Back-to-School Blues: Helping Your Dog Adjust When the Kids Go Back to School

As September rolls around, many families settle back into school routines. While parents and children are busy with new schedules, there’s one family member who may feel left out — your dog. Changes in routine can be tough on our furry friends, and it’s common for dogs to experience separation anxiety or boredom when kids go back to school.
At The Pooch Mobile, we know a thing or two about dog behavior and how grooming and enrichment can help your dog cope with back-to-school transitions.
Why Back-to-School Time Affects Your Dog
Throughout the summer, dogs often enjoy extra playtime, more walks, and lots of attention from the kids. When school resumes, the house suddenly becomes quiet, and your dog may feel confused or lonely. Some common signs of separation anxiety or stress in dogs include:
- Barking or howling when left alone
- Pacing or restlessness
- Destructive behavior (chewing or digging)
- Changes in appetite
- Over-grooming or licking
Recognizing these signs early can help you support your dog before their stress escalates.
Tips to Help Your Dog Adjust to Back-to-School Season
✅ Keep routines consistent
Try to keep feeding, walking, and grooming times as steady as possible, even if the kids are out of the house. Dogs thrive on predictability.
✅ Leave engaging toys
Interactive toys or puzzle feeders can keep your dog mentally stimulated and help fight boredom.
✅ Consider a dog wash and pamper session
Scheduling a mobile dog grooming appointment during the week can break up the monotony of long days alone. Your dog will love the one-on-one attention, and you’ll come home to a fresh, happy pup.
✅ Practice calm departures
Avoid long, emotional goodbyes when everyone leaves for the day. Calm, consistent exits help your dog learn that time alone is normal and safe.
✅ Increase enrichment after school
When the kids get home, encourage them to play with or walk the dog to help burn off any pent-up energy and reconnect.
How The Pooch Mobile Can Help
Dogs with changes in their routine often benefit from extra care and attention. A regular mobile dog grooming appointment is a great way to:
- Provide positive, one-on-one interaction
- Keep coats clean and healthy, especially if stress has triggered excess shedding
- Check for skin irritations or hotspots, which can develop from stress grooming
Our trained operators come straight to your home, reducing travel stress and giving your dog the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Book Your Dog’s Spa Day Today
If your dog is struggling with the back-to-school transition, The Pooch Mobile is here to help. A fresh wash and friendly face can go a long way in lifting their mood while giving you peace of mind.
👉 Book now or call your local Pooch Mobile operator today to give your best friend the love and attention they deserve!
📍 Serving neighborhoods near you!
📞
Call or
click here to find your local operator to schedule your mobile wash now.
Paragraph title
This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click here and start typing.






