When their small human companions return to school, pets can struggle to adjust after a summer of extra attention and activity. The change in routine can be challenging, so taking a few simple steps can help keep pets safe, comfortable and happy during the back-to-school transition.
Managing Pet Separation Anxiety
Our pets love routine; it helps them feel secure. But back-to-school time usually means an unavoidable change to the schedule. To help make the transition easier for your pets, try to maintain their routine — especially mealtimes and bathroom breaks — as much as you can.
Sudden changes in routines can be especially difficult for some pets, which may contribute to stress or worsen pet separation anxiety. Ideally, you can help prepare your pets ahead of time by gradually increasing the time spent away from them and by moving their mealtimes. A gradual decrease in time spent together over one to two weeks will be less noticeable than an abrupt switch. Here are some ways to help reduce separation anxiety that your pet may experience.
Keep Goodbyes and Hellos Calm
People coming and going from your home can be extremely emotional times for pets. Because dogs and cats can pick up on our moods, don’t make a big deal out of leaving or arriving home. Keep departures calm and avoid dramatic goodbyes. When you return home, have your dog sit and reinforce calm behavior. Providing your pet with a treat before you leave can also help them associate the family leaving with something positive. Acting as if departures and arrivals aren’t a big deal will help your pets think so, too.
Provide Mental Stimulation to Reduce Pet Boredom
With more time on their paws because their favorite playmates are back in school, your pets will need ways to entertain themselves. Interactive toys and food puzzles will help keep them occupied, stimulate their minds and get them moving. You could also consider pet day care or hiring a dog walker to ensure they receive plenty of attention while everyone’s away. Additionally, your pet may enjoy occasional visits from a stay-at-home neighbor who can add some extra “activity” to your home.
Make Sure Pets Have Playtime
After a full school day for your kids and a day home alone for your pets, playtime (a.k.a. exercise) will help release pent-up energy and reduce stress for everyone. Daily activity is as important to healthy pets as it is to healthy people, so consider building it into your family’s schedule. This will ensure your kids and pets continue to spend quality time together and help your kids learn to be caring, responsible pet owners.
Many dogs benefit from 30 to 120 minutes of activity daily, depending on breed, age and health. Most cats benefit from multiple short, interactive play sessions totaling 20 to 40 minutes a day, depending on age and activity level.
Lunch Box Hazards for Pets
Packing a lunch box is a big part of the back-to-school routine, but some common human foods can be dangerous for pets. Some examples of items that are not safe for pets are grapes, raisins, onions and chocolate. Any food that contains the artificial sweetener xylitol (also known as birch sugar) should also be kept out of reach, as it’s highly toxic to dogs. So make sure you keep school lunches where pets can’t access them.
Human foods that are toxic to pets can cause serious health issues or, in severe cases, even death. If you know or suspect your pet ate human food that is toxic to pets, immediately call your veterinarian, an after-hours emergency clinic or one of the two animal poison control centers in North America:
You should also avoid giving pets scraps or leftovers from lunch boxes. Fatty and rich food can contribute to digestive issues, while leftovers that have not been properly refrigerated may cause stomach upset or illness if eaten. Keeping lunch box foods out of reach helps protect your pets and keeps them safe.
Also, be aware that used chip or snack bags can pose a serious suffocation or choking hazard to pets. Dogs and cats may stick their heads inside to reach leftover crumbs and become trapped. Before placing food bags in the trash, cut them open or cut a large hole in them to help prevent accidental suffocation.
Backpack Hazards for Pets
It’s common for backpacks and shoes to be left on the floor after the kids come home. But these can be a hazard for pets. Your pets may chew on strings, rubber bands, laces or cords and swallow them, or become tangled in straps. You should also keep backpacks zipped so pets can’t access hidden hazards such as medications, hand sanitizers or toxic food.
It’s best to keep backpacks away from the floor and other areas where pets can easily reach them. Many dogs and curious kitties may investigate backpacks, so storing them securely can help prevent accidents.
Petproofing Your Home
Back-to-school is a good time to check your home and yard for everyday items that can pose serious health risks to your pets. Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent accidental poisoning or injury, especially when your pet is home alone. It may be a good idea to create a pet-friendly room that has their food, toys and crate, and is free of some of the potentially dangerous items found throughout your home.
Many common household and garden plants are poisonous to pets. Lilies are highly toxic to cats; even a small amount of pollen, a leaf or water from a vase can cause severe kidney failure. Other poisonous plants that can harm your pet include sago palms, azaleas, begonias, rhododendrons and tulip bulbs.
Store medications and chemicals, including household cleaners, antifreeze, pesticides, fertilizers, rodent poison and laundry products, on high shelves or in a secure area out of your pet’s reach. Clean up spills promptly, and always keep products in their original labeled containers. If you know or suspect your pet has chewed, licked or ingested a poisonous plant, medication or chemical, immediately contact your veterinarian or one of the pet poison centers listed above.
To protect curious pets from household hazards, secure electrical cords to prevent chewing, use trash cans with tight-fitting lids, lock cabinet doors and keep toilet lids closed to prevent pets from drinking contaminated water or accidentally falling in. If temperatures are still warm, make sure they have access to water and shade during outdoor play.
No matter how busy the back-to-school season becomes, don’t forget about your furry friends. These tips can be helpful in creating a pet-friendly home and maintaining a consistent routine that keeps them safe, healthy and happy throughout the entire school year.
