Back to school time can be exciting and fun for the kids, but maybe not so much for the four-legged family members who are left behind. After spending the summer having fun with the kids, our pets have to adjust to being left alone again. Dogs and cats crave routine, so transitioning back to the school-time schedule can be difficult for them. It is not uncommon for pets to experience separation anxiety when they find themselves alone and away from the people they are attached to, even though this transition happens at this time every school year.
Pets with separation anxiety often appear distressed as you prepare to leave the home, and become overly-enthusiastic upon your return. Some signs that your dog or cat is experiencing separation anxiety may include the following behaviors when left alone.
1. Urinating or defecating in inappropriate places.
2. Destructive behavior such as digging and chewing, especially at doors or windows in attempts to get out.
3. Vocalization including barking, howling, and whining in dogs or excessive meowing in cats.
If the separation anxiety is not severe, here are some ways you can help your dog or cat cope.
1. Start out with short periods of separation to get your dog or cat accustomed to being home alone before the start of the school year.
2. Try exercising your dog or cat before you leave the house by taking your dog for a walk or playing with your cat. A tired pet is more relaxed and less likely to get into trouble when you’re gone.
3. Make your departure and return to the house low-key so you don’t reinforce your pet’s anxiety about the event.
4. Provide interactive toys or toys stuffed with treats to keep your dog or cat occupied during your absence. If you give a food-stuffed toy as you’re leaving, it can distract your pet as you’re walking out the door. Additionally, it will train your four-legged friend to associate your leaving with good things. Put these toys away when you’re home so they remain a special treat.
5. Some pets find an article of clothing with your scent on it comforting.
6. Try leaving on the TV or some music.
In most cases, your dog or cat’s symptoms will lessen after he or she gets used to the new family routine. If your pet’s separation anxiety is more serious, be sure to consult with an animal behaviorist, trainer, or your veterinarian for advice.
Now here are a couple of easy recipes to make special yummy treats for your dog or cat to remind them just how much they're loved!
Cat crackers
Ingredients:
6 oz undrained tuna
1 c cornmeal
1 c flour
1/3 c water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Measure all ingrediants into a bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into treat size pieces. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool before giving to your cat, then watch them gobble it up!
Peanutty nibbles
Ingredients:
2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c oatmeal
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
1/2 c water
1/2 c chicken broth
Directions:
To make these treats, start by mixing the whole wheat flour with the oatmeal and cinnamon. Next, combine the creamy peanut butter, water, and chicken broth, and then microwave it for 15 to 30 seconds – just until it forms a smooth liquid. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until dough forms. Drop the dough into small rounds and use your thumb to press a well into each cookie as you flatten it. Place the peanutty nibbles on a cookie sheet that's been lightly coated with a non-stick spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes and allow the treats to cool in the oven. Fill the cookie wells with sugar-free jelly or jam and then feed them to your dog. He'll be the happiest pooch on the block!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Let's make this a great school year for both kids and pets!
Happy tails to you until we meet again!
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