Summer is coming to an end and school will be starting again soon. This time of year brings about changes in households with small children. For pets living with school-aged children, these changes can produce anxiety, which can lead to health and behavior problems. As a pet owner, it’s your job to smooth this transition for your pet. The following tips will help you keep your pet happy and healthy, even as your children go back to the classroom this fall.
Establish a Routine
In the summer, your dog or cat probably gets a lot of attention during the day. When school begins, a lot of that attention will come to an end.
Your pet will still need mental and physical stimulation, even with your family gone during daytime hours. Make arrangements for your family members to spend time with your pet in the early mornings and evenings before and after school. If necessary, make a schedule for different family members to spend time going on walks, taking your pet to the park, playing in the living room and so on.
Investigate Pet Daycare
Your pet may find the transition to be easier if he or she can spend some time with other animals during the day. If it’s in your budget, make arrangements to take your pet to a daycare where he or she will have time with other animals. Even doing this just one day per week will help your pet feel less lonely and isolated during the school week.
Make Arrangements for Daytime Visitors
If a daycare isn’t in your budget, investigate the possibility of having a neighborhood dog walker take your dog out a few times per week, around mid-day. This will help the time go by faster for your pet.
Pick Up Special Toys
Pets need a lot of stimulation, especially when left alone all day. Giving your pet nothing to do can lead to destructive impulses. Buy your pet a few special long-lasting chew toys to give him or her something to do while at home.
Install a Pet Door
Giving your pet a pet door will make it possible for your pet to spend time outside even when no one is around to put him or her out. This gives your pet more to do while he or she is alone and can help the time go by faster.
Put On Some Background Noise
Your house is probably a lot noisier during the summer, with children running in and out, listening to mobile devices, talking on the phone and watching television. When your house gets quiet, this can enhance your pet’s anxiety. To prevent this from occurring, turn on a radio or other background noise while your pet is at home alone. This will make the adjustment less shocking and may be reassuring to your animal friend.
Join the National Animal Supplement Council
The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) strives to improve the lives of pets through consumption of proper diet and dietary supplements. Join our membership and help improve quality of life for pets all over the United States! To find out more, contact us at (760) 751-3360, or click here to join us today.
