With all the excitement of the kids going back to school,
many families may not think about what it means to the dog or cat. What you may
notice are changes in behavior - a sad dog or cat, who mopes around or sleeps a
lot more. Or your dog may suddenly started chewing things he shouldn't, or your
cat does a lot more meowing. And you may not even connect the unusual cat or
dog behavior with back-to-school time.
Dogs and cats love routine - it makes them feel secure. They
like knowing that certain things happen at about the same time each day, and
they know where they want to be when it happens. If the kids have been around
all summer, playing outside with the dog, or giving kitty extra love and
snuggles, and suddenly they're gone all day, it's upsetting. For some pets,
they just feel sad and confused, and others feel real separation anxiety and
may act up.
Kids can help your pet through the back-to-school blues
The first thing to note is that this is a family matter, and
a good opportunity for the kids to take more responsibility for the care of
their pets. Let your kids know that their dog or cat is going to miss them when
they're gone all day, and discuss what they can do to help their pets through
it.
One of the best ways for a pet to get over the loss of one
routine is to replace it with another. Your pet may be sad all day at first,
but if he knows that at 3:45 your kids will be home from school and will
actively play with him soon after each day, your pet has something new to loOK
forward to. If your child has a set time to do homework or read, that's an
excellent time for the dog or cat to curl up next to her and "help"
with studying. Ask your kids to think of other ways to include their pets in
their routines.
More than just sad, it's separation anxiety
If your pet exhibits true separation anxiety, as in, he goes
crazy when he sees your kids put on their backpacks to leave for school, or is
destructive when everyone is gone, you'll have to do some gentle training to
ease his stress. Your kids may feel sorry for their pet and do a long sad
goodbye. This only reinforces your pet's fears and builds up the anxiety.
It's better to make the goodbye upbeat and brief, or
eliminate it completely. Depending on your pet, he may respond well to a
goodbye petting, a little goodbye treat, or simply leaving with a cheerful
"good boy!" as your kids go out the door. This should happen before
your pet gets upset. If your pet is freaking out, absolutely do not reward with
anything. If you can get your pet to calm down - if it's a dog, a simple
"sit!" command may help. Then reward with petting and telling him
he's OK once he's calm.
If your pet gets upset just by the backpacks or car keys
being picked up, pick those items up and walk around the house with them
several times a day, but don't leave. Your pet will learn not to associate
those items with the pending doom of your kids leaving.
When back-to-school means an empty house
If everyone is gone all day, both parents included, your
pets are going to be bored on top of being upset. It's important to leave them
some interactive toys to help them pass the time. Eventually, they will get
used to the new reality, and will likely sleep most of the day.
You can balance the boredom by providing vigorous exercise
each day when you or your kids are home. Remember, you and your kids may have
had a very busy day, but your pet has done virtually nothing, unless there is
evidence to the contrary - as in a shredded or chewed up sofa. Providing your
dog or cat active, vigorous play each day will help them burn up their pent up
energy.
Take your dog for a run or go outside and throw a ball or
flying disk. For your cat, run around the house with a little toy on the end of
a string. You may also want to consider getting your pet a little buddy to keep
him company when no one is home. Even an aloof adult cat is likely to accept a
kitten into her life, and the kitten will entice the older cat to play. And
dogs, being true social animals, nearly always accept another dog to play with.
Remember, your pets can get nervous, upset, anxious or
lonely just like people, only they don't have the benefit of knowing that
you'll be back when you leave. It's up to you and your kids to make your pets
feel secure in ways they understand.