Ah, the back-to-school season! A time of fresh notebooks, new backpacks, and… confused pets? That’s right, while we humans are getting ready to hit the books, our furry friends might be feeling a little left out. But we’re here to provide some tips to help make the transition back to school easier for our four-legged companions. So grab your pencils (and maybe a few treats) as we dive into the world of back-to-school tips for pet owners!
#1 Maintain regular exercise and mental stimulation.
With school starting and after-school activities in full swing, life gets hectic. It’s easy to get home at the end of a long day and collapse on the couch to unwind. But don’t forget that your pet has been alone for an extended period of time.
A morning walk or vigorous game of fetch can tire out your dog or a game of chase with a laser pointer for your cat helps burn off extra energy. Learning new tricks or interactive toys are a great way to mentally tire them out as well.
#2 Leave them in a comfortable environment.
Regardless of if you kennel your dog or allow them to roam the house, it can be helpful to leave something soft to lay on and a pet-safe toy or two to keep them busy while you’re gone. Also be sure they have access to water and food depending on their feeding schedule.
#3 Make sure their tags and ID are current.
As much as we don’t want to think that something could happen to Rover, accidents happen and pets tend to roam. Make sure your pets have proper identification securely fastened to their collar. If you’re interested in having your pet microchipped, contact our office or let our vet know at your next appointment.
#4 Remain calm when leaving and greeting your pet.
This might be the hardest tip of all. It’s a natural tendency for many pet owners to give extra attention and make a big “to-do” out of coming and going. However, this can create extra stress for your pets. Simply toss an extra treat for Rufus to go find and slip out the door. When returning home, wait until your pet settles down before greeting them to minimize their jumping on people arriving.
#5 Arrange a visitor during the day.
If possible, consider having a friend or dog walker stop by during the day to take Bubba for a walk. This can be a great way to break up the day and provide extra mental stimulation and playtime for your furry friends.
Back to school can be a crazy time. But hopefully these simple tips can help make the transition an easier one for everybody.
