Seasons are changing and if there are kids in the home they will be going back to school soon. They may already have!
It’s important to remember how much this change in routine can affect your pets.
A lot of pets really enjoy the extra time they get with kids home. Things can be calmer, less hectic especially in the mornings, and pets get more attention! No matter what though, animals would rather be in their homes, wherever that may be, even if they are alone more.
But, this change in routine can cause pets to worry about where their “kids” are, especially if you have kids going off to college and moving out.
It is very important to tell your pets what is happening, where the kids are going, how long they will be gone, and what days will look like during the school year. Even if they have been through a school year before, they need to know it’s time for another school year.
Especially the ones that will miss their college kids terribly. For kids going to college, allow your pet to spend time in your kids’ bedroom at home, if your pet wants to. The scent may comfort them. Allow your pet to hear your kids voice when your kid calls home. This will help.
Most importantly, for all pets, whether your kid is going to college or day school, don’t forget to include them, explain to them, and pay attention for them. They can feel invisible when routines change and families are rushing. They stand there wondering why everyone is in such a hurry and then everyone runs out the door without remembering to say Good Bye, only because they’re rushing. That is confusing and heart breaking for them.
During times when routine changes or life gets busy, remember your pets are just as much a part of the family as each human. Say GoodBye every time you walk out the door. Even when youre rushing. Especially when youre rushing. Tell them when youll be home. Every time.
If your pet isn’t getting as much exercise, especially horses, know they may have misbehaviors. It would be unfair to discipline them if their exercise routine changes.
Be patient with them while they navigate the new routine. They might make mistakes. They might get lonely. Their hearts are missing a very important friend(s).
Theyll get through the change. Theyll adjust. But I encourage you not to leave them on their own to do it all. They need you. They need to feel loved when the house gets emptier. They need to feel noticed, included, important when people get busier.
For laughs, heres a picture of what most pets probably feel when they get told their kids are going back to school or moving to college. LOL