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How Back-to-School Can Affect Your Pets

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Updated:  September 1st, 2023 Published:  August 15th, 2023

Ah, back-to-school season. Students are getting ready to head back to the classroom or the dorm room, and parents are preparing for some changes in their schedule as they make sure all of their kids have what they need to succeed. But have you thought about your pets? After spending more time with the people they love during the summer, they can also feel the effects of the changes that come this time of year.

Sarah Lew/Shutterstock

What are the effects of back-to-school on pets? Below are a few of the ways that dogs and cats can be impacted, along with tips on how to make them feel better. 


Being Home Alone Might Lead to Stress, Depression, Boredom, or Anxiety 


Whether it’s from a big change in their routine or the result of being home alone for longer than they’re used to, some pets might become depressed, anxious, or bored while everyone is at school and work. And it can be especially distressing if your pet is attached to someone who’s going off to college and won’t be home for weeks or months at a time.   


If you’re able to  keep an eye on your pet when you aren’t home with a security camera or pet camera, you might see signs that your companion is stressed or unhappy. For example, they might vocalize, pace and look for you, hide, avoid eating, or exhibit destructive behaviors like house soiling or scratching and chewing on your things.  


Both  dogs and cats can experience separation anxiety, and it might become a problem during this time of year. Whether you already know that your pet suffers from separation anxiety, perhaps because of a difficult past, or you’re just recognizing this problem now, the good news is there are  things you can do to help your pet adjust and feel comfortable with being home alone.    


School Supplies and Lunches Might Be Toxic to Pets 


Another thing to consider is that some school supplies, and even some of the foods you pack for your kids’ lunch, can be toxic to pets. So, it’s important to keep those out of reach of your furry friend. 


Make sure everyone in the family knows about these risks, and create a routine that will ensure products and foods aren’t easy for your pet to access. A clever dog might be able to figure out how to get into a lunchbox or backpack, so have a space in your home where these can be kept off the floor and away from your companion while your kids are home from school. 


How to Help Your Pet Move Through Back-to-School Season with Ease


Here are some tips to help make back-to-school season easier on your pet:


Use Environmental Enrichment to Prevent Boredom


To help keep your pet occupied while you aren’t home,  enrich their environment. There are plenty of simple ways to go about doing so. For instance, some dogs and cats might feel calmer when soft music is playing at a low volume or when they’re able to watch cute videos made for pets, or you can set up a bird feeder in your backyard so your kitty can watch birds and squirrels while lounging on a  cat tree. And you can leave toys, puzzle feeders, and snuffle mats out for your pet to enjoy (just be sure they’re safe for your companion to use while you aren’t there to supervise). 


A great example is the  OurPets Sushi Treat Puzzle Toy, which both dogs and cats can use throughout the day to get tasty treats. It’s a good way to provide your pet with mental stimulation while you aren’t home, as they need to figure out how to open the compartments to find the food inside. Plus, it’s designed to be easy to clean. 

Change Your Routine Before School Starts


Rather than shocking your pet with a sudden change in their routine, consider gradually shifting your schedule as the new school year approaches. You might go out with your kids for a bit in the morning so your pet gets used to everyone leaving at that time of day. As your pet adjusts, you can increase the amount of time you spend away from home so that, by the time school starts, they’ll be used to being home alone for hours at a time. Plus, taking this step may even be helpful for you and your kids, as adjusting to waking up earlier and heading out the door on time can be tough for everyone.  


Have Someone Spend Time with Your Pet During the Day


Whether it’s a family member, friend, or pet sitter, having someone visit your pet during the school day might help them feel less lonely and less stressed. Have someone you trust play with your cat or take your dog for a walk. Your companion will get some interaction and exercise, and might end up relaxing for a nap until your family gets home.  


Show Your Pet Loads of Love When You’re Home


Although mornings can certainly be hectic, if you can spend some time with your pet before you leave, such as by going for a walk with your dog or  playing with your cat, do so. And, when everyone gets home for the day, definitely make sure your pet gets the attention they crave so they don’t feel left out.  


Get Another Pet


If you have only one cat or one dog, and you think that they would benefit from the company of another pet, there are many animals waiting for homes in shelters all over the country. Just be sure to follow the right steps for introducing a new  cat or  dog to your family so it can go as smoothly as possible.  


Back-to-School Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful


With the right plan in place, you can ease everyone in your family, including your pets, into a new routine when it’s time to go back to school. But if you’ve tried various tactics and nothing seems to work at putting your pet at ease, consider talking to your veterinarian or a dog or cat behaviorist. They can provide personalized tips based on your individual pet’s needs, and they can recommend products that may help reduce stress and anxiety.  

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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How Often Do Dogs Need to Go Out to Pee?

When nature calls, dogs answer. And when dogs answer, so do you – by taking them outside to do their business. In other words, if you have a potty-trained dog, they will rely on you to know when their bladder is full or at least to take them out frequently enough so it doesn’t get full in the first place. This leaves most owners with the question – how often do dogs need to go out to pee? You don’t want them to have an accident inside the home but you probably don’t want to take them out for a walk every hour or so (even if you did have the time for it) so it’s important to find the right balance. Here’s what you need to know so you can make it work for you and your dog.How Often Do Dogs Pee?The frequency at which dogs need to go out to pee can vary depending on several factors, including their age, breed, size, activity level, and overall health. In general, you can use the following guidelines as a starting point, but it's important to pay attention to your individual dog's needs and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, it’s enough to just observe the signs your dog gives you, like nudging you or standing by the door. But at other times, it requires a bit of “intervention”. When it comes to the connection between a dog’s age and their peeing habits, the younger the pooch, the more they need to go out. Puppies have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms, so they typically need to go out more frequently. A general rule of thumb is to take a puppy out every 1 to 2 hours, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up from a nap. Make sure to let them know why you are going out so they’ll gradually relate walkies with peeing time.Adult dogs, on the other hand, can usually hold their bladders for longer periods. Most adult dogs need to go out every 4 to 6 hours. Some larger breeds may have more bladder capacity and can hold it longer, while smaller breeds may need to go out more frequently, so have that in mind too. Of course, as dogs age, their ability to hold their bladders may decrease. Senior dogs may need to go out more frequently, potentially every 3 to 4 hours. What is more, some senior dogs may suffer from incontinence, meaning that they can’t really control when or where they pee. In this case, you could  use disposable dog diapers until their condition improves or in periods when you’re not there to take them out more frequently and prevent accidents.

Study Finds That Cats Have Hundreds of Facial Expressions

If you’ve lived with cats for any length of time, you know that they express themselves in a variety of ways, and their faces can tell you a lot. Yet, there are some people who think that cats are expressionless, especially when compared to other animals. Well, science has once again come through to prove that cats are social and communicative; you just have to know how to read them.

Animal Shelter Receives Donations in Memory of Jon Stewart’s Dog

Comedian Jon Stewart returned to “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in February, and viewers have been tuning in to watch him talk about current events. Stewart hosts every Monday night, serving up news in a hilarious way. But on February 26, he closed the show on a somber note, spending a few minutes talking about his dog, Dipper.Jon Stewart Remembers His Extraordinary DogStewart shared a touching story of how he met and came to adopt Dipper. He explained that, 12 or 13 years ago, his young children wanted to raise money for Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in New York City. To fundraise, his family baked cupcakes and set up an area outside of the shelter to sell them.  He went on to say that the shelter brought out a pit bull who was about 1 year old. At this point, Stewart started to break down, clearly getting emotional as he explained that the dog had been hit by a car in Brooklyn and had lost one of his legs as a result.Through tears, Stewart said his family left the shelter after raising some much-needed funds for a wonderful organization that does great work. But they also left with the very special pit bull who had stolen their hearts and who was, as Stewart described him, the best boy. Dipper even used to go to the studio with Stewart, so he met the famous people who were guests on the show.Then, Stewart shared the devastating news that Dipper had passed away just the day before. He ended with a wish for everyone to find an amazing dog they could love. And then, for the show’s “Moment of Zen,” they played an adorable video of Dipper playing in the snow.You can watch the segment here:

Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

Is your dog your favorite adventure buddy? Do you dream of exploring America’s National Parks system with your furry best friend by your side? While many parks have limitations on where dogs are allowed, the popularity of pet-friendly travel is on the rise. In response, the U.S. National Park Service introduced a program to teach dog parents how to travel with their pups responsibly – the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. But does your dog have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger? What is involved in earning that title anyway? In this article, we will break down the B.A.R.K. principles and why they are so important for responsible outdoor travel. We will also share tips for helping your dog become a certified B.A.R.K. ranger. What Does the Acronym “B.A.R.K.” Stand For? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and what does the acronym “B.A.R.K.” stand for? Recognizing that a growing number of dog parents wanted to bring their pups with them when visiting the parks, the U.S. National Park Service recognized a need for education on how to travel with dogs responsibly. This means focusing on the importance of respecting the environment, local wildlife, and other visitors to the park. This program is a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). It is part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People Initiative, which is focused on the idea that “parks can be gateways to good health – for people and the planet.” The B.A.R.K. acronym stands for: B – Bag your pet’s wasteA – Always leash your petR – Respect wildlife K – Know where you can goThe concept is similar to the traditional Leave No Trace principles but focuses on how a dog may impact the environment and the overall park experience. What Are the Qualifications to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger? The good news is that the requirements to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger are very broad. The program is open to dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes, and activity levels. From the senior chihuahua who prefers to be carried along the trail while still enjoying the fresh air to the high-energy Border Collie who could hike for days without stopping, all are welcome! So, does your dog meet the qualifications? As long as they are dog – YES!What is the Process of Getting Your Dog’s B.A.R.K. Ranger Certification? This is where the conversation becomes a little more complicated. While the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a National Park Service program, the exact requirements to be named a B.A.R.K. Ranger vary from park to park. This allows each park to customize the program to best suit its area and the needs of those who visit each park specifically. At some parks, you will be asked to take a booklet and fill it out. Once you have completed the booklet, you will receive your commemorative leash tag. At other parks, a program is offered that you will attend to learn more about the B.A.R.K. principles and how they can be applied in your travels. Finally, some parks make it incredibly easy. They ask those interested to learn about the B.A.R.K. principles at home before coming to the park. Upon arrival, the dog's parents are asked if they understand and agree with them. They then take a pledge to follow these principles before their dog is given the coveted title.

Owner Who Never Lost Hope Reunites with a Missing Dog After 10 Years

An owner’s undying hope and commitment to keeping their dog’s microchip up to date resulted in a happy reunion 10 years after the dog went missing. A Florida family lost their cockapoo, named Cleo, way back in 2014 when the mischievous pooch ran away from home. Despite never hearing anything about Cleo again, the owner Luisa, kept the microchip information up to date in hopes of getting reunited with her beloved pooch.After so many years, most owners would have lost hope of ever seeing their furry companion again but Cleo’s family still had faith, even after they moved to Miami. Finally, all those years of unwavering hope and commitment paid off when Cleo arrived at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.The organization shared in a post that the dog recently arrived at the shelter as a stray. The staff had little hope that the dog was microchipped but scanned it nonetheless. Imagine their surprise when they discovered a microchip filled with up-to-date contact information.“We were hoping for a happy ending and for her to be reunited with her owners, but we did not foresee the joy her story brought,” the organization said on Facebook.The information on the pup’s microchip led the shelter’s staff to Luisa, who was in disbelief when they called because Cleo had been missing, ever since he ran away 10 years ago! “They never lost hope and continued to update her microchip in the small hope that they would be reunited, even after they moved to Miami.”The family made a five-hour trip from Miami to Tampa Bay to reclaim their beloved pooch. The shelter shared pictures of the emotional reunion, featuring a smiling Cleo. “This shows the power and importance of the microchip and never losing hope,” the post concluded.A microchip is a small transponder that carries a unique identification number. That identification number is entered into a database that contains contact information pet owners provide when registering their pet or when updating the information, like in Cleo’s case. Although microchips don’t possess GPS or tracking abilities they are still considered one of the best ways for owners to get reunited with a lost pet. In addition to microchipping your pet, they can also wear a collar with ID tags that include your current contact information.Microchipping is a simple and cheap procedure with minimal risks for your pet. If you haven’t microchipped your pup, do it now, and make sure the microchip is always registered with up-to-date information. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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