Your kids are excited about back-to-school shopping, seeing their friends, and facing a new year of learning, but your pets may be less thrilled. Over the summer, they’ve likely grown accustomed to constant company during the day, more time with family members, and fun outdoor activities. When back-to-school time comes around, sudden changes to their routine and spending more time alone can be stressful, creating anxiety or boredom that can lead to behavior problems. Memorial Villages Animal Hospital’s tips can help you and your family avoid these pitfalls and gracefully transition back to school.

#1: Plan and practice the new routine

A week or two before school starts, gradually work your way into the new routine. Implement standard bed and wake-up times for all family members, and gradually adjust your pet’s mealtimes. A few days before school starts, run through the entire morning routine, and leave your pet alone for gradually increasing time periods. Stay calm and avoid showering your pet with excessive attention when you leave or return, so they understand the event is normal and doesn’t merit concern.

#2: Create an inviting pet space

For your pet’s safety and the integrity of your belongings, confine your pet when left alone. Bored, lonely pets are more likely to chew objects, and you may not appreciate the objects they choose. Prevent such behavior by creating a safe, welcoming, comfortable space, which may be a crate for some mischievous pets, or a small room for others. Add comfortable bedding, familiar toys, food, water, and a litter box if needed. Help make the space more comfortable with calming aids, including:

  • Pressure wraps — ThunderShirts and Anxiety Wraps provide gentle pressure that feels like a hug.
  • Pheromones — Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats are synthetic versions of the feel-good pheromones shared between the mother and babies. Delivery systems include collars, area diffusers, and sprays.
  • Soothing music — Studies prove that specialized music designed for pets can help them relax—try “Through a Dog’s Ear,” or “Through a Cat’s Ear.”

#3: Maintain your pet’s exercise routine

Don’t let your busy schedule derail your pet’s exercise routine. If your pet is accustomed to a daily walk or rousing play session, ensure you find time to continue. If they are “morning people,” fit in their session before you leave, so your pet settles down more easily when you leave. Be consistent in your routine, whatever time you choose. 

If your pet is left alone for long time periods, consider hiring a dog walker or investing in doggie daycare. These outlets help break up your pet’s day, provide much-needed exercise, and reduce the likelihood of separation-related behavior problems.

#4: Mentally stimulate your pet

Your pet needs more than physical exercise—they also need mental stimulation. A Kong toy filled with frozen canned food or peanut butter provides a long-lasting activity, and many other commercial toys require manipulation by your pet to dispense food. You can also install a treat-dispensing camera that allows remote interaction. For cats, you can hide treats throughout the home, or provide a sprinkle of catnip or interactive toys.

#5: Visit your veterinarian

If your pet is displaying behaviors while you are away that may be related to separation anxiety (e.g., object destruction, attempts to escape confinement, or urinating, defecating, or drooling excessively), visit your veterinarian. Separation anxiety is a medical condition that requires appropriate medical treatment. Your veterinarian will first rule out other problems, such as illness, and then work with you to create a treatment plan that may include calming supplements and aids, anti-anxiety medications, and specialized training regimes. Your veterinarian may also work with a local trainer or behaviorist to help your pet.

#6: Avoid a pet emergency

Healthy lunchbox containing a sandwich with lettuce and cheese, bananas, apples, grapes, and pretzels, arranged on a textured grey surface with space on the left for veterinary care Houston pamphlets.

Curious pets are skilled at breaking into bags and backpacks left within reach. Children’s backpacks often contain toxic items, including:

  • Candy, gum, or peanut butter containing xylitol
  • Grapes or raisins
  • Cold packs
  • Medications
  • Inhalers

Teach your children to hang backpacks in a designated area when they arrive home, to keep your pets safe from these hazards. 

Back-to-school is a stressful time for the whole family—especially your pets—but following our tips can help everyone adjust. If your pet is still struggling, contact your Memorial Villages Animal Hospital team to schedule a behavior evaluation and implement effective treatments to relieve their distress.