School is back in session! The kids are excited. You’re ready for a little peace and quiet at home, but somewhere in the house, your pet is about to have a rough few weeks.
Back-to-school season is one of those transitions that sneaks up on pets. All summer long, the house has been full, the energy has been high, and their favorite humans are always around. Then suddenly, the routine shifts completely. For a lot of pets, that adjustment is harder than owners realize, and at Paw Haven, we believe education is the first line of defense for your pet’s overall health.
Here is what to watch for and how to make the transition a little easier on everyone:
Separation Anxiety Is Real
Dogs and cats are creatures of habit, and a sudden change in schedule can genuinely stress them out. Signs of separation anxiety include excessive barking or whining, destructive behavior, accidents in the house by a pet that is otherwise well trained, and in cats, hiding or over-grooming.
Keep in mind that big, emotional goodbyes and excited greetings can amplify anxiety, since pets pick up on our energy. Keep it casual and they are more likely to follow your lead.
Keep Them Busy While You Are Gone
A bored pet with pent-up energy is a pet that will find their own entertainment… and it usually involves something you would prefer they leave alone. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and food-dispensing toys are great ways to keep dogs and cats mentally occupied before the house gets quiet. But remember, don’t leave these items out while you’re gone as they can pose a choking hazard when the pets are not supervised.
For dogs that really struggle with alone time, a dog walker or a day or two of doggy daycare each week can make a significant difference. Even a visit from a neighbor during the day can help break things up.
Build in Quality Time After School
Your afternoon and evening routine matters a lot to pets adjusting to a quieter day. Building in consistent after-school playtime into your schedule gives your pet something to look forward to and helps burn off the energy that has been building all day. This is also a wonderful task for kids learning new levels of responsibility! Having them be in charge of the afternoon walk or play session builds a sense of ownership and keeps the pet-kid bond strong even when the school year gets busy.
Use This as a Check-In Moment
Back-to-school season is a good time to take a fresh look at your home through your (now often unsupervised) pet’s eyes. Are medications, cleaning products, and chemicals stored out of reach? Are trash cans secured? It is also a good time to make sure your pet is current on vaccines and preventives heading into fall. If you have been meaning to get them in for a wellness visit, this is a great time to do it and if your pet seems to be struggling with the transition back to school or you have questions about anxiety management, we are happy to help. Book online at pawhavenvet.com or give us a call at (863) 334-0158.
