SCRAPS: Familiarize pets with being alone when kids return to school

Pets can grow anxious when children return to school and pets are left home alone, according to a Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service news release.

“Many issues can suddenly develop when pets are forced to find a way to entertain themselves,” said Nancy Hill, regional director of SCRAPS, in the release. “That can include excessive barking, chewing, growling and not using the litter box.”

Families can help ease the transition for pets, the release said.

In the weeks before school starts, introduce your pet to short periods of separation.

Give a pet a treat before you leave home. It can help associate the separation with positive feelings.

Ensure a pet’s favorite toy or bedding is available before you leave home.

Scolding or punishing your pet for bad behavior could make the anxiety worse. Be patient.

Keep a consistent schedule. Put the pet outside or feed it at the same time each day.

Do something fun with the pet every day.

Walk the dog in the morning so it is tired when you leave.

Depending on the dog, confinement can help. Use a crate if your pet feels safe in it.

SCRAPS offers free training classes every first and third Saturday of each month. Dog owners can bond with their canines while providing them needed exercise. Owners also can address issues a pet may be experiencing.

If problems continue, take your pet to the veterinarian. A physical issue may present itself when a pet is under stress.