Back to School Blues: Tips for Helping Your Pets Make the Grade

Back to school time can be a mad rush when it comes to getting kids ready, adjusting our work schedules, being out of the house, and preparing for daylight savings time to end. But we have to remember that all of these changes in our lives can be just as stressful on our pets. Whether they’re missing a child that’s going to be at school or just picking up on our anxiety, these events can cause a lot trouble for our furry friend’s well-being.

Thankfully, there are some surefire techniques that can not only help your pet through these transitions, but help make them a healthier, happier pet.

Routine, Routine, Routine

One of the biggest factors that give our pets the back to school blues is the change in routine. This could be anything from waiting longer for their nightly walk or waking up earlier. The most important thing to remember during these transitional times is to keep the habit that works best for everyone. If this means walking your dog before work in the morning then make sure you take that walk every day. Or if your cat needs attention right after you set down your briefcase, then make sure that always happens.

Our pets are creatures of comfort and the small, routine actions can make all the difference. Try out these tips or create some new routines of your own:

• 15 minutes of play every day when you get home. It offers exercise, bonding, and is a routine you’ll both enjoy.
• Try homemade food that you prepare the same every meal. Your pet’s will start jumping for joy when they hear the spoon start stirring.

Keep Them Entertained

With our busier fall schedules, our pets can end up spending a good deal more time in the house alone. If this time is left unstructured, destructive behavior and bad habits, like excessive barking and furniture destruction, can develop. Keeping your pets entertained during these times alone and giving them plenty of exercise when you are around can make all the difference.

• Try your hardest not to leave your pets alone all day. If you can run home during a lunch break or have a pet sitting company stop in, that can mean the difference between a happy pet and a shredded couch.
• Double up your pet’s exercise during the especially hectic times. You’ll notice your stress slipping away and you’ll wear your pets out so they’ll spend their time alone sleeping.
• Interactive toys are a great way to keep your pets concentrating on something productive. Whether they’re working towards a reward or chasing a toy, will keep them content and focused.

Limit the Stress

Our pets have a tendency to pick up on our stress easily and to create stress when their routines change. This can lead to shaking, nervous panting, pacing, and even poor stool quality. Combating this can seem like a challenge, but using a multi-faceted approach can make it easy and safe for your pet. Exercise and play are a great way for our pets to work out that nervous energy, and supplements are always an effective, safe way to remedy anxiety issues1

• Flower essences are great for calming your pets quickly and they have no side effects, so they can be dosed often for effective relief.
• Thundershirts hug your pet’s body tight, giving them a sense of security. Make sure you put it on well before the stressor will start so your pet can get used to it.
• If your pet is struggling with poor stool quality as a result of stress, probiotics and other digestive supplements are a great choice. They support proper digestion and will maintain healthy stool quality.

Get Them Learning

Finding time to spend with your pets and helping them to learn some new tricks is not only a great way to improve your bond with your companion, but it also helps keep them mentally stimulated. Mental stimulation is like exercise for their brains, keeping them focused when they’re on a task and wearing them out so they can get the restful sleep they need.

• Training treats work wonders when you’re teaching new tricks. And natural ones will let you keep feeding without worry about dangerous fillers or chemicals.
• When it comes to training, repetition is the name of the game. Try repeating the same command and hand gesture in unison, and always reward with a treat when the trick is done right.

Remember Their Health

Unfortunately, one of the biggest things that can be overlooked during stressful or hectic times is your pet’s health. Remember that diet is the foundation of a healthy life, so make sure you’re always feeding your pets a natural diet made with quality protein sources and from whole foods. Along with a proper diet, make sure you’re feeding quality treats and supplementing properly.

• Choose a healthy pet diet that your pets like and is not going to aggravate any food allergies they might have. If you’re noticing allergic reactions, steer clear of grains and common proteins, like chicken.
• Supplements are a great benefit for our pets overall health. Make sure you’re including a pet daily multi-vitamin every day and also using an essential fatty acid supplement, like fish oil. Along with these, treat with supplements accordingly, whether your pets need joint support, senior care, or anything else.

Back to school is going to be stressful, but following these steps will have some great consequences. It will help calm you and your pets and strengthen the bonds and relationships that you share.