The kids are back in school and everyone has settled into the school-year routine.  Suddenly the family pet is chewing on furniture, barking at the wind or using the family room as his bathroom.

Why has that previously well-behaved pup turned into a problem dog?

Best Friends editors asked Dr. Bryan Robinson, Best Friends Pet Care’s Veterinary Expert and a practicing veterinarian for the past 15 years, for his advice on coping with this common pet parent dilemma:   

“Dogs are social animals and want to be with their human companions,” he explains.  “With the kids back at school, the family pet may simply be telling you that he’s lonely.”

Dr. Robinson offers the following suggestions for getting the situation under control:

First, rule out health issues. “Any problem behavior that starts suddenly could have a medical cause, so it’s important to have your family veterinarian check your pet for health problems,” he notes.  “These can range from separation anxiety and cognitive dysfunction to kidney or liver disease to diabetes and even joint disease. Your veterinarian can help determine if any of these conditions exist and suggest appropriate tests and treatment, if required.”

Pump up the exercise.  “It’s tempting to cut back on daily walks because of busy school-season schedules.  But decreased activity can lead to weight gain – a major cause of disease in pets. Studies have shown that lean dogs will live two years longer than overweight ones, so keep your pet active with a daily round of fetch, a romp at the dog park or a walk to the school bus to pick up the kids.”

Send him to camp…Doggy Day Camp, that is.  “The Best Friends Doggy Day Camp program is a great alternative to lonely days at home,” notes Dr. Robinson.  “While the family is at work and school, dogs play in a supervised environment, getting the socialization they want and the exercise the need. At the end of the day, they are tired and ready to relax while the kids tackle homework.  Doggy Day Camp can also help your dog maintain a healthy weight and is a medication-free way to manage separate anxiety.”

Take a training refresher. “Dogs’ obedience skills can lapse during unstructured summer months. Now is a good time to reintroduce basic training commands or to work on a new trick.  Get the family whole family involved in practice sessions or take a group of individual training class to refresh or expand skills.”  For a schedule of classes, check with the Best Friends near you.

With a little patience and appropriate action, Dr. Robinson says any dog owner can put an end to those problem behaviors and ensure that the family pet is both happy and healthy.

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Editor’s Note: Dr. Robinson will be a regular contributor to Best Friends new blog when it launches later this year, offering advice on topics relating to pet health and well-being. He has been a member of the professional team at Best Friends Veterinary Hospital since 1997.  He holds BS degrees in Biomedical Science and Veterinary Science, as well as a Doctor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Robinson is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.