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Making the Grade:

How to Prepare Your Pet for Back to School

Garden State Pet Centre ~ Retailer Spotlight 

August 22, 2025

Back-to-school season can be a big adjustment — not just for the kids, but for your pets, too. After a summer of constant companionship, your dog or cat might be wondering where everyone went. Changes in routine can trigger boredom, stress, or even separation anxiety. The good news? With a little preparation, you can help your furry friend adjust smoothly and keep their tail wagging all year long. 

Here are a few tips to help you ace the back-to-school transition:

1. Ease your pet into the new routine.

A few weeks before school starts, start shifting your four-legged family member’s schedule to align with the new school year rhythm.

  • Mealtime: Begin feeding your pet at the times they’ll be fed once school is back in session.
  • Exercise: Gradually shift your pet’s walk and play routines to match your future schedule. Starting the day with physical activity can help them burn off energy and relax while you're away.
  • Practice makes purrfect: Get your pet accustomed to being alone by starting with short periods of solo time, then slowly increase them. This can help them adjust at their own pace and feel secure when you're not around.


2. Create a relaxing environment for your pet.

When the kids head back to school, your pet might feel a little lonely or restless. Providing a soothing environment can help them feel more comfortable.

  • Quiet time: Set up a cozy, quiet spot where your pet can relax and feel safe. It could be a crate, a comfy bed, or even a cat tree. Adding something that smells like you, like a worn shirt, can offer extra comfort.
  • Species-appropriate comfort: Dogs prefer having their bed placed in low-traffic areas of the house, while cats enjoy vertical spaces and privacy. 
  • Favourite toys: Make sure their favorite toys are within reach — they’ll help keep your pet comforted and entertained when you’re not home.
  • Calming aids: Playing soft music, white noise, or keeping the television on low can create a peaceful atmosphere for your pet. Pheromone sprays and diffusers can also help them feel more relaxed.


3. Provide your pet with mental enrichment.

Boredom can lead to destructive behaviours, but mental stimulation can help reduce anxiety and keep your pet entertained while you’re away. In fact, a 2016 study by the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Pisa found that dogs who lack regular exercise and mental stimulation are more likely to develop behavioural issues. 

  • Enrichment: Puzzles, slow feeders, or treat-dispensing toys can keep your dog mentally stimulated and engaged. For cats, look for toys that encourage natural hunting behaviours, such as those that dispense food when batted around. Your pet’s favourite Smack recipe makes a delicious (and nutritious) enrichment ingredient!
  • Short training sessions: Incorporating short, fun training sessions into your routine can strengthen your bond with your pet and provide mental enrichment. This can include trick training, obedience, agility, or scent work.
  • Breed-specific activities: When choosing enrichment activities for your dog, think about the purpose they were originally bred for, then find ways to meet those specific needs.


4. Manage separation-related stress.

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour reported that dogs facing environmental changes exhibit increased stress signs compared to those with stable surroundings. Additionally, another survey revealed that 82% of dogs show visible signs of distress when their routine is disrupted. While back-to-school season can be ruff, it’s also a chance to help your pet grow their confidence and independence.

  • Vary your departures: Our furry friends can sense when we’re preparing to leave the house through small signals like grabbing the keys or slipping on shoes. Changing up your routine can help avoid triggering anxiety before you even step out the door. It’s also important to keep departures calm and casual.
  • Provide distractions: Offer your pet a special toy or treat just before you head out. This helps create a more positive association with you leaving the house.
  • Potty breaks: Take your dog outside for a bathroom break before you go, and make sure your cat’s litterbox is clean and accessible. 

 

If you’re concerned about your pet’s stress or suspect they might be having significant trouble adjusting, consult your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviourist. Some signs of separation anxiety in dogs and cats include excessive barking/meowing, destructive behaviour, panting, pacing, trembling, changes in eating habits, drooling, or having accidents in the house.

5. Make time for your pet.

Even with a busy schedule, it’s important to set aside special one-on-one time with your pet.  Whether it’s cuddling, playing, or taking a walk, this quality time reminds them that your return is something to look forward to.

The back-to-school routine can be challenging at first, but with patience and consistency, your pet will learn to feel safe and secure even when the house is quiet.

Garden State Pet Centre ~ Retailer Spotlight 

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Novel Proteins~

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 How to Prepare Your Pet for Back to School

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Made With Love

Back-to-school season can be a big adjustment — not just for the kids, but for your pets, too. After a summer of constant companionship, your dog or cat might be wondering where everyone went. Changes in routine can trigger boredom, stress, or even separation anxiety. The good news? With a little preparation, you can help your furry friend adjust smoothly and keep their tail wagging all year long. 

Here are a few tips to help you ace the back-to-school transition:

1. Ease your pet into the new routine.

A few weeks before school starts, start shifting your four-legged family member’s schedule to align with the new school year rhythm.

  • Mealtime: Begin feeding your pet at the times they’ll be fed once school is back in session.
  • Exercise: Gradually shift your pet’s walk and play routines to match your future schedule. Starting the day with physical activity can help them burn off energy and relax while you're away.
  • Practice makes purrfect: Get your pet accustomed to being alone by starting with short periods of solo time, then slowly increase them. This can help them adjust at their own pace and feel secure when you're not around.


2. Create a relaxing environment for your pet.

When the kids head back to school, your pet might feel a little lonely or restless. Providing a soothing environment can help them feel more comfortable.

  • Quiet time: Set up a cozy, quiet spot where your pet can relax and feel safe. It could be a crate, a comfy bed, or even a cat tree. Adding something that smells like you, like a worn shirt, can offer extra comfort.
  • Species-appropriate comfort: Dogs prefer having their bed placed in low-traffic areas of the house, while cats enjoy vertical spaces and privacy. 
  • Favourite toys: Make sure their favorite toys are within reach — they’ll help keep your pet comforted and entertained when you’re not home.
  • Calming aids: Playing soft music, white noise, or keeping the television on low can create a peaceful atmosphere for your pet. Pheromone sprays and diffusers can also help them feel more relaxed.


3. Provide your pet with mental enrichment.

Boredom can lead to destructive behaviours, but mental stimulation can help reduce anxiety and keep your pet entertained while you’re away. In fact, a 2016 study by the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Pisa found that dogs who lack regular exercise and mental stimulation are more likely to develop behavioural issues. 

  • Enrichment: Puzzles, slow feeders, or treat-dispensing toys can keep your dog mentally stimulated and engaged. For cats, look for toys that encourage natural hunting behaviours, such as those that dispense food when batted around. Your pet’s favourite Smack recipe makes a delicious (and nutritious) enrichment ingredient!
  • Short training sessions: Incorporating short, fun training sessions into your routine can strengthen your bond with your pet and provide mental enrichment. This can include trick training, obedience, agility, or scent work.
  • Breed-specific activities: When choosing enrichment activities for your dog, think about the purpose they were originally bred for, then find ways to meet those specific needs.


4. Manage separation-related stress.

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour reported that dogs facing environmental changes exhibit increased stress signs compared to those with stable surroundings. Additionally, another survey revealed that 82% of dogs show visible signs of distress when their routine is disrupted. While back-to-school season can be ruff, it’s also a chance to help your pet grow their confidence and independence.

  • Vary your departures: Our furry friends can sense when we’re preparing to leave the house through small signals like grabbing the keys or slipping on shoes. Changing up your routine can help avoid triggering anxiety before you even step out the door. It’s also important to keep departures calm and casual.
  • Provide distractions: Offer your pet a special toy or treat just before you head out. This helps create a more positive association with you leaving the house.
  • Potty breaks: Take your dog outside for a bathroom break before you go, and make sure your cat’s litterbox is clean and accessible. 

 

If you’re concerned about your pet’s stress or suspect they might be having significant trouble adjusting, consult your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviourist. Some signs of separation anxiety in dogs and cats include excessive barking/meowing, destructive behaviour, panting, pacing, trembling, changes in eating habits, drooling, or having accidents in the house.

5. Make time for your pet.

Even with a busy schedule, it’s important to set aside special one-on-one time with your pet.  Whether it’s cuddling, playing, or taking a walk, this quality time reminds them that your return is something to look forward to.

The back-to-school routine can be challenging at first, but with patience and consistency, your pet will learn to feel safe and secure even when the house is quiet.

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Our food is your pet's perfect travel companion. Its highly concentrated, nutritious formula means you don’t need to carry much to fully satisfy your pet’s energy needs.

Meal Variety Pack for Dogs

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Meal Variety Pack for Cats

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$87.98

Recent Blogs

Title

Newsletter

Get 15% OFF your first purchase...

 

Plus receive the latest promos and get entered automatically into our monthly giveaway!

Title

TRY SMACK TODAY!

Our food is your pet's perfect travel companion. Its highly concentrated, nutritious formula means you don’t need to carry much to fully satisfy your pet’s energy needs.

Meal Variety Pack for Cats

$87.98
$87.98

Meal Variety Pack for Dogs

$125.98
$125.98