Prepare and Support Durham Pets During Back-to-School

During the weeks that children and college students are home for the summer, many cats and dogs benefit from increased human engagement. From playtime to cuddles on the couch and more regular companionship, our pets love the extra TLC.

While this heightened social interaction strengthens our bonds with our pets, it can also create an unsustainable dynamic. Now, with the normal school routine resuming and families spending more time away, pets may feel confused and stressed by the abrupt change.

Signs Our Pets Are Having a Hard Time with Back-to-School

Signs and symptoms that our pets are affected by what is often referred to as the “back-to-school blues” include the following:

• Pets appearing to miss their owners: increased vocalizing such as whining, meowing, or barking; following family members closely when home; or displaying restlessness when alone.
• Noticeable anxiety behaviors: excessive pacing, panting, or drooling when family members prepare to leave, or destructive acts like chewing furniture or scratching doors as pets cope with stress.
• Severe separation anxiety: pets exhibit nonstop vocalization, urinating or defecating indoors despite being house trained, self-injury from biting or licking, and escape attempts that put their safety at risk. This condition is distressing for both pets and owners and often requires intervention to prevent lasting damage to the pet’s well-being and the household environment.

Small Steps with Big Results

Experts recommend establishing consistent routines to ease pets into the new schedule. For example, leaving and returning at the same times daily helps pets anticipate family absences, reducing confusion and stress. Maintaining feeding time, exercise, and playtime also gives pets something to look forward to. Preparing pets with a soothing safe space, interactive toys, or lickable treats before leaving can also help build tolerance to separation gradually.

Watch your pet’s behavior for any signs of distress and seek advice early, before anxiety symptoms intensify. Especially for kittens, puppies, aging pets, and those with chronic illness, watching us leave can set off alarm bells. Having compassion for them, patiently helping them through the adjustment period, and calling on pet professionals like dog walkers, pet sitters, dog trainers, and veterinarians can be invaluable until they’ve settled into their new routine.

Prepare and Support Durham Pets During Back-to-School

To help pets in Durham adjust smoothly, families may need to consider additional support such as:

• Hiring a dog walker or pet sitter who can provide company, exercise, and mental stimulation during the hours pets are alone, reducing feelings of isolation and boredom
• Investing in calming aids, including calming treats, pheromone diffusers, and, if recommended by a veterinarian, pharmaceuticals
• Working with a professional dog trainer

If you choose to work with a dog trainer, you can expect them to use desensitization and/or counterconditioning techniques. Desensitization involves gradually exposing your pet to short periods of being alone, starting at a level where they remain calm, and gradually increasing the duration of your absence. Counterconditioning involves associating alone time with positive experiences.

While desensitization and counterconditioning are effective training methods, they must be done with the help of a knowledgeable trainer like a CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer) and following a clean bill of health from your veterinarian.

The Best Care for Durham Pets