time to spend with your four-legged family member, enjoying time outdoors and the warmer weather.
However, after enjoying some extended family time, some dogs can develop separation anxiety when the children of the family return to school.
Changes in routine can impact your pet and lead to stress and anxiety, which can be seen in changes in your dog’s behaviour. These changes could include destruction of furniture, barking, urinating around the home, digging, and scratching or whining when left alone.
Some owners may put these changes down to bad behaviour but often these are common signs that your pet is anxious.
Emma Purnell RVN at Nutravet comments: “We love nothing more than spending as much time with our dogs as possible. However, this can lead to them developing separation anxiety, especially after six weeks of summer when the kids return to school.
“In the weeks leading up to the new school term it’s important to gradually increase your dog’s time alone to help prepare them for the new routine. It is recommended that dogs are left alone for no longer than four hours a day. However, this can depend on their breed and age – some dogs can cope better than others. Although it’s important that dogs are not left alone for too long, if they must be left, be sure to ask a friend or family member to look in on them and give them toilet breaks or short walks.
“Separation anxiety is common in dogs and is usually a sign of stress when left alone. However, if you notice any major changes in their behaviour consult your vet who is best placed to check for any underlying health issues and offer advice.”
To help reduce stress for dogs Nutravet share their top tips to prepare for the back-to-school routine:
Prepare in advance
In the lead up to the new school term, it would be a good idea to leave your dog alone for small periods of time. Start small and increase the time each day to help them get used to being away from the family. You could leave them in one room of the home while you are in another.
Try not to give your dog too much of a fuss when you leave them to help them get used to the new routine. When you return, give them praise and a treat to reward their good behaviour.
Leave distractions
Leave toys to keep your dog distracted while you are away from them. Toys filled with treats can keep them occupied but be careful not to leave anything too small that could be chewed or swallowed.
Exercise
Before you leave the home, make sure your dog has had enough exercise. If you are going to be leaving them for a number of hours take them for a long walk before doing so. This will help to get rid of excess energy and may help them to rest or sleep whilst you’re out.
Dog sitter
If your dog has to be left at home alone all day consider using a dog sitter or ask a friend to check in on them and spend some time with your pet while you are out. This will also give your dog the chance to go to the toilet to prevent any mishaps in the home.
Pet proof your home
If you don’t want your dog to have the run of the house whilst you are out, be sure to close doors and block off areas you don’t want them to go. Check the area/room they will be in for any hazards to be sure they are safe whilst on their own. Using a stair gate is a handy way to stop your dog from going into rooms off limits and up the stairs.
Close curtains
If your dog can get distracted by outside noise or you live on a busy road, close the curtains or blinds to reduce any distractions which might make them bark for prolonged periods. Playing music or leaving the radio on can also help to drown out unwanted external sounds.
Safe zone
Create a safe zone or den for your dog to retreat to, if they are feeling extra anxious. You could leave a jumper or t-shirt with your smell on for your dog, which is familiar to them. This will help to comfort them while you are gone.
Don’t punish bad behaviour
If your dog has misbehaved whilst you are out and caused damage or toileted in the house, don’t discipline them on your return as this could cause further anxiety. It could also lead to your dog worrying about your return home.
Use a natural calmer
Nutracalm is a fast-acting natural calming supplement for dogs and cats. It has been developed to help stressed and fretful pets fast, without any sedative effect. Nutracalm is available to buy from authorised veterinary practices or online here.
Its fast-acting nature makes it the perfect product for many short-term stressful situations, however it has also been developed for safe long-term use. The natural solution helps pets that have been affected by stressful situations such as fireworks, loud noises, separation anxiety, travelling, vet visits and kennel stays.
For more top tips visit www.nutravet.co.uk
