{"id":187,"date":"2018-09-06T11:41:23","date_gmt":"2018-09-06T15:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=187"},"modified":"2020-08-13T14:25:33","modified_gmt":"2020-08-13T18:25:33","slug":"battling-back-to-school-pet-separation-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.truecareveterinaryhospital.com\/blog\/battling-back-to-school-pet-separation-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Battling Back-to-School Pet Separation Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PetKids aren\u2019t the only ones who get the back-to-school-blues. Pets can also suffer the effects of a sudden change in routine, especially if they\u2019ve been enjoying extra attention and playtime over the summer. Long days at home waiting for the family to return from school and work can lead to boredom and loneliness in pets. For some, this can actually lead to the much more serious issue of pet separation anxiety. Fortunately, the team at <\/span>True Care Veterinary Hospital<\/span><\/a> is here to help!<\/span><\/p>\n

Spotting Pet Separation Anxiety<\/span><\/h3>\n

Separation anxiety in pets essentially amounts to an exaggerated fear of being separated from their owners. <\/span>A few signs<\/span><\/a> that your pet may be experiencing separation anxiety include clinginess, barking\/yowling, escape attempts, house soiling, and destructive behavior. Lethargy, \u201cmoping,\u201d and loss of appetite or interest in toys\/people are also signs that your pet isn\u2019t feeling well.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Importance of Pet Exercise<\/span><\/h3>\n

A <\/span>decrease in exercise<\/span><\/a> is to be expected once the back-to-school schedule starts, but this lack of physical activity can have an adverse effect on pet separation anxiety. As your family adjusts to the new routine, be sure to make time each day to exercise and play with your pet. Morning and evening walks, a quick game of fetch or laser pointer, and even practicing obedience commands are all ways to burn off excess physical and mental energy. This also reinforces the bond you share with your pet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bit by Bit<\/span><\/h3>\n

In a perfect world, our pets would join us in all our daily activities. In reality, however, it\u2019s up to us to make their time away from the family as stress-free as possible. Consider the following ideas to help your pet cope:<\/span><\/p>\n