Thursday, August 11, 2016

Back To School and Dogs!

"Back to School"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved
arf. sniff. (tears). bark. woooooofs.(tears)  am sad today as I learn my mini-human buddies around the neighborhood will be returning to school soon.  it's been fun, but's hard to believe its time for the mini-humans to get back to studying, getting educated and become the pawsomely great humans they can be.

While I am sad, I am glad they have the pawportunity to learn, play sports, and participate in a variety of after-school activities, but what about your dog and his safety?  What about the first day of school?

If your dog has been used to having his mini-humans around all summer playing games, going places, and have the time of his life- there in the moment, it will be a huge change and adjustment when the house goes quiet on the first day of school.

To make this time of year easier for your dog, consider -
  • Leaving your dog at home a few hours each day and gradually increase the time as school days get closer. 
  • If your dog is used to hustle and bustle around the house, consider leaving a radio or television on with the volume at a reasonable level to mask the silence.
  • Take your dog on longer walks before and after school.
  • Schedule a day at the local doggie daycare. The activity at the daycare might be just what your dog needs.
  • Take a day off and schedule a special day for you and your dog to hangout- the Fall season is a pawsome time to take a hike at your dog's favorite location. Paws, take your dog shopping at the local pet stores or even walks through the garden centers. 
  • Pay attention to your dog for signs of separation anxiety during these days of new routines. If you notice, increased howling or barking, chewing, accidents in the house, pacing or attempts to escapes from the house or yard, or other unusual behaviors, contact the Veterinarian. 
Paws, remember, while it might seem like a fun or good idea to bring "Barksters" with you to the school bus stop, it is an unnecessary danger for your dog.

  • An excited dog can cause distractions for the school bus driver who has enough to monitor when loading students without adding another.
  • A child could get distracted by the dog and get hurt while boarding the school bus or by your dog who might accidentally injure someone in the excitement.
  • An anxious dog could decide to chase the school bus and get injured causing drama for him and the students.    

Be safe, leave "Barksters" at home with a special treat or toy, and his favorite radio station playing on the first day of school.

"School Buses Waiting to Roll"
(C) Allen Pearson, All Rights Reserved

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