Your pet's back-to-school blues are nothing to bark at

More than 71 million American households have at least one pet. That's 63 percent of U.S. households, many of whom consider the pet or pets integral members of the family. Like family members, every pet presents unique challenges, surprises, and endearing, disgusting or harmful behaviors.

For example: Dogs and cats are creatures of habit; they love routines and they love their owners. During the lazy dog days of summer, it is not unusual for a pet to become overly attached to children through hours spent romping, playing ball, going for walks and generally just hanging out with each other. When the routine is broken at the start of the school year, separation anxiety often ensues. Separation anxiety can occur when any caregiver, child or adult, is absent more than the pet is used to.

MyPetCareTV.com, a newly launched, unique community-based website for pet owners and veterinary clinics, offers pet owners sound advice to help pets adjust to the coming school session.

Dr. Bernadine Cruz, DVM, one of the resident veterinarian advisors on MyPet- CareTV.com, says that signs of separation anxiety for a dog can range from refusal to eat to excessive barking, chewing up of clothing, shoes, toys or furnishings. Severe cases of separation anxiety are best likened to panic attacks. These unfortunate dogs will experience vomiting and diarrhea, often coupled with constant pacing and whining.Dogs have been known to destroy baseboards, chew through doors, and break through windows in their attempts to reunite themselves with their owners.

"However," assures Dr. Cruz, "concerns over potential separation anxiety should not deter children and caregivers from forming strong attachments with their pets." A companion animal medicine expert at Laguna Hills Hospital in South- ern California, Dr. Cruz suggests these simple steps to decrease the incidence of this behavior in dogs:

Start with goodbye. Don't make a big deal out of coming or going. Don't fuss over the dog. Give it a specially designed toy stuffed with bits of kibble, bits of rice cakes, or peanut butter. Your dog will be so intent in getting all the goodies out of the toy, it will be some time before your absence is even noticed. When you return home, don't smoother your dog with attention. Go about your routine for several minutes before giving your pet lots of attention.

Vary your routine. Collect all of your school books or your jacket and car keys and then put them down. Your dog will initially think that you are going to leave only to find that you were staying home.

Become a drill sergeant. Reinforce basic behaviors such as come, sit, and stay. Make your dog work for attention or food. Make it sit and stay before it gets anything. This helps the pet to realize that it works for you.

Safety in surroundings. A dog's ancestors were dendwelling animals. A crate is not a cruel and unusual punishment; in fact, dogs can feel very secure in a crate but should not be confined in one for more than 4 to 5 hours. If you need to be gone for longer than 5 hours, have a neighbor or pet sitter come and let the pet out to stretch its legs. You can also make one room in your home a safe haven, with a comfy bed, food and water. Care needs to be exercised to insure that your dog can not injure itself or damage the room.

Keep them active. Lots of exercise will keep your pet healthy and tired. It is harder for a pooped pup to get into trouble.