Back to School and Your Pet

Pets and children often make the best pals in the house as they often partner in playing around the house helping each other keep busy and refresh. The resumption of school in a new academic year or after the summer break breaks the bond leaving the pets lonely and bored. Depression and inactivity are common side effects that pets suffer upon this separation. This will require you to look for alternatives to keep your pet occupied to prevent such events. In this piece, we introduce you to some of the tips you need to keep your pet occupied and adapt to the new normal. 

1. Introduce Your Pets to New Routines in Advance

The transition to the new lifestyle needs to be gradual for the pets to adapt well. This new transition can be done by implementing changes to the pets’ routine. Begin at least three weeks in advance by slowly implementing your family’s new schedule. We recommend minimizing activities that involve the kids to accustom the pets to live without them. This can include a change in exercise time, leaving them alone in the house among others. 

2. Provide Toys and Treats

 Leave your pet with interactive toys or treats to keep them busy and distracted from your kids’ absentia. A small sprinkle of treats like catnips on the pets’ toys can keep the interaction with the toys a memorable experience. Moreover, you can provide soothing sounds for your pet to keep them distracted. We recommend playing music or a live television talk show, during the day. 

3.  Exercise and Plays

Plays and moments of exercise are meant to keep your pets busy and distracted. It also creates a new routine for the pets from what they are accustomed to. These will be important tools to help your cat adapt to the new routine. We recommend that you make it a part of your daily routine to go for a long walk in the morning or a playful session like brushing them for 15 minutes in the evening to calm them down. 

4.  Pet Day Care 

This can be your only option if you are a busy person who is always away from the house during the day. Instead of leaving the pet bored and lonely, we recommend considering taking your pet to the daycare where they can be kept busy and active. 

Conclusion 

Pets deserve to be kept alive and occupied regardless of the school calendar. The above tips will help anyone navigate the busy schedule that comes with school resumption. 

References: Leadervet, ERvets4pets, VeterinaryEmergencyGroup