Summer is a time when the family is together more often than the rest of the year. This means more attention for your furry family members.

Routine is very important to your pet and when the summer is coming to an end that means there will be a be a routine change for your pet too! This also means less time at home due to going back to school and a more work-focused routine for your family that can affect your pet.

Your pet may feel like they have done something wrong and may wonder why your family is not spending as much time with them. This can lead to some behavioural issues like anxiety, depression, and boredom.

Let’s look at the symptoms of most common behavioural concerns that can affect your pet’s health.

Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety causes negative behaviour like:

• Destruction of property
• Trying to exit the house by damaging doorways or windows
• Inappropriate elimination in the house
• Excessive barking
• Your pet may follow you closely and may pant and will make every effort to come with you when you open the door to leave

Depression

Depression is also common when there is a routine change. Your pet may not be themselves. It may look like:

• Lack of appetite
• Laziness/lethargy/inactivity
• Loss of interest in family activities

Boredom

Boredom can cause your pet to find their own ways to pass the time like:

• Chewing furniture
• Destroying objects in the home
• Getting into the garbage

Prevention

So, how do we prevent these problems in the first place?

• The key is to establish a predictable routine so that your pet can predict and look forward to regular time of interaction with their family. This is so important for your pet to be calm and secure.
• Ease into the new routine prior to the start of the school year or going back to work. Leave for short periods of time and then increase that time away from your home. This will go a long way to accustom your pet to the changes.
• It is important not to make a big deal when coming and going.
• Do not create excitement or long-drawn-out goodbyes when leaving and coming back to your house. Excited exits and returns can make your pet associate these actions with attention which can reinforce separation anxiety.
• Spend time specifically devoted to interacting with your pet.
• Ensure your pet’s needs like play, exercise, training, potty breaks, love, and attention are met.
• Provide a rich environment to include toys, puzzles, mental stimulation, and rewards for good behaviour. Visit your local Pet Planet to see our great selection to help you with this!
• Providing toys stuffed with food when leaving is a great way to keep your pet calm and busy.
• Reward your pet for good behaviour with a treat when you return home. This will give your pet something to look forward to when you return.
• Providing healthy pet food that has a generous amount of animal protein and low in carbohydrates will go a long way to ensuring that you have a physically healthy pet.

Nothing Seems to Help

What do you do if nothing seems to help?

• Doggy daycare or a dog walker may help your dog get through their anxiety.
• Background noise, like music or a nanny cam that allows you to see and communicate with your pet and that may help.

Consulting with a veterinarian, animal behaviourist, or animal trainer can help provide you with specific solutions for your pet when nothing else seems to help.