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With schools now back in session, Petstock is urging Aussie families to consider their four-legged family members and help them adjust to the new routine.
The shift from summer holiday fun to early school mornings can be a challenge for everyone, but it can be especially difficult for our pets. The sudden change in routine can leave them with separation anxiety. Pet Behaviourist and Petstock Ambassador, Lara Shannon says there isn’t a quick fix for anxiety in pets, but there are steps you can take to help you and your family navigate this tricky time.
How to tell if your pet is experiencing separation anxiety
Lara says, “If your dog is barking excessively, showing destructive behaviour like chewing, scratching at doors or windows, and urination and defecation (even with house-trained dogs); trying to escape or escaping; or even howling, or not eating their food when left alone, this may be sign your pup is experiencing separation anxiety.
A tip is to ask your neighbours if they can hear anything, and at what times, as often not long after departure can indicate separation anxiety, whilst barking and other destructive behaviours that tend to occur later in the day, is more indicative of boredom.”
“In cats, separation anxiety could look like excessive crying, moaning, or meowing; a loss of appetite; urinating in inappropriate places, such as your bed; vomiting, and excessive self-grooming,” says Lara.
To help prepare your pets for the back to school adjustment, Pet Behaviourist Lara Shannon shares her expertise to make the transition smooth for all and avoid your pet feeling anxious.
Create a routine
Routine provides our pets with a sense of security from knowing what to expect, which is why when there are sudden changes to their environment or schedule they can feel anxious.
Pet Behaviourist and Petstock Ambassador, Lara Shannon says: "in the lead up to the school term starting, establishing a strong daily routine, including some alone time helps to re-build their independence and helps establish a sense of safe familiarity. To help prepare your pet for the upcoming changes, start adjusting their routine gradually a few weeks before school starts to allow time for them to transition, making sure to factor in time for: exercise, feeding and playtime."
Practising alone time
Even for pets that have never previously shown pre-existing signs of anxiety, being surrounded by the family every day to suddenly only mornings and evenings can take an emotional toll on any pet and could lead to them developing separation anxiety if not addressed.
By creating frequent separations from your pet, even while you’re still at home during the day, can help them adjust.
A tip is to ask your neighbours if they can hear anything, and at what times, as often not long after departure can indicate separation anxiety, whilst barking and other destructive behaviours that tend to occur later in the day, is more indicative of boredom.”
“In cats, separation anxiety could look like excessive crying, moaning, or meowing; a loss of appetite; urinating in inappropriate places, such as your bed; vomiting, and excessive self-grooming,” says Lara.
To help prepare your pets for the back to school adjustment, Pet Behaviourist Lara Shannon shares her expertise to make the transition smooth for all and avoid your pet feeling anxious.
Create a routine
Routine provides our pets with a sense of security from knowing what to expect, which is why when there are sudden changes to their environment or schedule they can feel anxious.
Pet Behaviourist and Petstock Ambassador, Lara Shannon says: "in the lead up to the school term starting, establishing a strong daily routine, including some alone time helps to re-build their independence and helps establish a sense of safe familiarity. To help prepare your pet for the upcoming changes, start adjusting their routine gradually a few weeks before school starts to allow time for them to transition, making sure to factor in time for: exercise, feeding and playtime."
Practising alone time
Even for pets that have never previously shown pre-existing signs of anxiety, being surrounded by the family every day to suddenly only mornings and evenings can take an emotional toll on any pet and could lead to them developing separation anxiety if not addressed.
By creating frequent separations from your pet, even while you’re still at home during the day, can help them adjust.
Just make sure they have plenty to keep them mentally stimulated by providing them with interactive toys, puzzles or a long lasting treat to help keep them occupied and avoid any behavioural traits developing from boredom.
Roll-call for puppy school
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Petstock Puppy School Graduate @waltie.tempieween |
Back to school time can also be a great opportunity for a bit of “back to school” training for your pet.
Whether they’ve developed any behavioural traits you want to address over the summer, or if you have a new addition to the family since Christmas and want to establish good training habits, you can look into enrolling them into puppy school or pet behavioural classes.
MEDIA RELEASE, 18th February 2025
Decoding Separation Anxiety in Dogs: the Impact and the Solutions
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