Back to School Pet Safety: Helping Your Dog or Cat Adjust to a New Routine
A young girl with a backpack spending time with her dog as the family prepares for the back-to-school season.
Back to School Pet Safety: Helping Your Dog or Cat Adjust to a New Routine
The start of a new school year brings a lot of changes to your household. Earlier mornings, new schedules, backpacks coming through the door, and more time alone can be an adjustment for your pets, too.
A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping your dog or cat happy, healthy, and safe as everyone settles into a new routine.
Ease Into the New Routine
If your family's schedule changes significantly when school starts, try adjusting your pet's routine gradually.
Move feeding, walks, playtime, and bedtime a little earlier or later over several days rather than making a sudden change. This can help your pet adjust with less stress.
For dogs especially, maintaining consistent exercise and attention is important when the household suddenly becomes quieter during the day.
Keep Backpacks and School Supplies Out of Reach
Backpacks can contain some surprising hazards for curious pets.
Keep school supplies, lunch boxes, medications, and personal items where your pets cannot get into them. Pencils, erasers, glue, markers, and other small objects can become choking or intestinal obstruction hazards if swallowed.
Don't forget about snacks, either. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, and some sugar-free products can be dangerous for dogs and cats.
A simple rule: If your pet shouldn't eat it, don't leave it where they can reach it.
Watch for Changes in Behavior
Some pets love having everyone home during summer and may struggle when the house suddenly becomes quiet.
You might notice:
Excessive barking or whining
Destructive behavior
Changes in appetite
Accidents in the house
Increased clinginess
Hiding or withdrawal
Excessive licking or chewing
These behaviors can sometimes be signs that your pet is having difficulty with the change in routine.
If you notice a significant or persistent change in your pet's behavior, talk with your veterinary team. Behavioral changes can sometimes have an underlying medical cause, too.
Give Cats a Quiet Place to Retreat
Cats often respond to household changes differently than dogs.
When the house becomes busy in the morning, make sure your cat has a quiet, comfortable place where they can retreat. A favorite bed, cat tree, or separate room can give them a place to relax away from the morning rush.
Cats generally do best when they have predictable access to food, water, litter boxes, and safe resting areas.
Don't Forget the After-School Hello
When everyone gets home, it's tempting to rush through homework, activities, dinner, and everything else on the schedule.
Try to make a little time for your pet, too.
A walk, a few minutes of play, or simply sitting together can help your pet feel secure and remind them that they're still an important part of the family.
A New Routine Is a Good Time for a Pet Checkup
Back-to-school season is also a great time to make sure your pet is up to date on wellness care.
Take a look at your pet's:
Vaccinations
Parasite prevention
Prescription medications
Flea and tick prevention
Heartworm prevention
Upcoming wellness examination
If something has been put off during the busy summer months, fall is a good time to get your pet back on track.
Sit. Stay. Read. — And Have a Great School Year!
A new school year doesn't have to be stressful for your pets. With a little planning, a consistent routine, and some extra attention, your whole family—including the four-legged members—can make the transition successfully.
And remember: backpacks belong on the floor only after you've checked what's inside!