Back-to-School Pet Safety: Easing Your Pet into a New Routine

When school starts up again after a wonderful summer home together, a pet can struggle with the transition from non-stop fun, cuddles, and treats, to a lot of time alone. To prevent real stress and anxiety, our team has some ideas to set in motion long before the class bell rings on the first day of school.

Pets Are Very Attached

If you find yourself thinking about your pet while you’re apart, it’s more than likely they are missing you, too. It’s not just the access to snacks, outside time/bathroom breaks, or cuddles. Your mere presence connects and grounds them. 

Starting a new school year is a massive change for most families. All of a sudden, the schedule explodes with school days, sports practices, and meetings, and sometimes we don’t have time to devote to our beloved pets. Consequently, a pet can feel neglected or even abandoned by their people, and this stress can compound into bonafide anxiety. 

Creatures of Habit

The best approach to preventing pet separation anxiety is to maintain their routine as much as possible. Keep meals, bathroom breaks exercise, and sleep on a regular schedule. If you have to deviate for any reason, be sure someone else can fulfill the need. 

Always Watching

The best way to understand how a pet might be feeling is by observing their body language, behaviors, and appearance. For example, a previously friendly, clingy pet that suddenly withdraws or hides from their owner likely has something going on that needs intervention. Likewise, a typically calm pet that suddenly appears frantic, fearful, or timid might need some help as well.

Pet Separation Anxiety

If you notice any destructive or aggressive behavior, appetite changes, either non-existent or over-grooming habits, hiding, house soiling, pacing, and increased vocalizations, your pet may need help calming down. 

We recommend the following strategies to to reduce triggers of pet stress and anxiety:

• Exercise them before you leave—a solid workout means they’ll be tired and will be more likely to sleep in your absence. 
• Invite your pet to stay in a certain part of the house that is safe, comforting, and far from the door you’ll be leaving through.
• Use calming aids like pressure wraps, pheromone sprays or collars, and calming chews to improve their sense of security. 
• Provide safe-to-use food puzzles or interactive toys to relieve boredom.
• Get into the habit of rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise, while ignoring frantic behaviors. 
• Take lots of time to adjust. Don’t crank up any pressure on either of you. You’ll get there. 
• Reach out for professional help with a dog trainer or behaviorist. 

Easing Pets Into a School Schedule

With time, effort, patience and planning, your family can help your pet ease into the new normal. If you have questions or concerns about pet separation anxiety, please call us at (530) 673-4744. Adobe Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery Center is always here for you.