It’s that time of year again… As the summer winds down and kids reluctantly trade their beach bags for backpacks, the start of the school year is fast approaching. In the coming weeks, many families will find themselves adjusting to new routines and schedules. And while most people are focused on preparing their kids for this hectic time, pets need your consideration during this transition too. Dogs and cats can experience confusion, anxiety, and even loneliness when schedules shift and the house suddenly becomes quieter during the day. Follow these tips to help you and your pets transition smoothly into the back-to-school season.
Slow and Steady: Before school starts, begin by gradually introducing your pets to your new schedule. Much like children, dogs and cats thrive on routine, and sudden changes can be exceedingly stressful. Start slowly adjusting your pet’s schedule a week or two before school begins. For example, if you are currently waking up at 8:00 Am most mornings to take the dog out but will need to get up by 6:00 Am to get the kids to class on time, start setting your alarm a few minutes earlier each day leading up to the start of the school year, gradually moving your wakeup and your pup’s first out toward the 6:00 Am goal. If feeding times, walks, or playtime will be affected by the school year schedule, introduce these changes in the same way, by the time school starts your pet will already be used to the new routine.
Desensitize Departures: As you are gradually introducing the new schedule to your pets, consider giving them some practice spending added time alone. If you haven’t been regularly leaving your cat or dog alone over the summer, it’s important to slowly re-introduce them to longer periods without your company. Much like the schedule shifts, you’ll want to desensitize to alone time by gradually increasing the amount of time you are away from your furry friends. Start by leaving for 15 or 30 minutes, increasing the interval if your pet appears comfortable with your absence.
Set Up a Safe Space: Creating a dedicated space for your pets where they feel comfortable and safe can go a long way in helping them adjust to their newfound alone time. You can set up the area near a window for cats and dogs who consider themselves valuable members of the neighborhood watch, or in a dark corner of your house for those who like a little more separation from the world outside your family. Outfit the space with a comfortable bed, some of your pet’s favorite toys and chews, an item of clothing or blanket that carries your scent and will comfort them in your absence, and enrichment items to keep the boredom at bay.
Early Exercise and Attention: Mornings can be chaotic, especially during the school year. To ensure your dog or cat doesn’t feel neglected, carve out some time each morning to focus on them. Taking your pup for a long walk or spending 20-30 minutes playing in the backyard will release positive endorphins, increase their heart rate, and allow them to burn off some energy so they rest more soundly until the kids come home. Spend time playing or cuddling with your kitty for the same results. Establishing a consistent morning routine incorporating exercise and attentiveness will help your pet feel more secure and keep them active, even as the household gets busier.
Incorporate Enrichment: An empty house means a boring house for many pets. One of the most effective ways to combat boredom and anxiety in pets is by working their brains. Even without you or your kids around to keep them occupied, you can provide enrichment toys for your pets to engage with while you are away. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, soft music or the TV, and hiding treats around your house for pets to discover throughout the day are all excellent ways to make alone time more enjoyable for your four-legged friends.
After-School Activities: It’s a fact of life when school is back in session, things get busy and often kids don’t have as much time to play with their pets. So, when you sit down to mark your calendar with soccer practice and piano lessons, don’t forget to schedule some one-on-one time for the pets. This dedicated time can be in the form of a walk or a hike, play, or simply cuddling on the couch. Reconnecting with your dog or cat at the end of the day, and having your kids do the same, can be reassuring and calming for everyone and will reinforce for your pet the idea that even though the family leaves during the day, they always return.
Schedule Socialization or Hire Help: If the hours of your daily absence stretch too long or you realize you don’t have the time or energy to provide the enrichment, activity, or companionship your pet needs, you may want to consider hiring a dog walking or pet sitting service like Daily Leash or enrolling your pup in doggy daycare. Having a dog walker or pet sitter stop by will not only break up the long hours of solitude but also ensure your pet gets a bathroom break, exercise, and socialization. Sending your pup to a reputable dog daycare a few days a week is another great option, especially for high-energy breeds. Just keep in mind that the intense canine social interaction of doggy daycare isn’t right for all dogs.
Practice Patience: Despite your best efforts to prepare your pet and accommodate for the shift in schedules and increased alone time, you can likely expect at least little acting out as your dog or cat adjusts to their new normal. You may be tempted to think of ripped-up toilet paper or a clawed couch as a form of carefully plotted revenge. But your furry family member is really just frustrated with a situation they do not understand, bored by the sudden shift in attention and lack of activity, and stuck with a lot of excess energy they need to burn off. Never scold your pet or expect them to understand why they have upset you. If you come home to a mess, practice patience and understanding.
The back-to-school transition is a significant change for the entire household, including your pets. By preparing in advance and taking steps to ease your dog or cat into the new routine, you can help reduce any stress or anxiety they may feel and mitigate many behavioral responses. With patience and thoughtful planning, your four-legged family member will adjust to the new school year just as smoothly as the rest of the family.
Note: These tips are not meant to address cases of separation anxiety or substitute for the advice of a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Separation Anxiety can be a serious issue for many pets. If you feel your dog or cat is displaying signs of extreme anxiety when you leave the house or exhibiting destructive behavior and/or excessive vocalizations in your absence, speak with your primary care veterinarian, a veterinary behaviorist, or a qualified animal behaviorist.
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