PREPARING YOUR PET FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME

PREPARING YOUR PET FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME

All over North Carolina, summer vacation is ending and kids are going back to school. Schedule changes can be stressful for pets, whether kids are going back to classes in-person or doing distance learning from home. Even though many kids look forward to being back with their friends, pets are likely to experience the opposite shift in socialization from their people.

The team at Cumberland Animal Hospital is here to help you prepare your pets for this household change and make this seasonal transition as smooth as possible.

EASE INTO NEW SCHEDULE

Just like kids, your pet thrives on a routine.  The start of a new school year brings a disruption to routine for everyone in the family — including pets. It is important to get everyone into the new routine as smoothly as possible.  When making a new routine, make sure to include daily playtime — you can make games out of hiding treats around the house and involve the kids. Adjust your feeding and walk time times around the new school schedule, the walk will help with exercise and attention and consistent feeding times are important.

GET NEW TOYS OR TREATS

Toys can help curb boredom when kids go back-to-school. It is suggested that giving your dog a food-stuff toy filled with their favorite treats which can help keep them distracted at the beginning of the day when your kids leave. Try filling a kong with your pet’s favorite treats or peanut butter.

PLAY MUSIC OR LEAVE THE TV ON

Shifting from an active and noisy house all summer to quiet during the school year can be unsettling for pets.  One way to ease your pet’s nerves is to have music or the television on.  You can leave the television on so they hear voices or use a radio or smart device like google home or Alexa to play music.

EXERCISE IS KEY

It will be better to exercise your dog earlier in the morning — try to get in a long walk or a half hour play session outside to burn some energy.  Your pet will then sleep or rest during the day while you are gone. If you have a cat, it is important to give extra playtime before everyone leaves for the day to curb the boredom they may encounter while you’re gone.

The Cumberland Animal Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina understands how important it is to prepare your pets for this seasonal transition.  If you have any questions or additional ideas to ease your pets anxiety during this time, please contact us at 910-822-3337.  Cumberland Animal Hospital’s veterinarians in Fayetteville, NC are always available to assist you. Call us to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.

 

Photo by Samson Katt