Report suggests dogs get down in the dumps when kids head back to school.

The yin/yang of life. Parents high five one another, while Bowser frowns.

Dr. Nick Dodman of Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine claims that 20% of America's 80 million dogs have separation anxiety, showcasing such stress in the form of howling or whining (the majority of cases) to having accidents (a third of all cases). With the country's children heading back to school, the daily summer routine of constant playtime with Bowser changes, leaving the dog an emotional wreck.

To correct separation anxiety, Dodman recommends:

— Make your departure a happy time with toys and treats.

— Create a place in the house where the dog feels safe.

— Start the new routine before school begins.

— Don't indulge behavior with baby talk or sympathy.

— See a vet if it doesn't improve.

On the flip side of all this, Mr. Whiskers the cat couldn't give a crap.




photo: Animal Friends UK