Is your puppy pouting?

A new study found that one family member in particular has a tough time weathering the transition from summer days to school year: your pet.

In a survey of nearly 4,000 Americans conducted by Petplan pet insurance, pet owners reported a spike in separation anxiety in pets who lose summer companions to the classroom during the back-to-school season.

Of those surveyed with "back-to-schoolers" in the household, 26 percent said their pet shows signs of separation anxiety in September. Another 26 percent reported that their furry friend becomes bored.

Compare this to the non-school crowd - where only 10 percent of pets suffer separation anxiety and 9 percent are bored - and it's clear that Fido can feel stressed by the sudden increase in alone time.

If your pet is sad because the kids have gone back to school, Petplan staff veterinarian, Dr. Kim Smyth offers these tips to make the transition back into the school year happier and healthier for furry friends:

• Busy their brains: Give your pet something to think about while you're gone, like a treat-filled toy or food puzzle.

• Practice makes perfect: Before the first day of school, go about the usual morning routine and then pretend to leave for the day. Go outside for a few minutes and come back in. Increase the amount of time for each "departure" to help your pet be more comfortable when you leave.

• Buddy up: Getting a dog walker or pet sitter or enrolling your pup in doggie daycare can help break up the stress and monotony of hours spent solo.

• Visit the vet: When students head back to school, 20 percent of survey respondents said their pet heads to the vet. Even if they're in perfect health, pets need to visit the vet for an annual check-up. But if you notice something unusual with your pet's health over the summer, have him looked at as soon as possible and don't put off visiting the vet until September.