When it is time to pack the backpacks and  head back to school, family schedules and routines of the dog days of summer shift dramatically. This sudden change can have a devastating impact on the pets in the family that have spent more time with their owners over the summer and have grown accustomed to having them around. Dogs and cats suffering from post-summer stress can exhibit a wide range of behaviors as families return to the school and work system of operating.

Look for these signs of post-summer separation anxiety disorder in your dog or cat:

- Hyper-salivation or drooling
- Soiling the pet owner’s belongings
- Chewing or scratching at doors or crate
- Non-stop howling, barking, meowing
- Compulsive grooming or licking
- Tearing up furniture or pushing items off counters

The best defense against post-summer separation anxiety is preparation. Take these steps to help prepare your pet for the post-summer routine:

- Wean into new post-summer schedule. Give positive reinforcement with praise and treats for appropriate behavior
- Resume normal leash / walking schedules
- Take the drama out of leaving – grab your coat and keys at times when you are not leaving so your pet doesn’t connect the action with being alone
- Create a pet safe haven – a well-lit area where the family “pack” normally gathers, keep the TV or radio running, leave plenty of toys and safe clothing / items with family scents on them
- Don’t punish bad behavior related to anxiety; it will only reinforce the stress
- For pets with severe stress, medications are available. They will rarely work alone without a behavior modification regimen. A veterinarian must prescribe these drugs

For many pet owners, there is nothing more heartbreaking than watching your pet suffering a broken heart or terrible anxiety that they can’t fix. For that, PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance covers behavioral modification therapy for separation anxiety performed by a licensed veterinarian in a clinical setting for medical reasons and covers prescription medication for separation anxiety prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.

-- Dr. Bill Craig --