For many families, the end of August marks the time of back to school preparations, changes in family routines and soon-to-be empty houses. Unfortunately, this chaotic time can be stressful, and potentially dangerous, for the family dog.

Michelle Sevigny, creator of DOGSAFE Canine First Aid and author of DOGSAFE: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know in an Emergency, states that during the busy back to school time, dogs suddenly find themselves alone for extended periods of time. “Under-exercised dogs that are left alone may begin to chew on household items that may cause cuts to the mouth, airway or intestinal obstructions” warns Sevigny, “anxious dogs may even break thru windows resulting in glass cuts or bored......