Colorful folders, crisp lined paper, first day photos, meet the teacher night, and more are all markers that a new school year has begun! As back to school season looms large in every aspect of your family’s life, it is important to consider how this change in routine might impact your beloved pet.
Your family dog may have grown accustomed to playing out in the yard with the kids on lazy summer mornings. Or perhaps your cat got used to a little extra playtime during the day with your little ones. From making it to bus drop-off on time to after school clubs and practices, it’s likely that you and your family simply are not at home as often as you were over the summer. Now that your kids are out of the house for a good chunk of the day, you might notice some out-of-character behavior from your pet as well.
Signs and Symptoms of Separation Anxiety:
Many pets may experience separation anxiety during this back to school season. This stems from their fear of being left alone, particularly if they don’t understand when their family will return.
If you’re wondering if your pet is experiencing separation anxiety, consider if you’ve observed any of the following behaviors lately:
- Excessive scratching on the doors or windows
- Urinating or defecating in unusual places
- Destructive chewing
- Continuous howling, barking, or whining
- Trembling when you are leaving the house
- Extreme excitement when you return
Here at Paws at Home Pet Care, we want to ease your pet’s anxiety and help them adjust to their new normal in a healthy, seamless way. Below are some tips and tricks to alleviate some of that stress and hopefully allow your pet to thrive in their environment!
1. Gradual Transition
Instead of suddenly leaving your pet for 7-8 hours at a time, try to progressively get them used to your absence. Plan excursions in the weeks leading up to the transition that will take you out of the house for several hours at a time. Try to create a routine for your pet that will signal to them that you’re leaving for a longer period of time.
For example, as you’re getting ready to leave the house, something as simple as giving your pet 1 small treat and saying “Goodbye!” cheerily can help them recognize that you and your family are leaving. Do your best to not excite your pet too much right before you leave. But rather find a easy, comforting way that works for your family to say goodbye to them as you exit your home.
2. Environmental Enrichment
There are so many creative ways you can enrich your pet’s environment while you’re away. Whether they are crated or left to roam your home, a little prep time before you leave can lead to a better experience for them while you’re gone.
- Consider playing some calming background music if your pet is used to being surrounded by noise and activity. Just like people, some pets feel anxious when it’s too quiet.
- Try out a treat puzzle to engage your pet’s mind while you’re away! Just make sure the puzzle is safe and won’t be a choking hazard if left alone with your pet.
- An interactive feeder is a great way to stimulate your pet while they are home alone. Whether it’s a stationary maze feeder that will take your pet some time to eat from or something more high tech, like a Furbo, your pet will be delighted with a midday snack while you’re away.
3. Exercise and Playtime
Provide your pet with both physical and mental stimulation before you leave for the day. With your kids back in school, try your best to create routines with your pet that they can help out with in the morning. Instead of just letting your dog out alone for their morning potty break, ask one of your children to spend 10-15 minutes playing with them in the yard before breakfast. Or if time allows, getting a quick walk in before leaving for the day can leave your pooch sufficiently tuckered out and ready for some down time in a quiet, empty house.
4. Desensitization Techniques
To desensitize an animal simply means to lessen negative feelings of shock or distress by exposing your pet gradually to the activity that is triggering them. In this case, you can try various techniques to desensitize your pet to you and your family’s absence from your home.
- Consider cues you can give your pet to let them know you’re leaving. Things like putting on your shoes, gathering your keys/bags, opening the garage door, and starting the car are all typical auditory and visual markers that you will be exiting the home.
- Using the cues that you’ve identified, begin preparing to leave for short periods of time.
- Next, leave your house for 15-45 minute pockets of time. Do this consistently for several days in a row.
- When you return, make an effort to give your pet positive reinforcement. This could look like words of affirmation, physical affection, a treat, or play time with a favorite toy.
5. Hire a Professional
Paws at Home Pet Care offers a variety of midday services that might improve your pet’s quality of life. Our trained pet professionals can visit your pet for something as straightforward as a 15 minute potty and play break or as involved as an hour-long walk through the neighborhood. If the back to school stress becomes too much, think about letting us step in and lend a helping hand.
If you observe your pet exhibiting consistent and extreme signs of separation anxiety, consider seeking expert advice. Discuss your pet’s behavior with a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist if their actions persist.