The back-to-school season seems to come around more quickly every year. This is especially true for pets, who can’t understand why all those fun summer activities had to end abruptly, and they suddenly have to deal with new schedules and their human family’s absence.

These transitions can cause pets significant stress and anxiety, and can result in behavior problems and, in some cases, escape or serious injury. 

Help your pet adapt to the inevitable change in their routine with these five tips from the Aloha Veterinary Hospital team.

#1: Gradually acclimate your pet to their new routine 

If your pet has enjoyed a summer of lazy mornings, busy afternoons, and endless outdoor fun, they will likely be alarmed to find themselves spending long days on their own. Soften this extreme shift by gradually adjusting your pet’s schedule, and your own, to meet the school year routine. This could include:

  • Earlier waking and bed times
  • New feeding schedule
  • Morning walks or play time to help them settle in for the day
  • Gradually increasing daily “alone time,” in which your pet is left at home in their crate or a pet-safe space
  • Evening activities to burn off energy and prevent weight gain
  • Dedicated one-on-one attention for reassurance
  • Introducing a dog walker or pet sitter 
  • Starting an activity, such as obedience, Canine Good Citizen, or agility classes

Initiate the changes one at a time and observe your pet’s response. If they appear distressed, frustrated, or confused, spend extra time at each step before adding additional changes.

#2: Practice calm departure and arrival routines with your pet

Leaving your pet behind in the morning or seeing their huge excitement when you are reunited at the end of the day can be so sad, but dramatic, emotional displays can create or heighten unhealthy anxiety and stress. Rather than comforting your pet with petting, hugs, treats, and high-pitched promises, the Aloha Veterinary Hospital team recommends calm departure and arrival routines. These include:

  • Behaving in a neutral, non-apologetic manner
  • Varying your departure routine (e.g., putting on your shoes, grabbing your keys, picking up your purse or wallet) to prevent anticipatory stress
  • Creating a designated, pleasant resting place, such as a crate or small pet-proof room, and rewarding your pet for going to their designated space
  • Ignoring your pet until they behave calmly (e.g., no jumping, barking, clawing, or zoomies)

Ensure each family member greets your pet calmly to prevent their confusion or frustration.

#3: Hire a dog walker or pet sitter to visit your pet during the day or sign up for dog day care

Dogs and cats are social creatures, so their human companions’ sudden absence can be incredibly isolating and distressing.

Consider hiring a dog walker or a pet sitter to visit your pet every day, or every other day, to provide social enrichment, as well as personalized activity and exercise. Introduce the dog walker or pet sitter to your pet before school starts to ensure they are the right match for your pet. Also, take time to explain your pet’s specific needs, routine, and likes and dislikes.

Alternatively, social dog-friendly dogs may enjoy the local doggy daycare, where they can exercise and interact with other four-legged friends. 

Healthy social interactions not only provide reassurance and a reliable physical outlet for pets during this transition, but also promote healthier rest and better behavior.

#4: Teach your pet something new

One of the best ways to ease your pet’s transition to the new school year is providing daily attention and reassurance while you are at home. But, do not console your pet or apologize for your long separation. Instead, interact positively and build their confidence by teaching them something new.

All pets—young and young-at-heart—receive intrinsic satisfaction from learning, especially when the lesson is presented positively. Some easy ways to add learning and mental enrichment to your pet’s day include:

  • Participating in an in-person or online class
  • Teaching a fun trick 
  • Introducing a food-dispensing toy or puzzle
  • Adding new objects, such as cat trees, elevated beds, pet tunnels, or scratching posts, to your pet’s environment.  

Always supervise your pet with their new toys or chews to ensure safe interactions, inspect toys frequently, and remove them if damaged or worn.

#5: Talk to your veterinarian about separation anxiety warning signs

Despite your preparations, your pet may still struggle to cope with their new routine. If your pet’s behavior or personality changes, contact your Aloha Veterinary Hospital veterinarian, because separation anxiety will not go away on its own. In fact, your pet’s problem can worsen and lead to intense stress, panic, self-harm, or a generalized anxiety disorder. Early intervention is the best way to soothe your pet’s worry and prevent progression.

Separation anxiety warning signs are most apparent during arrivals, departures, and times when the pet is separated from their bonded person or people. Signs, which do not occur in the bonded person’s presence, may include:

  • Panting and drooling
  • Pacing
  • Yawning
  • Clingy or attention-seeking behavior
  • Hypervigilance
  • Vocalizing
  • House soiling
  • Destructive behavior (e.g., digging, chewing, scratching)
  • Escape attempts

If your veterinarian suspects separation anxiety, they may prescribe medication or supplements to help your pet relax. They may also recommend additional at-home modifications and Fear Free strategies that can help reduce your pet’s stress and anxiety at home.

Don’t wait until the school bell rings to prepare your pet for back-to-school season. Contact Aloha Veterinary Hospital for all your pet’s health needs, including wellness and preventive care, sick pet exams, daytime hospitalization, and surgery.