Summer is winding down, and the kids are headed back to school. This can be a challenging time for pets, especially those who have gotten used to having their tiny humans around so much. In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a Savannah, GA veterinarian offers some advice on back-to-school time for pets.

Supplies

Never underestimate a pet’s capacity for getting into trouble! Things like glue, marker, scissors, staples, and even glitter are all dangerous to our furry friends, and can make your little buddy extremely sick. Keep those school supplies safely out of paw’s reach!

Playtime

Fluffy and Fluffy can get quite bored if they are left home alone all day. Make sure that your furry friend has lots of fun toys to occupy themselves with. Puzzle toys are great for this. Also, try to carve out some time for play sessions. This is a fun way for both the two- and four- legged members of the family to wind down after a long day!

Schedule

Fido and Fluffy both tend to do best when they are kept on a set schedule. Try to adjust your pet’s routine before school starts. That will help make the transition a bit easier on them. It’s also a good idea to walk and play with your dog in the morning, before everyone leaves. The idea is to tire your canine buddy out. Afterwards, he’ll hopefully be ready for a nap, which will help the time pass more quickly for him. (Fluffy, of course, doesn’t need any prompting to nap.)

Loneliness

Dogs and cats are very sociable, and they can get very sad and lonely when left by themselves. Leave a TV or radio on for your furry buddy before leaving. The sound of music and voices will soothe them, and help keep them from feeling lonely. The background noise will also provide beneficial mental stimulation. You can even try Dog TV or Cat TV. Some pets really like watching television!

Petucation

Education is important for dogs, too! If Fido hasn’t mastered basic doggy obedience commands yet, send him back to school, too! The five most important commands your pooch should know are Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. The Leave It, Drop It, and Down commands are also useful. Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Savannah, GA animal clinic!