The backpacks are packed, school supplies are ready, and summer vacation is officially coming to an end. For families, back-to-school season often means getting back into a busy routine.

But what happens to your dog when the kids head out the door?

After months of extra attention, playtime, walks, and companionship, suddenly having an empty house for several hours can be a big adjustment. Some dogs handle the change easily, while others may become bored, restless, or anxious when their favorite people leave for school.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to help your dog adjust to the back-to-school routine.

Why Do Dogs Miss the Kids When They Go Back to School?

Dogs are creatures of habit. During the summer, your dog may have become accustomed to having the kids around throughout the day. They may have enjoyed extra walks, games of fetch, backyard adventures, and plenty of attention.

When school starts, that routine changes almost overnight.

Your dog may not understand why the kids suddenly disappear every morning. They simply know that the people they spend so much time with are no longer home.

Changes in routine can sometimes lead to boredom or stress. That’s why preparing your dog for the school-year schedule can make the transition easier.

1. Start Adjusting Your Dog’s Routine Before School Starts

One of the best ways to prepare your dog for back-to-school season is to gradually change their routine before the first day.

If your family has been sleeping late and staying up later during summer, start shifting bedtime and wake-up times toward the school-year schedule.

You can also begin introducing longer periods when your dog is home without the kids.

A predictable routine helps dogs know what to expect. Consistent meal times, walks, playtime, and rest can make the school-day schedule feel more normal.

2. Give Your Dog Exercise Before the Kids Leave

Morning exercise can be one of the best ways to help a dog settle down while everyone is at school.

Take your dog for a walk before the family leaves or spend some time playing together in the yard. You can also incorporate a few minutes of obedience training or interactive games to provide mental stimulation.

A dog who has had the opportunity to exercise and explore may be more likely to relax and sleep during the quieter parts of the day.

Even a short walk can provide valuable physical and mental stimulation.

3. Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated While You’re Away

Physical exercise isn’t the only way to prevent dog boredom.

When your dog is home alone, provide safe activities that give them something interesting to do. Puzzle toys, food-dispensing toys, and appropriate chew toys can help keep your dog’s mind occupied.

Consider rotating toys throughout the week. Instead of leaving every toy available all the time, offer different options on different days to keep things interesting.

Always choose toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size, chewing habits, and individual needs, particularly if your dog will be unsupervised.

4. Make Leaving the House No Big Deal

For dogs who struggle when their family leaves, dramatic goodbyes can sometimes make departures more difficult.

Try keeping your morning routine calm and predictable. Give your dog a little attention, make sure they have fresh water and a safe activity, and leave without turning the departure into a major event.

The same goes for when you return home. While it’s wonderful to see your dog excited to greet you, keeping arrivals relatively calm can reinforce the idea that people leaving and returning is simply part of the daily routine.

5. Schedule a Midday Dog Walk

If your dog will be home alone for several hours while the kids are at school, a midday dog walk can be a great way to break up the day.

A professional dog walker can provide exercise, bathroom breaks, companionship, and mental stimulation while the rest of the family is away.

For energetic dogs, puppies, seniors who need more frequent bathroom breaks, or dogs who simply don’t enjoy being alone all day, a midday visit can make a significant difference.

Instead of spending the entire school day waiting for everyone to come home, your dog gets a chance to stretch their legs, explore, and enjoy some one-on-one attention.

6. Give Your Dog Quality Time After School

Going back to school doesn’t have to mean your dog gets less attention overall.

When the kids come home, encourage them to spend some dedicated time with their four-legged friend.

They could:

• Take the dog for a walk
• Play fetch or tug
• Practice basic training
• Play with a puzzle toy
• Spend time relaxing together
• Help with feeding or grooming

These small moments can help maintain the bond between your dog and the kids even when everyone’s schedule becomes busier.

7. Create a Comfortable Space for Your Dog

Your dog should have a comfortable place where they can relax while the house is quiet.

This might be a favorite bed, crate, or quiet area of the home. Some dogs enjoy looking out a window, while others prefer a cozy space away from household activity.

Give your dog access to whatever environment makes them feel comfortable and secure.

If your dog becomes anxious when left alone, however, simply creating a designated space may not solve the underlying problem. Dogs experiencing significant separation anxiety may need additional support.

8. Watch for Signs of Separation Anxiety

It’s normal for your dog to notice that the kids aren’t around as much. However, persistent or severe behavioral changes may indicate that your dog is struggling with being alone.

Watch for signs such as:

• Excessive barking or whining
• Destructive behavior
• Pacing or restlessness
• Excessive drooling
• Attempts to escape
• Accidents in the house despite being house-trained
• Significant distress when family members leave

If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, talk with your veterinarian or a qualified canine behavior professional. Separation anxiety can be a serious issue, and professional guidance can help determine the best approach for your dog.

9. Let the Kids Help With the New Routine

Back-to-school preparation doesn’t have to be something the adults handle alone.

Getting kids involved can help them understand that their dog is also adjusting to the new schedule.

Before school starts, have the kids help establish a morning routine. They can take the dog outside, go for a short walk, play together, or spend a few minutes practicing commands.

This gives your dog positive attention before everyone leaves and gives the kids a chance to spend meaningful time with their best friend.

10. Consider Professional Dog Care

Sometimes a busy school and work schedule makes it difficult to give your dog all the exercise and companionship they need during the day.

That’s where professional pet care can help.

A regular dog-walking or pet-care visit can give your dog something positive to look forward to during the school day. It can also help families maintain a consistent exercise and bathroom schedule when life gets busy.

For dogs who don’t do well spending long periods alone, adding a midday visit may be one of the easiest ways to make the transition back to school more comfortable.

Helping Your Dog Adjust to Back-to-School Season

When the kids go back to school, your dog may need some time to adjust to the new routine. A quieter house doesn’t have to mean a lonely or boring day.

With regular exercise, mental stimulation, predictable routines, quality family time, and the right amount of companionship, you can help your dog feel happy and secure even when the kids are away.

Remember that every dog is different. Some pups will happily spend the morning sleeping on the couch, while others need more exercise, interaction, or structure to stay content.

The key is to pay attention to your dog’s individual needs and make their well-being part of your family’s back-to-school plan.

After all, your dog may not be carrying a backpack to school—but they’re still an important member of the family.

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The holidays are here, and for many pet owners, that means the house is bursting with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and sparkling ornaments. While it’s a time to celebrate, it can also be a tricky season for anyone with a curious cat, dog, or other furry friends. Pets are naturally drawn to the colorful, shiny, and sometimes even edible-looking decorations we love to put up. But, as cute as that may seem, it can also lead to accidents, damage, or even dangerous situations. So, how can you enjoy a beautifully decorated home while keeping your pets safe? Here are some practical tips for keeping your pets out of holiday decorations.

Understand Pet Behavior and Holiday Decorations

Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand why pets are so attracted to holiday decorations in the first place. For many pets, especially cats and dogs, the holiday season brings an exciting shift in their environment. New smells, sights, and textures trigger their natural curiosity. They may see a Christmas tree as a new “jungle gym,” or the shiny ornaments might look like the perfect toy. And let’s not forget that many holiday decorations are placed just within reach!

But some of these decorations—like glass ornaments, electrical wires, or toxic plants—pose potential hazards. Keeping your pet’s safety top of mind is crucial when you start decorating your home.

Secure Your Christmas Tree

If you have a Christmas tree, you’re probably already familiar with the temptation it presents to pets. Dogs may be drawn to the scent of the pine, while cats are notorious for climbing trees or swatting at dangling ornaments. Here are some strategies to secure your tree:

• Anchor the Tree: The most important step in preventing tree-related accidents is to secure the tree to a wall or ceiling using a tree strap or fishing line. This will prevent it from tipping over if your pet decides to investigate.
• Use Pet-Safe Ornaments: Stick with unbreakable ornaments made of fabric, plastic, or wood to avoid sharp shards if the decorations get knocked off. Steer clear of glass or ceramic ornaments if your pet tends to knock things down.
• Keep Ornaments Higher: While it may be tempting to cover the entire tree with decorations, consider placing ornaments only on the higher branches. Leave the lower branches free or decorate them with less tempting items, like ribbons or faux berries.
• Tree Skirt Tactics: A tree skirt can help conceal the base of the tree, keeping curious paws from investigating the area. Consider using a weighted tree skirt to prevent it from being easily moved around.

Keep Holiday Lights and Wires Out of Reach

Holiday lights are beautiful, but they can be particularly tempting for pets. Cats, in particular, love batting at the dangling cords, and dogs might chew on electrical wires if they’re not properly secured. Here’s how to keep lights safe:

• Secure Loose Wires: Make sure all electrical cords and light strands are out of reach by securing them to the wall or using cord covers. You can also hide them under furniture or along baseboards.
• Use Wireless or Battery-Powered Lights: If you’re worried about your pet getting into the wires, consider switching to wireless or battery-powered string lights. These are safer alternatives that can add a festive touch without the risk of electrical accidents.
• Keep Lights Away from Play Areas: Avoid draping lights in places where your pets tend to spend a lot of time, such as around couches or under tables. Consider placing decorations in more restricted areas of the house.

Avoid Toxic Holiday Plants

Certain holiday plants, such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies, are toxic to pets if ingested. To avoid a trip to the vet, it’s best to either keep these plants out of your home altogether or ensure they are completely out of your pet’s reach.

• Identify Common Toxic Plants: Many pets find the bright berries and leaves of plants like holly and mistletoe irresistible. Poinsettias, while less toxic, can cause mild digestive upset if chewed on.
• Use Pet-Safe Alternatives: Consider using artificial plants or opting for pet-safe varieties of holiday plants, like safe ferns, spider plants, or even pet-safe poinsettia alternatives.
• Pet-Proof Your Plant Displays: Place plants high up on shelves or in hanging planters where your pets can’t reach them. This will help keep them safe while still enjoying the festive greenery.

Use Pet-Specific Decor Items

While decorating for the holidays is a lot of fun, it’s also a good opportunity to think about your pet’s experience during the season. By providing pet-friendly decorations, you can help distract them from your more fragile or hazardous decor.

• Pet-Friendly Ornaments and Toys: Consider hanging a few pet-safe toys on your tree or using pet-friendly garlands made of soft, chewable materials. You could even gift your pet a new holiday-themed toy to enjoy while you decorate.
• Pet Holiday Bedding: Another way to incorporate your pet into the festivities is by providing them with a special holiday-themed bed, blanket, or set of toys. This gives them a designated, cozy space to retreat to while the house fills with holiday cheer.

Training and Behavioral Solutions

Sometimes, the best way to keep your pet out of the holiday decorations is through training. Simple commands and deterrents can help your pet learn to leave the tree and other decorations alone.

• Teach “Leave It” and “Stay”: One of the most effective commands for keeping pets away from dangerous or delicate items is “leave it.” With practice, you can teach your pet to understand that certain objects or areas are off-limits.
• Use Deterrents: If your pet is persistent, safe deterrents such as citrus-scented sprays or bitter apple can be applied to objects they tend to chew on. The unpleasant taste or smell will discourage them from going near the area.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your pet with praise or treats when they behave around the decorations. This encourages them to associate calm behavior with positive outcomes.

Supervision is Key

Even with all the preparation, sometimes pets need a little extra supervision during the holiday season. When the tree is first set up or new decorations are introduced, keep a close eye on your pet to ensure they don’t get into trouble.

• Supervised Playtime: During the first few days of the holiday season, supervise your pet closely while they explore the new decorations. This will give you a chance to correct any unwanted behavior early on.
• Pet-Free Zones: If certain areas of the house are particularly tempting, like around the Christmas tree or near lit candles, consider using baby gates or closing off rooms to create pet-free zones.

The holidays should be a time of joy for both you and your pets. With a little planning and a few simple precautions, you can create a festive home that is both beautiful and safe for your furry friends. By securing your tree, keeping lights and wires out of reach, and providing your pet with their own holiday fun, you’ll ensure that everyone—pets included—can enjoy the season.

Happy holidays, and may your decorations stay intact while your pets stay safe!