Summer is over and it is time for a lot of pet parents and their kids to get back into the swing of school! Don't forget that your fur kids might need some adjusting too, especially if they have gotten used to having their human companions home all summer! Changes in routine can lead to anxiety in many dogs and cats. Here are some great tips to help the transition for the whole family, including those furry kids:
S
et a Routine and Responsibilities
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Work with your children to set and follow a daily routine that works for your family’s lifestyle all year long.
Establishing a routine your pet can depend on will help them deal with the changes. This not only ensures your pets get the attention and love they deserve, but will also help your children learn how to be responsible and caring pet owners.
- The schedule should include: Feeding, walks for bathroom business, walks around the neighborhood or at the park, appropriate play at approximately the same time every day, exercise and play in the morning before the kids leave the house, extra attention and play when they get home from school, and exercise and “family time” in the evening.
Turn on Some Tunes
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During the summer the house is full of sounds! When the kids go back to school many of these sounds will suddenly be cut off for the majority of the day. Whenever your pet is left alone, the sound of human voices or music can be soothing. Try leaving slow (50 to 60 beats per minute) and relaxing music playing when the house is empty.
Enrich the at Home Environment:
When your pets’ favorite play buddy heads back to school their day can suddenly feel very empty. Rotating a selection of toys helps your dog or cat feel at home when he’s alone.
- Leaving interesting and interactive toys and food puzzles out during the day helps your pets stay occupied, hide favorite pet treats around the house for your pet to discover while you are away, save a special toy that your pet really loves and have your children take it out just before they are ready to go out. Put it away again once the children come home so it remains the “special toy.”
Quality Time:
It is important to re-connect with your pet at the end of a busy week. With school back in session, your pet may not get as much time playing with your family as during the care-free days of summer. Remember that even though your pet wasn’t at work or school all day, he still needs time to unwind. Consider activities like:
- Long walks at the park, lounging around on the couch, daily walks, weekend picnic, extra kitty playtime or cuddling, weekend hike, visit to a restaurant or establishment that allows dogs, special weeknight brushing or other activity your pet enjoys
Getting back into the school mentality is never easy for humans or pets! It is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Considering the above tips will help all of your kids (the two and four legged ones) transition back into the school year smoothly.
