Back to school is a time of new adjustments, stricter schedules, and overall less free time. It can be a daunting change for the entire family, including our pets. As kids return to their earlier bedtimes and parents juggle transportation and other obligations that come with school activities, the home becomes generally more chaotic. During this abrupt change of season, it’s important to also consider the needs of our pets.
In this blog we will examine some helpful tips and tricks to keep pets healthy, happy, and connected with the family this back to school season.
First, as with any new routine, it’s always good to include pets in the activities as much as possible. Whether you’re walking your kids to the bus stop or driving them to school, consider letting your dog or cat tag along. It can help them adjust to the new schedule and can be a fun time for the entire family.
Similar to kids, establishing a routine as early as possible can also help ease the transition and make for smoother sailing once schooltime finally approaches. Many parents of both pets (and kids) find it helpful to start bedtime and wakeup schedules about two weeks before the start of school. Allowing pets to settle down and mirror this same pattern can help cause a calmer environment in the house and help everyone get back on track.
Of course, even with the best of intentions, a switch in the daily lineup can inevitably cause stress to our pets. In fact, According to a national survey, 82 percent of dogs specifically exhibit clear signs of distress when their usual schedule is disrupted.
Determining when this occurs, and knowing when to give our furry companions some extra love in response, can serve as a great benefit to their happiness. Common signs of stress in dogs include destructive behavior (chewing of furniture or household items), increased aggression, or excessive barking. In cats, common signs of stress include scratching furniture, excessively grooming themselves, or hiding for long periods of time.
In both cases, our pets may require a little extra attention to get them out of a post-summer funk. A few extra pets, an extra walk per week, or some additional time dedicated to play each evening can usually do the trick!
As the hustle of back-to-school season begins, don’t forget that your pets feel the change too. With a little preparation—like establishing a consistent routine, offering extra enrichment, and easing them into alone time—you can help your furry companions adjust smoothly. A bit of attention now can go a long way in keeping them happy, healthy, and stress-free during this seasonal transition. After all, they’re part of the family too.
