7 tips for a seamless back to school with pets

School supplies are flying off the shelves as families prepare for the new school year. Whether you’re a full-time student, a parent to school-age children, or completing courses while working, the summer vibe goes out of the window when it’s time to go back to school! 

Going back to school means big schedule changes which can be stressful for pets. The switch from a house full of kids one day to an empty house the next is a major adjustment, especially for dogs.

 

Here are 7 back to school pet tips that will not only take care of your pet’s needs, but also will allow you to enjoy your time together too!

1. Before school starts for the year, ease your pet into the new routine. Get up earlier and take your dog for a walk or play with your cat for 15 minutes before the day begins. It’s a great way to start the day for both of you and allows for some one-on-one time before the hustle and bustle of the day begins! Skipping early morning exercise may spell trouble later. A pet that’s gotten used to playing all day during the summer may be bored or anxious when they’re left alone. 
2. Chat to your pet while you prepare lunches for school or work. Encourage your kids to play fetch with your dog or play laser pointer tag with your cat while you’re busy making lunches or cleaning up breakfast. Keeping your pet busy, engaged and entertained will help tire them out so they can rest while you’re gone. 
3. Consider providing your pet with enrichment toys. Try using a puzzle feeder, snuffle mat or a toy filled with kibble, treats or peanut butter. This will encourage interactive play while you’re getting ready to leave and head out the door–especially for those pets that become distressed when everyone leaves. Your pet will be distracted and will have entertainment while you’re leaving.
4. Don’t make a big deal of leaving as you scramble out to the bus stop or car. Extended departures can increase separation anxiety. Instead, encourage your family to give your pet a quick, friendly “See you later!” without prolonging the goodbye. Try varying the routines (grabbing the keys, putting on your shoes, grabbing backpacks or lunch bags) to reduce the stress of everyone leaving; pets are smart and learn our patterns very quickly! 
5. When you return home, take your dog for a longer walk or have an extended play session with your cat. This will help you wind down from your busy day, while your pet burns off pent-up energy from the day of rest. 
6. Let your pet rest beside you or your children during homework and dinner prep time. Any contact with you is good for your pet, even if you’re focused on the ‘times tables’ or chopping carrots instead of playing with them. Chat to your pet and praise them.
7. A night-time stroll is a great way to end the day. A short outing before bedtime will help settle both of you down for the night and prepare you for a restful sleep.
   

Be sure to include all members of your family in caring for your pets as you head into the school year! Assigning everyone with a task, whether it be feeding, refreshing the water bowl or game playing can make the back-to-school transition easier for everyone!

Set your pet up for home-alone success with calming supplements and/or pheromones! Check out our veterinarian-approved products here. >>