{"id":486,"date":"2015-09-11T13:14:21","date_gmt":"2015-09-11T20:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=486"},"modified":"2024-07-25T04:56:45","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T11:56:45","slug":"will-your-pets-behavior-change-when-the-kids-return-to-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/will-your-pets-behavior-change-when-the-kids-return-to-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Your Pet\u2019s Behavior Change When The Kids Return To School?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AGetting back into the swing of the academic schedule can come with a high learning curve \u2013 and not only for your kids. Your family pet may have opinions that differ from the typical zeal for new school shoes, sweater weather, and upcoming fall holidays. But don\u2019t despair! There are ways you can help your family pet beat the back to school blues, and your pet\u2019s behavior can only benefit from some extra time, caring, and patience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where Is Everyone?<\/h3>\n

One minute the house is a bustling comedy of errors and the kids are running all over the place looking for lunchboxes or permission slips. The next minute? The house is empty, the dust is settling, and Fluffy or Fido is left to his or her own devices until the final bell of the day.<\/p>\n

Many <\/span>seasoned pets<\/span><\/a> may be accustomed to the seasonal changes, but lots of pets enamored with family <\/span>summer vacations<\/span><\/a>, daily walks to the pond, or constant attention easily have difficulties accepting the new fall routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Framing Your Pet\u2019s Experience<\/h3>\n

Your pet\u2019s behavior might indicate that he or she will be negatively affected by any slight changes in the household dynamic, and an empty house for six-plus hours a day makes a big impact.<\/p>\n

To help your pet handle this change, introduce the new routine a few weeks before and slowly add longer stretches to your time away. You know your pet the best and if you notice any signs of depression, separation anxiety, or lethargy, please \u00a0<\/span>let us know<\/span><\/a>. We also recommend not altering the new routine too much over school breaks. Keep it on an even keel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing Your Pet\u2019s Behavior<\/h3>\n

If your family partakes in your pet\u2019s care together, allow your child (or <\/span>kids<\/span><\/a>) to help out the family pet during his or her time of need. Encourage your family to show love, kindness, and compassion to the family through extra time playing or snuggling together before departing each morning, and returning at night. Additionally:<\/span><\/p>\n