How to Prepare Your Pet for the New School Year 

As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, many families are busy preparing for the return to early mornings, packed schedules, and homework routines. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s important not to overlook how these changes impact our furry family members.  

Pets, especially dogs and cats, thrive on routine and predictability. When the household dynamic shifts suddenly, it can be confusing and stressful for them, especially when there may not be as many people home during the day or when the family members themselves are stressed. Back to school changes can cause an increase in stress and behavioral issues, especially if your pet has not had to go through them before.   Understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps can make the transition smoother for everyone. 

How Pets May Respond   

Pets, particularly dogs, are creatures of habit. During the summer, they may have grown accustomed to having the family around more often, enjoying longer playtimes, frequent walks, and perhaps even some extra treats. When children return to school and parents head back to work, the sudden decrease in attention and activity can lead to feelings of loneliness and boredom in pets. This can manifest in various ways, such as: 

• Anxiety: Pets that are suddenly left alone for long periods may experience anxiety, causing behaviors that can include excessive barking, destructive behavior, and even attempts to escape. 

• Depression: A lack of stimulation and companionship can cause pets to become withdrawn, lethargic, or disinterested in activities they once enjoyed. 

• Behavioral Issues: Changes in routine can lead to stress-related behaviors like inappropriate chewing, digging, or house soiling. 

• Disrupted Eating Habits: Pets might also experience changes in their eating habits, either overeating out of boredom or losing interest in food due to stress. 

Tips to Help Your Pet Adjust 

While heading back to school can be challenging for pets, there are several steps you can take in the weeks before the first day of school to help them adjust to the new routine: 

• Gradually Adjust Their Schedule: Before school starts, begin to gradually shift your pet’s schedule to match the upcoming routine

• • Early mornings – set the alarm and start following your normal school day routine.  If your pet is used to slow, quiet mornings, they will need some time to get accustomed to the bustle of getting everyone up, fed, dressed, and out the door. 

• • Meal times and potty breaks – during the school year, many dogs must wait longer to potty, so adjusting their meal times and potty breaks to fit the new schedule can help them adjust before the big first day. 

• Create a Comforting Environment: Ensure your pet has a safe and comfortable space to retreat to when the house is empty. This could be a cozy bed in a quiet room, or a crate with familiar bedding and toys. Some pets may benefit from calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps.  Playing soothing music, such as classical or soft jazz, can help calm them as well.  A great source for pet-approved music is the “Through a Dog’s Ear” or “Through a Cat’s Ear” playlists which can be found on Amazon. 

• Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation: To combat boredom, provide your pet with plenty of toys, puzzles, and activities that can keep them occupied during the day. Interactive toys or treat-dispensing puzzles can keep their minds engaged.  Feeding them from a puzzle toy instead of their food bowl in the morning can help expend mental energy. Additionally, ensure they get enough physical exercise before you leave for the day. A tired pet is less likely to become anxious or destructive.                                           

• Consider Pet Daycare or a Dog Walker: If your pet struggles with long periods of alone time, consider enrolling them in a pet daycare or hiring a dog walker. This provides your pet with social interaction and physical activity, breaking up their day and reducing feelings of loneliness. 

• Practice Short Departures: In the weeks leading up to the school year, practice leaving your pet alone for short periods. Gradually increase the duration to help them build confidence and understand that you will return. This can be particularly helpful for pets prone to anxiety.  You can even install a camera to see how well they are adjusting while you’re away. 

• Stick to a Routine: Pets find comfort in routine, so try to keep their daily schedule as consistent as possible. Even though school days are busy, make time for regular walks, meals, and play sessions. This predictability can help reduce anxiety. 

• • Leave without making a big fuss  

• • Preventing over-the-top gestures such as profuse baby talk, excessive cuddling, feeding treats and apologizing repeatedly can help prevent your pet from associating these cues with you leaving and greatly reduce anxiety when you walk out the door.  

• • Stay calm and simply walk out the door – if you act likes it’s no big deal, they will also likely follow suit.  

• Monitor for Signs of Stress and Anxiety:  Watch your pet closely as you introduce new routines and as you leave and return home.  Signs of moderate to severe anxiety may include:  

• • Trembling 

• • Drooling 

• • Excessive barking or whining 

• • Urinating or defecating inside the house (or outside the litterbox for cats) 

• • Trying to escape through windows, doors, or from crates 

• • If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.  We can offer additional strategies to help your pet cope, including anxiety-relieving medications, training strategies, or referral to a trusted behavioral consultant.   

• • It is important to point out that some pets experience separation anxiety, which is a very severe, specific type of anxiety that requires treatment by both a veterinarian and a behavioral consultant and is best addressed as quickly as possible.   

To summarize, the back-to-school season can be a stressful time for pets, but with some planning and attention, you can help your furry friend adjust to the new routine. By gradually introducing changes, providing stimulation, and maintaining a consistent schedule, you can ensure that your pet remains happy and healthy as the school year unfolds. Remember, a little extra care during this period can go a long way in keeping your pet comfortable and stress-free. 

If you have more questions, or your pet is struggling to adjust, please feel free to contact us.  We are more than happy to help this time of year go as smoothly as possible for everyone!