Just like people, pets can feel the stress of the back-to-school season.
Most of the stress is brought on by schedule changes. Summer months often mean more attention from children or an increase in outdoor play time. When the extra attention is taken away, dogs and cats can become bored. In turn, boredom sometimes leads to destructive behaviors.
Pets that already have separation anxiety are most susceptible to stress brought on by schedule changes. Separation anxiety is a behavior that occurs when a pet is upset over being left home alone.
Even well-behaved pets might resort to ransacking the house or digging through the garbage if they are stressed out or bored. Excessive barking or meowing is another possible behavioral common. Pets might begin having indoor “accidents,” when this was not a problem before.
Easing into a schedule change for back-to-school can help alleviate these problems for pets, according to the ASPCA. Ideally, the transition should take place over the course of several weeks.
If that isn’t possible, try these tips to help make a smooth back-to-school transition for your pet.
Back-to-school tips for pets
*Allow for extra playtime and exercise before everyone leaves for the day. A tired pet is less likely to resort to resort to destructive behaviors.
*Give your pet a treat before you leave. That way, your departure has a positive connotation.
*Add in extra playtime with your pet when you are at home.
*Make sure your pet has plenty of interesting toys to play with while you are away from home.
If your pet develops a severe case of separation anxiety or begins destructive behaviors, be sure to ask your veterinarian for suggestions. In some cases, an animal behaviorist can help.
Signs of separation anxiety
Separation anxiety can worsen or rear its head during the scheduling changes that fall can bring. But how can you know if your pet is feeling stressed? The Humane Society of the United States says the following behaviors might indicate your pet has separation anxiety.
*Being excessively clingy or following you everywhere you go at home.
*Overly-enthusiastic greetings when you return home.
*Behavioral changes such as appearing to pout or become excessively excited when your pet realizes you are leaving.
Sources: ASPCA, The Humane Society of the United States
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