Tips to avoid back to school pet blues

AS another school year starts, it is not only our children’s mental health we should look after but also the well-being of our pets.

Pet Insurance Australia’s Nadia Crighton said pets felt the emptiness of their home once school holidays finished.

“This is the time of year when the excitement and entertainment of the school holidays comes to an end, and our pets return to spending time on their own,” Crighton said.

The main concern during this time of year is boredom, particularly for dogs.

“A bored dog can become destructive and a nuisance in terms of escaping and barking,” she said.

“It’s advisable that pet owners take steps to ensure their pets are not bored as their prime source of entertainment, being the children, return to school.

“It’s a good idea to have an extra bowl of water particularly if you are not going to be home during the middle of the day to refill an empty bowl.

“Also consider shade, if your dog has been spending most of the holidays lazing on the cool tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, contemplate making a cool outside spot available.”

Aussie Dog Products director Joseph Parsons agreed and said dog owners should remember to return to the life essentials by providing their pet with food, water, shelter, air and also enrichment.

“They need to provide enrichment toys to stimulate them while they are home alone,” Parsons said.

“Owners should also remember that they are their dog’s world and they wait for them while they are away.”

TIPS TO AVOID BACK TO SCHOOL PET BLUES

Walk your dog before leaving for school/work Enrich their environment Consider boredom busting toys that stimulate your pet’s mind Have home-alone toys and remove when you arrive home Play with your pet when you get home Weekly training sessions Special weekend adventures

MORE: Man charged with historical child sex offences

MORE: Baldivis named bankruptcy capital of Australia

MORE: For our children’s sake we need to act on the curse of social media