Stouffville: According to Ontario’s SPCA back to school time can result in sudden changes in our pet’s daily routine.
Just as families need time to get their children ready for a new back to school schedule, our pets can find it hard, adjusting to this new schedule and perhaps longer times of being alone.
“A sudden change in schedule with longer time spent alone can be a big adjustment for our furry friends and we need to support them through the change,” says Megan Holmes, Animal Behaviour Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Remember to also spend quality time with your pets when you get home from school!” added Holmes.
Making sure that as pet families that we take the time to spend quality time with our pets once we get home from school and work, is an important part of our pet’s day.
On days when our furry companion will be home alone, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society offers some helpful tips to help animals cope and reduce their stress. Preparing your pet early to help them cope with the changes that come with back to school is important.
Helpful tips include such things as:
- Looking into dog walking services, doggy daycare or ask a friend or family member that your animals know to take them for a walk and/or check in on them during the day.
- Adding an extra-long walk in the morning, a game of fetch, or a quick training session may help tire out your dog before everyone heads out the door. For cats, playtime with a wand toy or their favourite toy will help burn off extra energy.
- When you leave, put on soft music designed specifically to help calm dogs or cats. Did you know that many dogs enjoy reggae, and cats tend to prefer soft classical music?
- Placing pheromone diffusers, available for both dogs and cats, around the house to help create a sense of calm.
- Considering a “pet cam” to check on your pet. Some even toss treats for added enrichment and positive reinforcement.
- Try having your dog or cat go to the same “place,” such as their bed, when you leave to get them into the daily routine. Make sure to have an abundance of treats in the “place” to reward the behaviour.
- Hiding high value treats around the animal’s area of the home to keep them distracted while you leave, and make sure to leave the house calmly and quietly to avoid causing anxiety for your animal.
Ontario SPCA's advice also suggests, "We start transitioning in advance, when possible, to prepare your furry companion for their new routine. Get them used to what their new walk or playtime schedule will be, when their meals will be served and get them used to spending more time independently."
Back to school time can be an exciting time for our families and our children, but let’s do what we can as pet families to make this time an exciting one for our furry friends as well.