As the back-to-school season approaches, many households experience significant routine changes that can impact pets’ emotional well-being because they thrive on consistency and can become stressed or anxious when their people are no longer home as much. Our All Breed Pet Care team offers important considerations to help your four-legged friend remain happy and stress-free during this transitional period.

Help your pet adjust to the new routine

Dogs and cats are creatures of habit and are at their best when they have a consistent routine. Sudden changes in your furry pal’s daily schedule can lead to anxiety and behavioral issues, including destructive chewing or scratching and elimination accidents. To ease the transition to the new school year, follow these techniques:

  • Start early — A few weeks before school starts, gradually adjust feeding, walking, and playtimes to match the new school schedule.
  • Practice leaving — Leave your pet alone for short periods and gradually increase the time before school starts. These temporary absences help your furry friend adjust to family members being away from home.
  • Maintain a consistent schedule — Consistency helps pets feel secure. Try to keep your furry friend’s routine as stable as possible by doing the following:
    • Ensuring feeding times remain regular — Stick to regular feeding times.
    • Scheduling walks and playtime — Your pet still needs regular exercise and play sessions, even if the timing shifts slightly. 
    • Providing focused attention — Despite the back-to-school season’s chaos, plan on spending time each day cuddling and playing with your furry friend, giving them your undivided attention. 

Create a safe space for your pet

Designate a comfortable, safe space for your pet where they can retreat and relax while the family is away. Provide your furry pal with a cozy bed or crate where they feel safe and secure. Give them their favorite toys, blankets, and chew toys to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Your pet’s space should be secure to avoid possible escape, so shut and latch all the windows. Otherwise, a curious or stressed pet can easily push out window screens, creating a missing pet risk. 

Provide your pet with mental enrichment

With less interaction from family during the day, your pet may need additional stimulation to maintain their mental and physical well-being. Consider providing your furry friend with the following:

  • Dog enrichment — Invest in puzzle or treat-dispensing games to engage your dog’s mind and occupy their time.
  • Indoor cat enrichment — Cats feel the absence of their two-legged family members. Provide your whiskered pal with cat perches, preferably with a window view, scratching posts, and interactive toys.
  • Interactive play — Spend quality time playing with your pet before and after school to burn off energy. Plan on at least 30 minutes of active play daily.
  • Professional pet sitter — If your time is limited during the day, another option is to hire a dog walker or pet sitter to exercise your four-legged friend and provide companionship and attention. 

Monitor behavior changes in your pet

Once the back-to-school schedule is in effect, watch your pet for stress or anxiety signs. Behavior changes might include:

  • Excessive barking or meowing — Increased vocalization can indicate stress and boredom. 
  • Destructive behavior — Chewing, digging, or scratching can indicate that your pet is anxious or bored.
  • Appetite changes — Sudden eating habit changes can signal distress.
  • Increased accidents — Inappropriate elimination is often linked to abrupt household changes and pets’ increased stress. 

Enroll your pet in training and socialization classes

If your furry friend hasn’t been through positive reinforcement training or isn’t socialized, they may react poorly to their “pack’s” absence. Enroll your pet in training or enrichment classes to keep them engaged and socialized. Regular training sessions can provide mental stimulation and reinforce good behavior, decreasing your pet’s anxiety when you are away. Training instills confidence in dogs, making them less likely to become fearful when left alone. 

Agree to your pet’s schedule

Everyone in the household should know your pet’s new routine and which family members are responsible for each task by assigning tasks and delegating pet care among family members. Even young children can be given simple tasks such as picking up pet toys and refilling water bowls. Coming together as a family helps keep rules and schedules consistent to avoid confusing your furry friend.

By following our suggestions, you can help your pet adjust to the back-to-school transition and other changes smoothly. Contact our All Breed Pet Care team for guidance if your pet exhibits severe anxiety or behavioral changes.