Beating the back to school blues

It's that time of year again: back to school is upon us, whether we're ready for it or not.   If you live here in Woodford County, yesterday was the big day, and we're sure it went off with much excitement (and many groans).  But, whether it’s a dreaded or exciting event for the folks in your family, it definitely means a big change in your daily routine.  It also means a lot of time alone for your pets after a few months of constant attention, and that can be a tough switch for a dog or cat to make. 

Sir Pugglepants doesn't want you to go back to school, either.

Summer vacations are bliss for a family pet, because both kids and parents are spending more time at home.  In the hustle and bustle of a new school year, it’s easy to forget that your pets have become so accustomed to your presence that the sudden departure from their summer routine can leave them feeling lonely, bored, or even abandoned.  Changes in behavior often crop up around this time of year that can seem, on one end of the spectrum, like a lapse in training, or even an act of revenge – destructive chewing, potty accidents in the house or on your things, excessive barking and meowing – and on the other end of the spectrum, like a lack of interest in the usual joys of life – lethargy, inactivity, or just plain old depression.  This manifestation of separation anxiety doesn’t usually last long, but it’s just as important to help your pet through it as it is with more chronic cases.  The key is to know what’s coming, and help your pet weather the storm.

Routine is everything to your pet, so try to keep potty break and walk schedules as close to normal as possible, even though your schedule is on the move.  And, although it seems kind of counter-intuitive, it’s important to downplay departures and arrivals; it’s great to see a super-enthusiastic pet waiting to greet you when you come home, but by encouraging their behavior you’re just reinforcing the idea that departures and arrivals are a big deal…or that they’re permanent. When you first come home, the best thing is to just ignore that bouncy, hyper, excited pet for 10 minutes or so, and then greet them calmly and affectionately.  If your pet is really struggling with your departure in the morning, try and make it a positive experience; give a special treat every time you leave, like a stuffed, frozen Kong toy that is especially desirable and will keep your pet distracted for a little while after you're gone.  For kitties, a favorite catnip toy or a canned food treat can be good options; you can even try making kitty popsicles by freezing the water from a can of tuna, a little canned food, or a little chicken baby food in an ice cube tray.

Smells help, too, so little things like a shirt or blanket that smells like you can be enormously reassuring to a pet.  And don’t get so tied up in school and work that you cut back your pet’s exercise time: physical activity keeps your pet feeling content and happy, and that’s especially important when your kitty or pooch might be feeling a little neglected.  Plus, regardless of your schedule, exercise is important to your pet's mental and physical health.  Duh.  We all know this, but it can be easy to forget when we get busy, so a reminder never hurts.

If you've done all of these things, and your pet still seems to be struggling with your back to school schedule, just sit down with your pet and make a little time for extra snuggles.  Extra snuggles go a long way.

Head back to school or work this fall with the same gusto (or groans) as always, but remember your pets, too: they’re a part of the family and they miss you when you’re gone.