Humane Society of Marathon County

...on a journey

Donate

  • Home
  • Adopt a Pet
    • Adoption Details
    • Available Pets
    • Barn Cat Placement Program
    • Adoption Application
    • Success Stories
  • Donate
    • Second Chance Fund
    • HSMC Donation Banks
    • Wish List
    • Comfort for Critters
    • Planned Giving
  • Employment
    • Animal Care Staff
  • Volunteer
  • Services
    • Education
    • Lost a Pet
    • Reclaiming a Lost Pet
    • Report Abuse
    • Resources/Links
    • Spay Wisconsin
  • Events
    • Raise the Woof
    • Rockin’ for Pets
  • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Euthanasia Policy
    • Board of Directors
    • Contacting the Board of Directors

Back to School Separation Anxiety

August 27, 2016

Back to school! Hooray! Then again, maybe not so “hooray” for the family dog who also has to make some unwelcome changes to his lifestyle.  All  summer long Fido and his family’s kids have probably strengthened that special bond even more, as days full of activities had them all sleeping well at night.  But now…he’s left with a pretty quiet, empty house. Changes like the kids heading back to school can cause separation anxiety in some dogs. Some even turn to escaping the house to follow them to school.

Destructive behaviors can surface for a stressed, bored, confused dog who lost his daily playmates of the last few months. Some signs of separation anxiety include undesirable traits like:

  • Shredding paper
  • Chewing furniture
  • Tearing the stuffing out of pillows
  • Going to the bathroom in the house
  • Obsessive barking/whining for long periods of time

NEVER punish your dog for exhibiting these separation anxiety behaviors. That may make him feel even more fearful and potentially aggressive.  Separation anxiety is a serious condition but one that can be managed with patience, time, consistency and love.

What to do?  Start with leaving your dog at home for very short periods of time to get him used to being alone. Don’t give in to the need to show big emotional displays when you come and leave the home. Prepare the night before so you aren’t stressed out rushing about looking for your belongings and adding to the tension of leaving the house. Remind the children not to overstimulate Fido with their leaving for and returning from school each day. Invest in some durable interactive toys for your dog to stave off the onset of boredom. Leave the TV or radio playing so the background noise is more familiar from those summer months.  Be sure to exercise the dog with a good morning run or walk, maybe chase a few tennis balls in the yard…something to burn off some energy so he is set for the da y as he waits for your return. If your budget allows and schedule demands it, consider investing in doggie daycare. It’s a win-win for the whole family!

One final thought: Please check with your veterinarian and have your dog fully evaluated and properly diagnosed if these symptoms/behaviors arise before trying to manage them on your own.  Never take a chance and mistake an underlying medical issue with a behavioral problem.

Featured Pet 2

I know what you're thinking… Butterscotch JUNIOR?! No the infamous Butterscotch is not my dad. However, he is my idol, and I do like a little like him.I came into HSMC with some medical needs and they

Featured Pet

Barry needs to be the only child Barry is the name and being cute is the game! I'm a sweet boy who came to HSMC in search of my forever home. I am happiest as the only child, but don't worry I … Read More

Upcoming Events

  • Low Cost Vaccination Clinic- BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
    Feb 11 - Humane Society of Marathon County
  • Low Cost Vaccination Clinic- BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
    Feb 21 - Humane Society of Marathon County
  • Low Cost Vaccination Clinic- BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
    Mar 4 - Humane Society of Marathon County
  • View All Events

Contact Us

Humane Society of Marathon County
7001 Packer Drive
Wausau, WI 54401
Phone: 715-845-2810

Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday -
Noon to 5PM
Thursday - Noon to 7PM
Closed Sunday, Wednesday and Holidays.

The mission of the Humane Society of Marathon County, Inc. is to inspire and engage the community to end animal suffering and commit to responsible pet ownership.

Our vision is a cruelty-free community enriched by the special bond between people and animals.

Copyright © 2023 · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · Site by Coolwater Creative