The end of summer often means kids are heading back to school, and that can really shake up your pet's daily life. They might feel lonely and stressed because they're suddenly spending more time by themselves at home instead of playing.

This article will help you understand what your pet is going through and give you tips to help them adjust to the new school year routine. We want to make sure your pet, whether it's a dog, cat, or smaller animal, stays healthy and content during this time.

Let's Think About How Pets Feel During This Change

Pets, especially dogs and cats, really love having a predictable schedule and being with their human families. During the summer, when kids are home, pets usually get many extra playtimes, attention, and cuddles. But once school starts again, there are fewer people around, and pets might find themselves alone for longer stretches, which can lead to some emotional changes.

For example, dogs are very social and often bond closely with children. When kids suddenly leave for school, dogs might start feeling anxious or lonely. You might notice this if they chew on things they shouldn't, bark a lot, or even have accidents inside the house.

Other pets might seem sad or less energetic when their playmates are gone. Cats, who also form strong connections with kids, might start hiding more, sleeping extra, or just not caring about things they used to love doing.

When the house is quieter without the usual activity, pets can also get really bored. This boredom can sometimes cause them to do things you don't want, like scratching up furniture, chewing on shoes, or getting into other mischief just to keep themselves entertained.

When Your Dog's Routine Changes

A routine helps dogs feel secure and safe, so when their daily schedule gets disrupted, it can easily cause anxiety and stress. Research has even shown that dogs facing changes in their surroundings display more signs of stress compared to those in stable environments, and one survey found that a surprising +75 percent of dogs show clear signs of distress when their routine changes. 

Some common signs that your dog might be stressed include a decreased appetite, where they might lose interest in food or start eating much less, especially when kids go off to college or during other stressful times. Your dog might also start isolating themselves, perhaps hiding in their favorite spots more often than usual, or you could see destructive behavior, as mentioned previously, from a normally well-behaved dog, like chewing on shoes, furniture, or other household items.

Increased agitation is another sign, as stressed dogs can become more aggressive or unusually active, and excessive barking or whimpering can also point to anxiety. Finally, you might also notice changes in their sleeping habits because dogs can struggle to sleep when stressed, causing them to either sleep excessively or experience insomnia.

5 Back-to-School Tips for an Easier Pet Transition

Luckily, you can do a few things to help your pet get used to the new schedule and feel better about the changes.

#1 Gradual Adjustments for Your Pet

To help your pets avoid feeling anxious when you leave, you can slowly get them used to the new schedule. We suggest starting with short absences so your pet gets comfortable with you being gone, then slowly making those times away longer in the weeks before school starts. 

Pets, especially dogs, often pick up on your emotions, so it's best to stay calm and not make a big deal about leaving or saying goodbye. If you're worried about your pet chewing things up, you might think about crate training them. Just remember to introduce the crate slowly, giving your pet enough time to get used to it.

#2 Making Time for Play and Cuddles

Encourage the children to spend good quality time with your pet before they head off to school and again when they get back. Even a short 5 to 10 minutes of playing or cuddling can really help your pet feel loved and secure.

#3 Planning Your Dog's Potty Schedule

Cats and smaller pets are usually fine handling their own bathroom needs, but dogs require consistent breaks, especially once the school routine begins. How often your dog needs to go out will depend on their age and usual patterns.

Before school starts, try to figure out the long your dog can comfortably be by themselves before needing to relieve themselves. Make sure they get a very satisfying walk in the morning, and whoever arrives home first in the afternoon should take them right back outside. If you're unsure about the timing, you might ask a reliable friend or family member to visit around lunchtime for the first few days to let them out.

#4 Keep Them Busy with Toys and Natural Treats

You can use toys and natural, healthy treats to help your pet not focus on you being gone. Try giving your dog a special toy filled with their favorite treats, which can keep them busy for the first half-hour or so after you leave. 

If you put this toy away when you get back and only give it to them when you're leaving, it can actually signal to your dog that your departure is okay and that you'll always come back. Cats can also benefit from engaging toys to keep them busy and entertained while the family is out.

#5 Make Alone Time Fun for Your Pet

It's a good idea to start getting your pet used to being alone at home right now. Begin by practicing short periods of separation, slowly increasing the time you're away. Create a safe and comfortable spot for your pet, like a small room or an open crate, making sure it has soft bedding and their favorite toys or long-lasting chews for dogs. 

Once they're okay with you being in another room, try leaving them in their special spot when you step outside or leave the house completely. Teaching them to enjoy spending time by themselves can really help prevent separation anxiety now that the school year has begun.

Final Thoughts,

If you notice your pet is struggling to adjust or if their behaviors seem extreme, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional dog trainer or your veterinarian for guidance. They can offer adapted advice and support to help your pet through this transition. 

Healthy Dogma’s here to help you and your pooch, and we love sharing tips and stories that make pet ownership even better. To get more helpful advice and stay up-to-date with our latest articles, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. 

We're curious, how are your pets adjusting to the back-to-school routine? Share your stories and tips with us on Instagram @healthydogma!