Helping Pets Adjust to Back-to-School Schedules

It’s back-to-school season! This time of year brings a change in environment to many households, as kids clear out for the majority of the day and pets are left to adjust to a quieter space. This shift in routine can be confusing for your four-legged friends who are used to having people around and lead to anxiety and behavior issues.

Here’s how to make the transition easier for them:

Ease into a routine

If your pet isn’t used to being alone for long periods of time, don’t start by leaving them for eight hours on the first day of school. Build up length of separation in the days leading up to the start of school by leaving them for an hour or two so they gradually understand the most important thing: you’re coming back!

“Set yourself up for success with positive outlook,” says Kim Hyde, HSMO’s behavior manager. “Positivity is contagious, and animals feel that energy from you.”

Exercise early

Getting up earlier in the morning to spend quality time with your dog can ease their anxiety and give them a great outlet for their energy. Go for a long walk or play fetch in the yard to give them (and you!) and great workout. Getting them into this routine helps them realize they can expend some energy while you’re around and use the time while you’re away to rest.

Create a calming environment

Building a space your pet feels safe and calm in while you’re not around is key, Hyde says.

“If they’re used to having a TV or radio on, leave it on,” she says. “You can also leave them with something that has your scent on it to help bridge that gap when you’re not around, like a piece of clothing or a towel.”

Dog-specific pheromones have proven to be helpful for many anxious dogs and come in both plug-in diffusers and calming collar formats, which can be purchased at both Humane Society of Missouri gift shops. These pheromones are how mother dogs communicate with their puppies and are odorless to humans and cats.

She also recommends not making a big fuss over your pets when you leave the house and when you return, so your pets associate your coming and going with a no-big-deal attitude.

Invest in enrichment activities

If your pet is going to be home for most of the day by themselves, consider investing in some enrichment toys that will keep their mind and mouth active. Many dogs can be entertained for a long period of time with a hollow toy filled with frozen dog food or other goodies.

“Think in terms of what’s going to last longer for your pet. Is it better to have a stuffed Kong or one that’s frozen? Would your pup do better with something even longer-lasting, like a Himalayan chew?” Hyde says.

Snuffle mats and puzzle toys also make excellent activities for your pups. If they’re not crated while you’re gone during the day, hiding treats around the house can be a fun workout for their noses and brains.

Quality time together

If your pets are going to have more alone time once school is back in session, make sure they understand they will still get quality time and attention when you are around. Carve out time in the evenings to make them feel special and loved to help ease any anxiety they may have around the shift in schedules.

Are you observing behavior issues in your pet in this time of change? Visit HSMO’s online care behavior and library to find tips and tricks to curb bad behavior and reward good behavior!