When school starts again, a household can go from busy and noisy to much quieter almost overnight. Dogs and cats that became used to having people around more often during summer may need time to adjust to the new routine.
The guidance here draws on tips attributed to IAMS, veterinarian Dr. Laura Robinson, DVM, and Mars Petcare behavior expert Jessa Paschke.
Keep a Consistent Daily Routine
Pets often do better when meals, walks, playtime and rest happen on a predictable schedule. If school will change when everyone leaves the house, start shifting the pet’s routine before the first school day when possible.
Increase Alone Time Gradually
If a dog or cat has had company most of the summer, avoid going from constant attention to a full day alone without preparation. Short, calm absences can help the pet get used to the change. Increase the time gradually rather than making the first separation the longest one.
Use Enrichment When You Leave
A food puzzle, safe chew, favorite toy or other enrichment item can give a pet something to focus on after people leave. Choose items appropriate for the animal and do not leave anything unsupervised that could become a choking or ingestion hazard.
Maintain Exercise and Play
A busier school schedule can mean less activity for pets. Morning walks, evening walks, play sessions, dog walkers or daycare can help maintain exercise and stimulation. The right amount of activity depends on the pet’s age, health, breed and temperament.
Watch Food Portions as Activity Changes
If a pet becomes less active during the school year, feeding the same amount may lead to unwanted weight gain over time. Follow the feeding guidance for the specific food and discuss significant weight changes with a veterinarian rather than making large calorie cuts on your own.
Monitor Behavior for Stress
Changes in appetite, destructive behavior, excessive vocalizing, house-soiling or other unusual behavior can signal stress or another problem. A camera or activity tracker can help show what happens while the household is away, but technology should not replace veterinary advice when symptoms are persistent or concerning.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
If a pet shows marked anxiety, stops eating, develops gastrointestinal symptoms, injures itself, or has a sudden behavioral change, contact a veterinarian. Separation-related behavior can have several causes, and a professional can help rule out medical issues and recommend an appropriate plan.
More Pet Coverage
For a different type of pet-focused guide, see Famadillo’s dog-friendly spots in San Francisco.
The basic goal is simple: make the seasonal transition predictable, keep activity and enrichment in the routine, and pay attention to meaningful changes in behavior or health.
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