Back-to-School Tips: Managing Your Pet’s Routine and Separation Anxiety

With the back-to-school season in full swing, your pets may be wondering where all their favorite people went! After spending the summer surrounded by friends and family, they might find the sudden quiet of being home unsettling, which may lead to separation anxiety. If your pets seem a little more anxious these days, don’t fret—we’ve got some tips on spotting separation anxiety in dogs and cats, and how to soothe their nerves as they adjust to a new routine

The Most Common Signs of Separation Anxiety in Pets

Many dogs and cats associate their owner’s presence with safety and stability, which helps them stay calm. When that familiar presence is removed, pets sometimes struggle to cope and act out with anxious behaviors. Although separation anxiety can look slightly different in dogs and cats, the symptoms are there if you know what to watch for. What can be mistaken for a bit of barking or the occasional accident when you’re away, could really be a sign your pet is struggling when you have to be apart. Once you understand how your pet may express stress when you’re away, then you’ll be better equipped to take the right steps to help them calm down.

Doggie Distress: 5 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Whether you’re dealing with puppy separation anxiety or anxiety in older dogs, no matter the age of your canine companions, here are some behaviors to note.

1. Excessive Barking or Howling: Dogs may bark, whine, or howl continuously when left alone. Since howling is how dogs often communicate with each other, it frequently expresses their fear of abandonment and is an attempt to call out to their owner.

2. Destructive Behavior: Chewing furniture, digging at doors or windows, or tearing up objects can be signs of stress that can also help dogs burn off nervous energy. Especially near doors and windows, destruction can also be a part of your pet’s attempt to escape or reunite with their favorite person.

3. Pacing or Restlessness: Like humans might fidget or pace when anxious, dogs may pace back and forth in a fixed pattern, especially when they anticipate people leaving. This constant movement helps give dogs a physical outlet for their anxiety besides howling or destroying.

4. Attempting to Escape: Because the home may feel incomplete or unsafe without their human family, some dogs may get scared and try to escape from the house or yard. When panicked, they may not think rationally or understand that leaving home to go find the comfort and safety of their owner isn’t the best solution to their problem.

5. Bathroom Blunders: Even well-trained dogs may have accidents indoors when anxious or stressed.
Separation anxiety can trigger a “fight-or-flight” response in dogs, which can cause their body to react as if they are in danger. This stress response can stimulate the nervous system, leading to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and a need to urinate or defecate unexpectedly. This feeling is much like how humans might experience stomach issues under stress.

Feline Angst: 5 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats

No matter if it’s kitten separation anxiety or anxiety in a senior cat, these are some behaviors you should watch out for in cats of all ages.

1. Excessive Meowing or Crying: Cats may meow, yowl, or cry more than usual as a vocal plea for comfort and connection. By repeatedly “calling out” for their people, cats hope to bring their owners back and at least relieve their loneliness.

2. Destructive Scratching or Chewing: Cats might scratch furniture doors or chew on objects to take out their energy when stressed. Like dogs, chewing or tearing things apart can help cats relieve pent-up energy or tension while digging at doors or windows might reflect their desire to escape or explore.

3. Litter Box Issues: When anxious, cats might go outside the litter box to mark their territory. This can be an attempt to feel more secure by spreading their scent in areas they associate with safety, especially when left alone for long periods.

4. Overgrooming: Cats may excessively groom themselves as a way for cats to distract themselves from the source of their anxiety. By focusing on grooming, they temporarily shift their attention away from whatever is causing their stress, much like how people might engage in repetitive behaviors when stressed.

5. Hiding or Avoidance: When anxious, cats often feel vulnerable. Hiding provides them a sense of safety and protection, allowing them to escape the perceived threat of being alone. By retreating to a small, enclosed space, they can reduce their stress levels and feel more in control of their environment.

4 Calm Solutions for Your Pets’ Separation Anxiety

1. Treat them well.

Sometimes, easing dog or cat separation anxiety can be as simple as offering the right snack at the right time. From giving them soothing ingredients to setting up interactive feeding toys, by being more strategic in associating food with a reward for calm behavior, you can help your pet focus on something other than your absence when you’re apart. Over time, they’ll learn that being relaxed leads to positive outcomes, even when you’re away.

Stress Less, Chew More: Wellness Calm Relaxation Support Soft Chews

Instead of struggling with pills or supplements, try giving your dog Wellness^® Calm Relaxation Support Soft Chews. NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) approved, hemp-free, and scientifically formulated to support relaxation, these treats are ideal for putting dogs with normal stress at ease. Plus, they’re made with active ingredients that help support a healthy gut and occasional anxiety from gut-related stress.

Get them Purring for Puréed Treats

Take treats to the next level with natural Wellness^® Lickable pureed treats. Complete & balanced for adult cats and help support digestive & immune health, these handheld snacks will keep them happy while you’re away.

2. Nibble the Nerves Away with Strategic Snacking!

Once you’ve got a special treat your pet loves, you can add brain toys or puzzle feeders to keep them entertained while you’re away. Hiding small bits of food around the house can also be a fun way to engage their mind and distract them from your absence. By giving them an activity to engage their mind, you can provide a healthy distraction for their separation anxiety, helping them reduce the time they spend worrying and making being alone a little easier. Try adding Wellness^® Bowl Boosters to these puzzles for your pup, or Wellness^® WHIMZEES dental treats for your kitty!

3. Move It to Lose It: Exercise and Reduce Separation Anxiety

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce separation anxiety in pets. Physical activity helps burn off excess energy, making your dog or cat more relaxed and less likely to become stressed when you leave. Activities like walks, playtime, or even mental stimulation with interactive toys engage both their body and mind, keeping them happy and tired. Remember, a well-exercised pet is more likely to rest peacefully during your absence rather than being anxious.

Beyond tuckering them out, consistent exercise into your pet’s daily routine can also provide them with structure and predictability, which can ease anxiety. For dogs, longer walks or a game of fetch, before you leave, can be a great way to help them release built-up energy and reduce nervousness. Cats, too, can benefit from interactive play that stimulates their hunting instincts, leaving them calm and satisfied.

4. Make a Safe Haven for Sleeping

For pets with separation anxiety, having a designated safe space is essential. Whether it’s the soothing scent of a dog calming pillow or the secure embrace of an anti anxiety dog bed, these products can make your pet feel more at ease, reducing their anxiety and giving you peace of mind.

Calming pillows are small, portable, and often infused with calming scents like lavender or chamomile. These are especially useful for pets who need extra comfort in areas they already feel safe in or for use in multiple places throughout the home. By combining soothing scents and soft material, placing these pillows can create a relaxing environment, helping to reduce anxiety by triggering calming responses through scent therapy.

Anti-anxiety beds, on the other hand, are designed to provide a more immersive experience by offering both physical comfort and a sense of security. These beds often have soft, plush materials and raised edges that mimic the feeling of being cradled. This design can help pets feel protected, reducing anxiety by giving them a cozy, enclosed space.

Keep Calm And Combat The Back-To-School Blues

During back-to-school season especially, managing your pet’s separation anxiety may seem challenging, but it all starts with understanding their needs and finding what works best for them. Doing little things like incorporating calming treats, giving them regular mental and physical exercise, and setting up a cozy environment for them to feel safe can go a long way in making them feel more secure. With a little patience and consistency, you can provide your dog or cat with the reassurance they need, even when you’re not around, to reduce their separation anxiety.