Help Your Pet Beat the Back-to-School Blues

It’s the end of August, and you know what that means. Back to school time! While this time of year may provide a sense of relief to parents as structure and routine resume, it can actually be a very tough time for another member of the family; your pet.

In most cases, pets are used to having the kiddos home for the majority of the day throughout the summer, and when this changes, furbabies can have a difficult time readjusting. So, how can you help ease your pet into the first few weeks of back-to-school?

Focus On Exercise

When the family is home less, pets are played with less. The school year can become so packed with homework and extracurricular activities that pets are often a bit neglected in terms of exercise and play time. It’s extremely important to establish periods of time throughout the day, whether in the morning, after work and school, or quickly on your lunch break, to spend quality time with your pet.  Anything from throwing the ball to your dog to teasing your cat with a kitty wand can help to keep your pet from building up a lot of pent up energy.

Ease Anxiety & Boredom 

Transitions and schedule changes can be difficult for pets and may even cause separation anxiety as well as an increase in boredom, both of which can cause your pet to act out while you’re away. One of the easiest ways to ease your pet’s anxiety and prevent acting out is to keep calm while leaving and returning. If you calmly say goodbye and hello to your pet rather than getting emotional, you are teaching it that coming and going is nothing to be nervous about. In addition, it’s always smart to leave your pet with something to keep their brain busy while you are gone. Treat-filled toys and cat scratching posts are two great options that are sure to keep your pet stimulated until you return.