Going back to school after a fun-filled summer can be a crazy time filled with shopping trips, school physicals, orientations, parent days, and more. Your pet’s wellbeing may be the last thing on your mind, but they may be struggling to cope with the sudden changes and dealing with anxiety or stress, because they are spending more time home alone. The Fremont Animal Hospital team wants to help you transition your pet smoothly to back-to-school time, so we’re sharing our top tips and tricks.
#1: Enforce the new schedule ahead of time
When the kids go back to school, everyone’s schedule changes. Your family may get up later, go to bed earlier, or vice versa, and spend less time with your pets. You can avoid the shock of a sudden routine change by practicing this schedule in advance, so pets can adjust to the change while you’re still at home and will have an easier time when school starts. As a bonus, practicing ahead of time may help get your human children into the new routine more quickly. Try to wake up and go to bed around the same time each day, and feed, exercise, and play with your pets about the same time, according to the new routine times.
#2: Ensure pets get enough exercise
When everyone is suddenly gone for the day, your pet may spend less time outdoors playing, walking, or running around. As the old saying goes, a tired dog is a good dog, which means that a wound-up dog could end up lashing out by behaving badly. Exercise is important for a healthy brain and body, so set aside extra time before or after work or school that you dedicate to your pet.
#3: Bust boredom and anxiety with tasty food puzzles
Pets often feel lonely and bored during a long school day and sad or anxious when you leave. You can make leaving for the day a positive experience that they look forward to by providing a special food puzzle or treat only when they will be left alone. Soon, they will associate your leaving with treat time that they happily anticipate. Choose treats that your pet cannot destroy or swallow in large chunks, which is dangerous when nobody is around—try a Kong toy with frozen peanut butter or pet food inside.
#4: Hire a dog walker
If someone can take your pet for a walk and keep them company for a few minutes during the day, that will reduce their boredom and loneliness. For young puppies and seniors with weaker bladders, this extra break is also essential to prevent accidents. Many national and local companies offer dog-walking and pet-sitting services and will take great care of your pet—ensure the company is licensed, insured, and bonded, and meet your caregiver ahead of time. If you’re uncomfortable with a stranger in your home, you may be able to enlist a retired neighbor, relative, or student who lives nearby.
#5: Practice independence skills throughout the year
Clingy dogs who learn that being alone is OK may also build independence, which can reduce the likelihood of developing separation anxiety. You can work on these skills by teaching your pet to lie down on their mat or stay in their confinement area (e.g., crate, pen, utility room) for a few minutes while you are at home. Go slowly, reward pets for small steps, and practice these skills year-round to keep them sharp.
#6: Learn to recognize separation anxiety signs
Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs, but researchers still aren’t sure why only some dogs develop this problem, although breed and general personality may play a role. Separation anxiety signs occur exclusively when your dog is away from people or a specific person, so can be difficult to recognize without a camera to watch your dog after you leave. If you notice drool puddles, frequent accidents, or destroyed items when you get home, your dog is likely distressed. Early intervention is best, so consult with our team if you suspect separation anxiety.
Back-to-school is a busy and stressful time for the human household members, but especially for your pet. Maintaining a routine and paying extra attention to your pet’s needs can help them stay calm and collected.
Don’t forget that pets, like your children, need annual physicals. Contact the Fremont Animal Hospital team to schedule your pet’s wellness visit or for answers to your questions or concerns about the back-to-school transition.
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