As summer winds down and classes start again, it’s not just our kids adjusting to the new schedule, our pets are too. After a summer of lazy mornings, long walks, and extra attention from the kids at home, the sudden shift to hectic mornings, rushed drop-offs, and quiet households during the day can be confusing and stressful for our furry companions. The “back-to-school blues” can affect dogs and cats alike, but with a little awareness and planning, you can help ease their transition.

Pets Feel the Change
Dogs and cats thrive on routine and companionship. When their human family suddenly disappears during the day, they may experience boredom, separation anxiety, or changes in appetite and behavior. Some of the most common signs your pet may be experiencing separation anxiety include: excessive barking, destructive chewing or scratching, sudden accidents and pacing and restlessness. Thankfully there are things you can do to help prevent separation anxiety in pets.

Easing the Transition

1. Gradual Changes
If possible, start adjusting your pet’s routine a week or two before school starts. Slowly shift feeding, walking, and play times to match the upcoming schedule. Making incremental changes will make the adjustment feel less abrupt for our pets.

2. Maintain Morning Rituals and Spend Quality Time in the Evenings:
Spend a few minutes each morning playing with or walking your dog. This gives pets a positive start to the day and reinforces their bond with the family. Exercising your dog in the morning also helps them burn off nervous energy so they can nap during the day. After school and work, be sure to give pets plenty of love, attention, and exercise. A walk, cuddle session, or playtime helps them feel valued and part of the family again.

3. Keep Them Busy and Distracted
Turn on the TV or radio to help make the house less quiet. Give your pet a puzzle toy and a new chew toy to keep them busy when they are home alone. Besides making a variety of chews to match your dog’s needs and preferences, Nylabone makes innovative treat toys designed to keep your dog entertained longer. Their Stuffable Cone Dog Treat Toy and Fillable Peanut Dog Chew Toy allow you to put treats in the toy so your dog can stay preoccupied for hours trying to get the treats out. And as a bonus, in celebration of their 70th birthday, Nylabone is donating a chew toy to Best Friends Animal Society for every purchased Nylabone. In addition to helping your dog stay busy, you’re helping enrich a shelter pet’s life. For more information or to upload your receipt go to: NylaboneCares.com

4. Give them a cozy new bed
Buy your dog or cat a new bed to make them feel more secure with the new schedule. P.L.A.Y has a large selection of cozy, comfortable, and easy to maintain beds. Their California Dreaming Memory Foam Bed has plush bolster sides and a memory foam center cushion to provide extra comfort and support for your pup.

5. Watch for Signs of Stress:
Excessive barking, chewing, bathroom accidents, or changes in behavior might be signs of separation anxiety. Consider trying calming products to help decrease your pet’s anxiety. There are all kinds of calming products available nowadays designed to decrease stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. Also consider doggy day care or setting up afternoon dog walks to get some of your pet’s energy out and break up their day. And remember if none of this helps, be sure to contact your veterinarian for help.

Pets Are Part of the Family Too
Back-to-school season is a time of growth and change, not just for children but for the whole household. With a little empathy and effort, your pets can adjust to the new routine and continue to thrive. There is no better way to end the school day than coming home and being greeted by your four-legged friend waiting at the door.

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