It's Back to School Time! Some Tips to Help Your Pet Adjust to the New Schedule!

 

Back-to-School season is here! Even though summer

Backpack's on - Bandit's ready to go!

is not officially over in many areas for another few weeks, it's time for alarm clocks, homework, and after-school activities. After spending all summer together playing and lazing around the yard, the excitement of back-to-school can translate into stress for our family pets. To help pets adjust to the sudden empty-house syndrome, try preparing them a few days before if you can. Here are just a few tips to help make the transition a bit smoother:

"I don't want to get up early!"

• Let  your dog escort your child with you to the bus stop, the corner, or ride along in the car if you drive your child to school.

• Keep the mood upbeat. We know how dogs pick up on our moods and energies.

• Let your children tell
  their furbaby that they will be back after school to play. They really do understand.

• Let the radio or TV play while everyone is away so your dog hears voices and doesn’t feel alone.  

• Call in from the office periodically to leave happy voice messages for your dog who is now home alone.

  

  "I'm fine Mom. I love you, too."

• Treat your canine to a "doggie" snack when your child has his/her after-school snack. After all, who doesn’t bond well when food is involved!

• Let your child read/study with the dog nearby.

Time to study!

• If your child moves away for college and your house is now an empty nest, you will need to fill the lonely spot your family dog will naturally feel. Some additional hugs, kisses, and extra evening walks will work wonders. There’s no better cure for the blues (for both human and canine) than spending some time together!  

• Hit up your local dog park for some extra socialization. 

• Consider bringing another pet into the house for your furbaby’s companion. Or if you can’t, why not foster a dog from a nearby shelter or rescue and bring him/her home for some visits and company with your furkid. It will be greatly beneficial to both! 

 

• With the kids back in school, it may be a great time to consider enrolling your dog in school! If you've been thinking about puppy kindergarten, behavior classes, agility lessons, or getting your dog certified as a therpay dog, this is the perfect time to do it! While the kids are busy in school, the furkids can be, too!

 

Please remember, with the arrival of school days, drive careful, be sure to watch out for the hu-kids walking, stop for those school buses, and keep an extra eye on your furkids to be sure they don’t slip out the open doors as the kids leave for, and return home from, school! And be sure all collar tags and microchip info is up-to-date!

 

"Oh, but wait...does that mean we have to empty the pool now?"