When kids head back to school and family schedules shift, pets can feel the change just as much as you do. Long, busy summer days with plenty of interaction often give way to quieter hours alone. For some dogs and cats, this sudden change can cause stress or behavior changes and sometimes even lead to urgent health concerns.
At Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care, we see pets this time of year with symptoms like stress-related stomach upset, destructive chewing, or changes in appetite. These can develop quickly so it helps to be proactive about easing your pet into their new routine.
How Schedule Changes Affect Pets
Dogs and cats are creatures of habit. When their routine changes suddenly, they might experience:
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Separation anxiety especially in dogs used to constant companionship
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Boredom that can lead to destructive behavior or excessive vocalization
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Changes in appetite or litter box use particularly in cats
Recognizing these signs early can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Tips to Help Pets Adjust
You can make the transition smoother by:
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Easing into the change: Start adjusting feeding, potty, and play times to match the upcoming school schedule
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Adding enrichment: Offer puzzle toys, treat-dispensing feeders, or safe chews to keep pets engaged when home alone
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Providing comfort: Create a cozy, familiar spot where your pet feels safe while you are away
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Keeping greetings low key: Avoid making departures and arrivals overly emotional which can heighten anxiety
When to Seek Urgent Care
Stress can trigger more than just behavioral changes and it can sometimes lead to physical issues that need medical attention.
Contact a veterinarian if your pet experiences:
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Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
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Not eating for more than 24 hours
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Signs of self-injury from over-grooming or chewing
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For cats, especially males, frequent litter box trips or inability to urinate
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Lethargy or unusual behavior changes
These can indicate an urgent medical concern and should be addressed promptly.
Same-day urgent care appointments are available to help your pet feel better faster. If your pet is struggling with the back-to-school transition and showing concerning symptoms, Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care is here for you.
