A vet has urged dog owners to be on alert for seven key signs of changes next month, as children head back to school and dogs face a very different September.
After six weeks of constant company - with games, noises, car rides and extra belly rubs - many dogs will suddenly be left thinking: where has everyone gone? And why is the house so quiet?
Experts at pet health brand Pooch & Mutt say the abrupt shift from summer chaos to term-time routine can leave dogs feeling anxious and unsettled. To help owners and dogs deal with this massive change, Dr Linda Simon, resident vet at Pooch & Mutt, has shared what owners can do.
Why dogs struggle with the school run
She explained: "Back‑to‑school season is a classic time for dogs to feel out of sorts. They’ve spent weeks with their favourite tiny humans, enjoying extra playtime, cuddles and attention, and then suddenly the routine changes overnight."
"Dogs thrive on predictability, so when the house empties and the fun stops, some can become clingy, vocal or just a bit confused. The good news is that small, consistent steps can help them feel secure again."
Seven signs of stress to look out for
Dr Simon says dogs may show stress or confusion through:
- Chewing things they definitely shouldn’t
- Barking at absolutely nothing
- Pacing around like they’re waiting for the school bell
- Clinginess or exaggerated sighing
- Stealing socks (again)
- Excessive licking or fussing
- Sitting by the door like a tiny human might magically reappear
The vet expert shared that in most cases, these behaviours are simply your dog’s way of saying: “Things are different, and I don’t quite know how to handle it.” But a bit of routine, some extra enrichment and steady, calm reassurance can make a big difference.
Tips to help dogs adjust
To help dogs adjust, Dr Linda Simon shares her top tips for keeping dogs calm, confident and less dramatic as routines shift.
- Start a mini morning ritual: A quick walk, sniff-session or puzzle toy helps dogs settle before the house empties.
- Practice short separations: Build up alone time gradually so the sudden switch isn’t a shock. Even five minutes can help.
- Keep goodbyes boring: Dramatic exits = dramatic dogs. Calm, casual departures help them mirror your mood.
- Use enrichment: Lick mats, frozen broth cubes, puzzle feeders, anything that keeps their brain busy and stops them staring at the door waiting for the school run to return.
- Add functional calming ingredients: Gentle ingredients like hemp, chamomile and L-Tryptophan can support emotional balance during routine changes.
- Stick to predictable patterns: Regular feeding, walking and playtimes help dogs feel secure, even when the household schedule shifts.
Free help available for worried owners
Dogs Trust said: "Sharing your life with a dog is one of life’s greatest joys. But that doesn’t mean it can’t also be challenging and frustrating at times. If you’re worried about your dog’s behaviour or feel guilty because you don’t know what to do, you’re not alone."
With this in mind, it urges people to get in touch with their free behaviour services team if they want friendly, qualified advice or just an understanding ear.
The free service allows owners to speak to a trained expert. It adds that their advice on owner emotions has lots of useful tips to support the owner's well-being too.
