Assisting Your Pets Through the Back-to-School Season
As the back-to-school season arrives, it can bring big changes to how things work at home, and our pets might feel that too. When families get back to their usual routines, our furry friends might start feeling anxious, stressed, or bored. But don’t worry! With a few easy tricks and some extra attention, we can help our pets get through this time of change. In this blog, we’ll show you how to help your pets handle the adjustments that come with back-to-school season. We’ll talk about ways to keep them from feeling too worried when you’re not around, keeping their routines steady, and making sure they stay busy and happy even when the family isn’t at home.
1. Gradual Adjustment: Pets, particularly dogs and cats, thrive on routine. To minimize separation anxiety, it’s important to adjust your pet to the upcoming changes gradually. Start by implementing small changes in your daily routine a few weeks before school starts. Gradually introduce shorter periods of separation and gradually increase the duration as the start of school approaches. This will help your pet become accustomed to being alone for long periods of time.
2. Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment:Make sure your pet has a cozy and secure spot while you’re not home. Create a special area with their bed, toys, and things that smell familiar to them. You could also try using diffusers or sprays that have calming scents or pheromones. These things can help your pet feel less anxious and more at ease.
3. Maintain Consistent Feeding and Exercise Routines: Stick to a regular exercise and feeding schedule for your pet. Try to feed them at the same times each day and provide regular exercise before you leave for the day. Engaging your pet in physical activities helps burn off excess energy and reduce anxiety. A tired pet is more likely to relax and sleep while you’re away.
4. Interactive Toys and Treats: Keep your pet mentally stimulated by providing interactive toys and treat puzzles. These toys can keep them engaged and entertained while you’re not at home. Puzzle toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving can provide mental stimulation and help alleviate boredom.
5. Engage a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker: Consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to visit your home during the day. This can help break up the long hours of solitude for your pet and provide them with some human interaction. A reliable pet sitter can offer companionship and playtime and ensure that your pet’s needs are met while you’re away.
6. Calming Music or White Noise: Playing calming music or white noise in the background can help create a sense of tranquility for your pet. There are specific music playlists designed for pets that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Experiment with different options to see what works best for your furry friend.
7. Enroll in Training or Enrichment Classes: Consider enrolling your pet in training or enrichment classes. These classes not only provide mental stimulation but also help build their confidence and social skills. It’s a great way for your pet to interact with other animals and humans, improving their overall well-being.
When kids go back to school, pets might need some time to get used to it too. If you use these tips, you can help your pets feel less worried when you’re not around, keep their routines steady, and keep them thinking and playing. Giving your pets extra love and attention can really help them feel better during this time of change. If you want to know more about how to help your pets handle going back to school, just get in touch with us. We’re here to help!