Back To School Blues, It is an adjustment for everyone

Our dog Jasper is a happy dog. He loves being around people and is perfectly content hanging out as we putter through our daily routine.  Our cat Synthia is a little less obvious about her need to be with the family, as she is always around but likes to keep to herself.  Synthia will perch atop her kitty house and just watch while Jasper needs to be at our feet, especially when we are in the kitchen.

Since I’ve started a part-time job and the kids are off at school, both Jasper and Synthia are not themselves.  Jasper paces the house, whining, and Synthia goes off in one of her hiding places in the house.  And I’m worried about both of them.

According to experts changes in your routine are exactly what can cause our beloved pets to be distressed. While my time is now shrinking because of my obligations, their need for routine is just as important as it ever was. 

John C. Williams, animal behaviorist, says that pets like predictability and routine. By taking away that emotional security, behaviors such as depression, vocalization, lethargy or hyperactivity, potty accidents, or even separation anxiety can begin.

Experts agree that the most important thing is to establish a routine that is as close as their past routine as possible.  Since I am not able to be there myself during the day, I am exploring alternatives to provide my pets with more companionship and to make up for the exercise that the pets are missing with the kids gone all day.  I really like the idea that someone will be there for them and they don’t have to adjust as many changes.

Additional ideas I’ve found include the ASPCA recommendation of giving your pet a treat when you leave the house so they associate you leaving with the pleasant activity of a fun treat. Another ideas is taking a piece of worn clothing and leaving it in the pets’ space so they can smell you through the day.  Keeping your pet busy will also help them pass the time, Kongs are a favorite toy recommendation because they provide both the stimulation of chewing and a treat. 

Next time we have a major life change I will plan further ahead now that I know what an impact it can have on our furry family members and ease them into their new routine.  In the meantime, I’ll make sure I have walkers and sitters checking on them daily and leave them with yummy treats and toys to help ease their stress.

How do you prepare for changes in your family routines for your pets?

How to Help Your Pet Deal With Separation Anxiety

As summer comes to a close, things may start to change for your pet. The kids go back to school, your hours at work get longer, and the weather no longer supports long days spent outdoors. Your pet’s routine changes as a result, which in turn often causes separation anxiety for them.

Separation anxiety is an affliction that many pet owners may not even know their pet has. Separation anxiety affects more pets than you might think. If your pet exhibits any or all of the following symptoms, they may be suffering from separation anxiety: Howling or barking, excessive biting or chewing, increased excitability on your return home, scratching or digging to try to reunite themselves with their owners, and/or unexpected urination or defecation of housetrained dogs.

Before we share some quick tips to help your pet deal with separation anxiety, let’s first try to understand what causes it. No one knows exactly what causes separation anxiety because it varies so much case to case, but there are definitely some well-known patterns to keep an eye out for. Most of the causes are self-explanatory, and very similar to that of human children.

If your dog is used to having a companion around all the time, when you leave they may become distressed. Or if a dog from a shelter experiences a traumatic event linked to their separation, that may carry into their daily life after you adopt them. The most common form of separation anxiety for pets occurs when you switch up their routine. Although, you may think that your pet will not notice this, pets are hyper-aware to things of this nature.

Now we get down to really trying to solve the problem. Leaving your pet alone for a period of time is something that most every pet owner has to do from time to time. Although, it can be heart wrenching, it’s an unfortunate reality of being a pet owner in a busy world.

There are many ways to help solve your pet’s separation anxiety. One solution is to give them something that smells like you, or not making a big deal about your leaving or arriving. Filling up a toy, such as a Kong, with peanut butter or frozen treats will keep them busy for hours. If the problem persists, you might seek veterinary help. There are many medications for dogs with separation anxiety issues, but we would recommend avoiding these if other alternatives exist.

The best solution is to get someone to take care of your pet, and give them the love, attention and daily exercise they need when you’re not able to do that yourself. Fetch! Pet care provides pet sitting and dogwalking services to provide you with peace of mind, and your pet with the care and love they deserve when you’re away. We can provide at-home care of your pet when you’re at work, on vacation, traveling for business or otherwise, and can be their best friend when you’re away. Our well-trained staff will help to make sure that your pet will never even feel stressed when you are at work or out of town. Your pet will be just as happy as when you left.