Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, September 26, 1994 TAG: 9411090008
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Many families may not realize that the sudden departure of children from households may cause the family dog to go into depression. Your dog gets used to the extra attention and play time he receives from having children around during the summer, and when September rolls around all the games of fetch and wrestling on the lawn suddenly stop.
The American Kennel Club has compiled a list of warning signs, including unusual aggression or unusual shyness, erratic eating behavior (if a dog won't eat, there must be something wrong), insomnia, more than the usual amount of barking, lack of response to his name, clinginess, lethargy (in some dogs, this might be difficult to tell from the norm).
There is hope, though, if Fido looks a little down at the jowls. First, consult a veterinarian to rule out any physical problems. Then, once you know he's OK, give him some extra attention and play time. Grooming (take note - some dogs hate it), petting and words of affection go a long way. A large bone or extra scraps from the table probably wouldn't hurt either.
Enrolling Spot in an occasional dog show or school will give him a chance to play with other dogs, though that may leave your family a distant second as a pal.
Anyway, who wants to join yet another car pool?
by CNB