BACK TO SCHOOL: How to stop pet depression when kids go back to class
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- Kids have been back to school for more than a week now.
And while parents may enjoy the quiet at home during the day, this time of year it's enough to make your pets depressed.
After a summer of running through the woods and playing with the boys, Bailey, a local golden retriever, now has to face a sad reality.
“When they go back to school she gets lonely and doesn't get a lot of exercise and attention,” said Erin Manske, who helps take care of the dog.
But Bailey is not alone.
Heather Mishefske, the owner of emBARK said pets thrive on schedule and their world changes drastically when kids go back to school.
“When that happens, the dogs are kind of unclear about the changes that are going on and that leads to a little bit of emotional distress,” Mishefske said.
The doggie daycare owner said that can lead to pet depression.
Back to school blues can happen to cats but it's more likely in dogs because they're so close to us.
Pet depression can lead to anxiety and naughty behavior.
“Which can often be destructive chewing, whining, panting, drooling,” Mishefske said.
If you're looking to cure the back to school blues, there are different things you can do like take your dog to a daycare center or simply get them some new toys.
“Teaching them tricks, teaching them tasks they can do around the house. There's a whole line of toys where you can hide treats underneath them, it looks like a jigsaw puzzle. Mentally it’s very stimulating,” Mischefske said.
She said walking dogs before or after work and getting them around other four-legged friends can also help turn fall frowns upside down.
“If exercise hasn't helped and the interactive toys haven’t helped and then at that point I’d probably certainly address something that potentially could be more threatening,” Mischefske said.
And if that's the case you'll want to take your pet to the veterinarian.
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