With back-to-school time right around the corner, we have to keep in mind that after a whole summer of playing with their humans, our furry friends will need some adjusting, too.
While most will eventually adjust to their owners being gone, some will feel sad and abandoned, The Associated Press reported.
In fact, Dr. Nick Dodman of Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine said almost 20 percent of the nation's dogs suffer from separation anxiety. For senior dogs, that number is around 29 to 50 percent, according to Companion Vet Clinic.
Dodman told AP that around 70 percent of dogs who suffer from separation anxiety will howl, bark or whine, while 60 percent will destroy objects and about 30 percent will have accidents from being so upset.
Though there isn't evidence to determine why dogs develop separation anxiety, it is believed the loss of an important person in the dog's life or a change in schedule, family or residence can trigger the anxiety, according to the ASPCA.
California native Dianne Larson says her dog, a year-old black Lab, looks for her son, Tanner, while he's at school.
"She stays in his room. If his door is closed, she will whine to get in," Larson said.
What is more, almost half of the dogs with anxiety problems also suffer from noise phobias, like the sounds of thunder, and some can become clingy and follow their owners around, according to AP.
A Utah first-grader, Harry Williams, takes his two dogs, Gandalf and Flora, to the bus stop with him each morning just so he can spend some extra time with them.
"He is sad to leave them and hugs them like 10 times before he gets on the bus. Usually Flora whines when the bus pulls away," Harry's mom, Jill, told AP.
However, serious cases of dog anxiety can be costly for owners who might need pet sitters, doggy day camp and dog walkers for their pups while they go to school or work.
But there is hope.
The American Kennel Club recommends owners teach their pets new tricks during the first couple weeks of back-to-school activities so they don't feel left out.
You can also try independence training to get rid of your dog's separation anxiety problem, Dodman said. He also suggests:
- Making your departure happy with toys and treats
- Creating a place in the home where the dog feels safe
- Starting the new routine before school starts
- Avoid indulging behavior with baby talk or sympathy
- And see a vet if the anxiety doesn't improve
