Schedule Changing? Your Pet Wants You to Read This
Last week, my kids left home to return to their post-secondary studies. Our home feels much emptier without them, but September’s also hectic here at the OHS, so my days have been longer and the “hit” hasn’t been as bad. For our pets, though, their departure has been much more dramatic – our dog got used to sleeping in and being let out whenever she wanted; the cat, sadly, put on weight because “she’s so cute when she begs for treats”—which she did throughout the day, with a vengeance.
Pets thrive on routine. Being fed, having an outing or playtime, or simply having company around on a consistent schedule supports their happiness and well-being. And not just cats and dogs —my Guinea pigs wheek loudly and reliably around 7:30 a.m. — lettuce time!
Whether you have a kid returning to school, you’re going into the office more or just settling back to work after a good vacation, changes to our pets’ schedules can be hard on them.
When you can, shift your pet’s schedule gradually: feeding times, walks, time alone, or playtimes that happen when you’ll now be away can be shifted to when you’ll be home. There are automatic feeders for pets if you’re going to be gone too long between feeding times, or if they’re really stuck on their schedule!
Providing everything your pets need to keep their mind active and their body healthy is another way to help them adjust to your absence. We’ve got some great resources available for tips to help keep your pet occupied while you’re away and to make the most out of the playtime you have together. Make sure your pets have a safe, comfortable spot to sleep while you’re away as well as constant access to water.
You may also consider pet sitters or dog walkers, or even doggie daycare, at least temporarily, to help your pet adjust — they can also help give you a breather in a busy fall schedule!
If you’re having challenges with your pet’s behaviour that may be resulting from your absence, we also offer a number of webinars that cover a variety of topics for pets of different species. Of course, if you notice a big change in your pet’s behaviour or well-being, the best thing to do is to see your veterinarian to rule out underlying medical concerns.
Changing schedules are hard on everyone, but it feels better knowing we can make transitions easier for our pets, and for ourselves. As for my pets, Dixie the dog is getting up earlier and back at Grampa daycare, and Bella the cat is back to monthly weigh-ins, fewer treats and longer evening playtimes. And the Guinea pigs? Still wheeking at 7:30 a.m.!
Sharon Miko
President & CEO