10 hours ago
Pets can experience depression as kids head back to school, experts say
By the end of this week, more than 70 school districts across the Pittsburgh area will be back in class.
With every school bus that rolls down the street, pets are left behind after a summer of stimulation, often causing pet depression.
Not all pets will experience the void. Dogs are more susceptible than cats, but there are things you can do.
The school bus takes kids to the next adventure, while left behind at home is a pet that's grown accustomed to their constant stimulation.
"They do sense the change in energy. You know, all the kids are leaving the house. They're used to the attention, the constant attention," said Dr. Mike Hutchinson, a Pittsburgh-area veterinarian and expert on animal health and behavior.
Suddenly, it's quiet.
"You'll see yawning. You'll see body shaking. You may see them change their own habits," dog trainer Chrissy Joy said.
"They'll start whining more. They'll get clingy," Dr. Mike said. "(Pets will) just stop eating, and they'll just get mopey, and so we have to pay attention to it."
Both Dr. Mike and Joy say not to ignore the change in mood.
"Because what's going to happen is the dog's energy is going to manifest somewhere else, and that could be your couch, that could be your TV remote, or your favorite pair of shoes," Joy said.
There is a remedy, however.
"Time is the best gift you can give to your pet," Dr. Mike said.
Introduce them to a new normal.
"Go walk with them in the morning, before you go, if you have time," Dr. Mike said.
"So that they're more relaxed and they kind of get that energy out for the day," Joy added.
"If not, as soon as you get back, spend 15-20 minutes with them. Give them that attention," Dr. Mike said.
In between that time, give them a treat that will occupy them for a while when you leave.
"A good one of those kong toys that you can fill up, you know, put peanut butter on one end, put it in a cup, add some low salt chicken noodle soup, and freeze it," Dr. Mike suggested.
Joy suggests trying dog puzzle toys that contain treats and turning on dog TV while you're gone.
"With music, it's scientifically proven to relax your dog and to provide sort of a stimulation that's not going to make them nervous, but maybe make them like feel that they're not alone, comfortable," Joy said.
Dr. Mike says if they don't bounce back after a couple of weeks, see your vet. There could be something else going on.
Yes. Those breeds that are more energetic and used to herding kids. Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and German Shepherds will miss the kids the most.
Attention is the key.
