It’s hard to believe that it’s getting close to kids going back to school. Many of our pets have become accustomed to having extra time at home with their families so kids going back to school may affect them too. Also, our kids may leave backpacks or lunches laying around which may lead to our pets ingesting things that they shouldn’t. Here are some considerations for your pet as you send your kids back to school. 

Staying Home Alone More Often

Our pets may having gotten used to having people home more often during the summer. When school starts back, they may have a hard time adjusting to being home alone more often. Try to ease your pets into this change by leaving them home for short periods of time at the end of the summer and slowly increase the amount of time home alone. Create a schedule that is predictable for your pet so they can get used to people leaving and coming back again. Some pets may be safer in a crate because it can keep them from chewing or eating things that may be harmful. 

Try to keep boredom at bay by using puzzle toys, treat filled toys and consider playing music or the TV. 

Make sure your pets are still getting regular activity and exercise. Taking them out for exercise in the morning and at the end of the day can reduce boredom while you’re away. 

Consider a pet sitter or daycare if your pet needs more activity than you can provide. 

Backpacks & Lunch Boxes

Foods including grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate and xylitol can be toxic to pets. 

Some cold packs can contain ethylene glycol or ammonium nitrate which can be toxic if ingested. Make sure to put lunch boxes out of reach of pets so they don’t get into something toxic. 

Beware of plastic bags or snack bags as they could cause suffocation if our pets are playing with them. 

At the end of the day, make sure to check for leftover food. Fruit peels, pits or cores could cause intestinal obstruction. Foods that get moldy might make your pet sick if ingested by pets.

School supplies such as pencils, pens & erasers may cause an upset stomach or even intestinal blockage if ingested. 

Cords may pose a danger as well. If they are plugged in and chewed on then they can cause electrocution. Or even strangulation if your pet is playing with them. 

Medications your kids could have in their bag such as inhalers, ADHD medication, or even some over the counter medications can be toxic to pets if ingested or chewed on. 

If you have concerns with how your pet will adjust this fall, feel free to give us a call!