Inwood Animal Clinic Blogs
Ah, August. The aisles are full of backpacks, lunchboxes, and notebooks. Parents are checking school supply lists, kids are soaking up the last few days of summer freedom, and pets…well, pets are blissfully unaware that their favorite tiny humans are about to disappear for part of the day.
Back-to-school season is exciting for families, but it can also be a surprisingly big adjustment for our pets. A few simple changes can help make the transition easier for everyone involved.
Help your pet get into a comfortable routine
Summer often means sleeping in, afternoon adventures, and plenty of extra attention. Once school starts, however, the house becomes much quieter—and some pets notice the change immediately.
If possible, begin shifting your pet’s schedule several weeks before school starts. Feed meals, take walks, and head out the door at roughly the same times you’ll follow once classes begin. Predictable routines help pets feel more secure and can make the transition much smoother.
If your pet has never spent long stretches alone, practice leaving for short errands before the first day of school. Gradually building up can help prevent stress once everyone is back to their regular schedules.
Keep lonely pets busy during the day
An empty house doesn’t have to be boring. Before leaving, offer your pet something engaging to do, such as:
- Food puzzle toys
- Frozen treats or long-lasting chews
- Snuffle mats
- A window perch (for cats)
- Climbing trees or tunnels
- Automated interactive toys
Don’t forget that quality time matters, too. Even a short play session or a walk before everyone leaves—and again after school—can go a long way toward helping your pet feel settled. Pets with plenty of physical and mental exercise are often better equipped to handle changes in routine.
If your schedule keeps you away for long hours, consider asking a trusted friend, family member, or dog walker to stop by during the day.
When boredom becomes anxiety: Signs your pet may need extra support
It’s normal for pets to need a little time to adjust to a quieter house after a busy summer. Many will spend the day napping, watching the world from the window, or entertaining themselves with a favorite toy. But if your pet seems increasingly distressed whenever you leave, boredom may not be the only issue.
Watch for signs such as:
- Excessive barking, whining, or howling after you leave
- Pacing or an inability to settle
- Destructive chewing or scratching, especially around doors or windows
- House-training accidents in a previously reliable pet
- Refusing food while you’re away
- Excessive drooling or panting
- Escaping crates or attempting to break out of the house
- Becoming unusually clingy before you leave or overly excited when you return
If these behaviors continue beyond the first week or two—or seem severe from the start—schedule an appointment so we can help determine whether your pet is experiencing separation anxiety, another behavioral issue, or even an underlying medical condition.
Oh no! The dog ate my homework…and my backpack, too
To a curious dog or cat, backpacks left by the front door can smell like a treasure chest full of interesting things to investigate. While many school supplies are harmless, a few common items can quickly turn into an unexpected trip to the veterinarian.
Keep an eye out for:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Sugar-free gum, mints, candy, or peanut butter containing xylitol
- Prescription medications
- Asthma inhalers
- Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other medications
- ADHD medications
- Batteries from calculators or watches
- Pens, pencils, erasers, and other small school supplies
- Plastic snack bags
- Cold packs containing ethylene glycol or ammonium nitrate
- Moldy leftovers
Any of these items can pose a serious risk to your furry friend, causing issues ranging from severe gastrointestinal upset to a life-threatening medical event.
A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping pets safe. Encourage kids to unpack their lunchboxes when they get home, promptly throw away leftovers, and store backpacks somewhere curious pets can’t reach.
Start the school year off on the right paw
The back-to-school season is exciting, but it’s also a time of big changes for the whole family—including your pets. A little planning, a consistent routine, and a few extra safety precautions can go a long way toward helping your dog or cat adjust to a quieter house while avoiding common hazards. Before the school year gets into full swing, take a moment to ensure your pet is just as prepared as the rest of the family.
The back-to-school season is also the perfect time to schedule your pet’s annual wellness visit before fall calendars become packed with sports, after-school activities, and holiday planning. Together, we’ll help your four-legged family member enjoy a safe, healthy, and happy start to the new school year.
