September 13, 2024
Returning to Work or School? You Need to Know This
My youngest kid recently left for university, and we hadn’t realized the hole she was leaving in our family’s pet’s schedule. Given where I work, you might have thought that I would be more prepared – but it has taken us a few pee puddles to figure out how best to support our old doggie, Dixie, who isn’t used to being left alone for long.
Whether you have a kid returning to school, you’re going into the office more or just settling back to work after a good vacation, changes to our pets’ schedules can be hard on them, especially when it means they’re spending more time home alone. Pets are creatures of habit, and when their routine is disrupted, the stress can lead to unwanted behaviours.
When possible, slowly introducing changes to your routine can help your pet adjust and make the new schedule less jarring for them. Consider any shifts to your pet’s feeding times, walks, time alone, or playtime that might happen when you’re gone longer or more often and make these changes gradually.
Making sure your pet has everything they need to keep their mind active and their body healthy is another way to help them adjust to you being away. We have a few tips on our website for activities your pets can do home alone and things you can do with your pet to make the most of your time together and build an even stronger bond. One of our team recommended leaving Dixie with some food puzzles or a “lick mat” to keep her entertained at least for a little while when we had to leave her, which has helped to ease transitions. You may also consider pet sitters or dog walkers, at least temporarily, to help your pet adjust — they can also help give you a breather in a busy fall schedule!
If you’re still having challenges with your pet’s behaviour, we also offer a number of training classes in a variety of formats, suitable for beginners and training pros alike. We’ve recently expanded the breadth of programs offered, including a novel Puppy Kindergarten program starting in October.
Of course, if you notice a big change in your pet’s behaviour or well-being, the best thing to do is book an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical concerns.
Changing schedules are hard on everyone, but it feels better knowing there are some steps we can take to make transitions easier for our pets, and for ourselves.
Sharon Miko
President & CEO