Back to School, Not Back to Stress: Helping Pets Handle Alone Time
- Tami Kersch
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Tami L. Kersch | FurBabies Pet Products
As the school year kicks off and schedules shift, there’s one family member who may not be thrilled about the change — your pet.
Whether it’s your dog who’s used to daytime playmates or your cat who’s enjoyed a full
house all summer long, the sudden quiet and lack of attention can lead to confusion, stress, and even anxiety. This is especially true for pets who’ve grown used to constant company over the summer months or during work-from-home routines.
As the founder of FurBabies, and a lifelong pet parent, I know how heartbreaking it can be to see a furry friend struggle with separation stress. But the good news is: there’s a lot we can do to ease the transition and help them feel calm, secure, and supported.
Let’s talk about why it should be Back to School, Not Back to Stress: Helping Pets Handle Alone Time — and what you can do to make it easier for them.
Why Back-to-School Changes Affect Pets
Dogs and cats are creatures of habit. They thrive on routines — when they eat, when they walk, when their favourite humans are around. So when the energy in the house shifts from relaxed summer chaos to structured school-year hustle, it can throw them off emotionally and physically.
Signs your pet might be stressed or anxious include:
Pacing or whining when you leave
Barking or meowing excessively
Chewing, digging, or destructive behaviour
Accidents in the house
Loss of appetite or energy
Clinginess when you return
Even independent pets can feel unsettled by the sudden silence of an empty house.
5 Ways to Help Your Pet Handle Alone Time
1. Ease Into the New Routine
If you haven’t already, try shifting your pet’s schedule gradually before school starts. Adjust walk times, meal times, and alone time to mimic the school-day routine. This helps them adapt to the change without a shock to their system.
FurBabies Tip: Leave the house for short periods and slowly increase the duration. This teaches your pet that your absence is temporary — and that you always come back.
2. Create a Safe, Enriching Space
Make sure your pet has a cozy, comforting area where they can rest or entertain themselves while you’re out. Use calming beds, familiar blankets, or their favorite toys to create a space that feels like their own.
Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, or even a pet-safe window perch can help distract and entertain during the day.
3. Exercise Before You Go
A tired pet is a happy pet. A good walk, game of fetch, or play session before you leave can burn off nervous energy and help your dog or cat settle more easily when the house gets quiet.
Bonus: Regular exercise also reduces anxiety over time and supports overall physical and emotional health.
4. Consider Natural Calming Support
Some pets need a little extra help adjusting to new routines — and that’s okay. Natural calming supplements can offer gentle, non-sedating support during stressful transitions.
At FurBabies, we’ve formulated a calming support blend made specifically for dogs and cats using Reishi mushroom, Holy Basil, and Ashwagandha — three adaptogens that work synergistically to help manage stress, reduce anxious behaviors, and support a balanced nervous system.
If your pet struggles with being alone, this kind of natural support can make a big difference — without making them feel drowsy or drugged.
5. Make Goodbyes and Hellos Low-Key
As hard as it is to leave those sweet faces behind, try not to make a big production when you walk out the door or return home. Too much emotion can reinforce anxiety and make comings and goings feel like a big deal.
Stay calm, casual, and consistent — your pet takes emotional cues from you more than you realize.
Final Thoughts from Tami
Our pets give us so much love, comfort, and companionship — and transitions like back-to-school are great reminders of how deeply they feel and bond with us. A little understanding, a few simple changes, and some natural support can go a long way in helping them feel safe and secure, even when routines shift.
At FurBabies, our mission is to help pets thrive, not just survive. Whether you’re facing separation anxiety, joint pain, or day-to-day wellness needs, we’re here with clean, effective, and compassionate solutions that honor the incredible bond we share with our furry family members.
So, as the backpacks go out the door and the house quiets down, remember: with your love (and a little support), your pet’s tail can keep wagging all year long.
With love and calm hearts,
Tami L. Kersch
Founder, FurBabies Pet Products
🐾 For the ones who love us most.
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