Now that summer is almost over, it’s a return to school and potential fall dangers for your dog!

Back-to-School, New Schedules and Routines

Our beloved dogs are bona fide creatures of habit and feel most secure and safe with consistent schedules and routines.

While the return to school can be tough on everyone involved, your dog may experience the toughest time adjusting! Since K9s “live in the moment,” sudden changes and new routines can be confusing and unsettling, leading to unwanted stress and separation anxiety.

Use these four tips below to help your dog adjust more easily:

1. Watch your dog’s behavior for signs of isolation or separation anxiety, including: non-stop barking, destructive behavior, lethargy, depression, or even hyperactivity due to pent-up energy no longer being released by summer activities.

2. If there’s still time, practice your new morning routine to help your dog slowly adjust to the new schedule or routine. Gradually practice leaving them home alone for longer periods. Use plenty of praise and high-value treats to create a positive (vs negative) association.

3. Hire a dog walker or use a doggy daycare to keep your dog engaged and happy while adjusting to a suddenly empty and quiet house. Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog!

4. In addition, dog cams, interactive toys, and food puzzles can effectively redirect your dog’s stress and anxiety into positive interactions that mentally tire them out.

Helping Your Dog Adjust to New Schedules without Stress

It’s that time of year when schedules change, and new routines are created. But, if not handled correctly, new routines can trigger unwanted separation anxiety for your dog!

Learn why predictability is a crucial foundation for your dog’s emotional stability and stress-free life. Also, learn how to help them adjust to new routines more easily with intentional awareness and support at Canine Zen.

Fall Dangers for Your Dog

• The use of rodenticides/rodent baits or traps and poisons.
• Ethylene glycol-based car coolants/antifreeze.
• Outdoor mushrooms, acorns, chestnuts, black walnuts and apple seeds.
• Corn cobs, onions, grapes and raisins.
• Fall allergies including excessive scratching, licking, redness and even sneezing.
• Toxic plants such as Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, mums and more.
• Potpourri, candles, mothballs, glow sticks and jewelry.
• Fall decorations and plants.
• Halloween decorations, costumes, candy and chocolate.
• Colder temperatures for smaller, hairless and senior dogs (and cats).
• Campfires, firewood, lanterns and artificial fire logs.
• Piles of leaves can contain mold, sharp objects, ticks, fleas, mites, and snakes.
• Glue sticks, pencils, magic markers, batteries, rubber bands, and backpacks.
• Coat matting due to damp conditions.
• Less daylight may require reflective gear (collars, harnesses, and leashes) for evening or early morning walks.
• After walking in the wet and cold, thoroughly dry your dog’s coat.

Learn More:
https://iheartdogs.com/21-fall-dog-dangers-to-avoid-this-autumn/
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list
https://www.caninezen.com/post/when-life-changes-helping-your-dog-adjust-to-new-schedules-without-stress