The Back-to-School Transition Is Tough on Dogs Too: Here's How to Help

Back-to-school season can be stressful for everyone. As the lazy, warm days of summer come to an end, new routines emerge, and the house grows quieter. This change isn't just tough on the humans in your family—it can be hard on your dog too.

Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on routine, with regular times for walks and meals. When the back-to-school season leaves your house empty, there are steps you can take to make this transition easier on your fur baby. Mars Petcare ’s Pet Parent Partners Behaviorist, Jessa Paschke , recommends keeping the below tips in mind during this transition period.

Make Sure You Dog-Proof Your Home

· " When leaving your pet alone for longer periods of time, ensure there is nothing left out that they can get into that could be troublesome – whether that be food items or non-food items they may try to eat or other objects throughout the house that you’d prefer they leave alone. Ensure you are stocking up your pet’s space with appropriate toys, treats and engagement activities to keep them occupied when home alone."

You may even consider securing your dog in a specific room with a baby gate so they can stay where you want them and out of trouble, for their safety and your peace of mind.

Have The Kids Take Your Pup For a Walk

" Encourage your kids to take your pup for a walk before and after school to ensure your pet is getting its energy out in healthy ways while encouraging bonding with its loved ones."

Regular walks not only give your pup a chance to do their business, but a tired dog is a well-behaved and less destructive dog. There is also evidence that physical activity can improve academic performance for your kiddos .

Consider a Dog Sitting Service

"Understand your pet’s bathroom habits and plan ahead to make sure that someone is able to take them out when needed, such as a dog walker or neighbor or even consider doggy daycare."

Ask for references from friends, family or even social media before hiring someone to care for your pup or enrolling them in a local doggy daycare.

Related: Pup Catches Dog Walker with Another 'Client' and Her Sad Whines Say It All

Consult Your Veterinarian

" Work with your veterinarian to determine your pet’s healthy weight and the appropriate amount of daily calories (inclusive of both food and treats) to ensure your pet is maintaining their weight or losing weight as needed."

Your vet can help you adjust your dog's diet as needed and suggest the right food and treats for their age and size.

Background Noise Can Help Your Dog Feel Less Lonely

" Consider keeping a TV or radio on during the day as background noise for your pup so they don’t have to sit in a silent house while home alone."

You can easily find dog-friendly music and video playlists on your chosen streaming platforms and there are even devices that will let you check in on your dog via video camera when you aren't home.

Thanks to Mars Petcare ’s Pet Parent Partners Behaviorist, Jessa Paschke for these tips to help our fur babies adjust to back to school time.