Help Your Stressed Pet Keep Calm During Back-to-School Days

Image by Dorothe Wouters from Pixabay

For many households, back-to-school days come with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. You can be sure that pets pick up on these energies, which may elevate their own levels of stress. As routines change and students return to school, some pets may feel confused, overlooked, and even lonely. You can take steps to help a stressed pet stay calm through this transition from summer break to school days. Here are some suggestions.

Prioritize Your Pet’s Comfort
Try to reduce a stressed pet’s anxiety by elevating their comfort level. Set up a space tailored to your pet’s needs where they can feel safe and cozy. Include comfortable bedding – is it time to replace an old bed or worn blankets? – plus a few favorite toys. Muted lighting and soft music may help create a soothing environment. 

Offer Extra Love and Reassurance
Many pets simply need reassurance that everything’s going to be okay, and you can offer this by giving them a little extra attention. Gentle words, tummy rubs, and cuddle time can go a long way to remind your pet you still care about them, despite the schedule changes and extra household busyness. Continue to fit in walks and playtime. Staying active will help your stressed pet keep calm in the midst of change. If you have to be away from home for long stretches, hiring a pet sitter for walks and visits can keep your pet from feeling lonely or bored.  

Start Adjusting Early
If you can begin getting your pets adjusted to the upcoming shift early, they’ll likely weather the transition better. Once school starts, will pet feeding times change? If so, start using the new feeding schedule well before the first day of school, to minimize your pet’s confusion and get them adjusted more gradually. Once school starts, sticking to a consistent feeding and exercise routine will help keep your pet calm.

Engage Your Pet
It can be too easy to overlook your pet when your attention shifts to school-related matters. Pets that don’t get the companionship and mental stimulation they need can become bored, anxious, and misbehaved. Help your stressed pets by keeping them company as much as possible, and also by keeping their minds engaged. Species appropriate puzzle toys can entertain pets, giving them the cognitive enrichment they crave.


Like people, stressed pets can exhibit a wide range of behaviors, from being listless to being overactive and pseudo-destructive, such as by digging in the yard or knocking over items. Whether they act out or withdraw, be especially mindful of their needs. By tending to these needs, you can keep your pet calm when your kids go back to school. A few minor adjustments on your part can put your pets at much greater ease. As they come to realize that their needs will continue to be met, and you’ll still be there for them, their stress levels will diminish greatly.