Category: Animal Behavior

Back to School for Your Pet

8/17/2022

With summer winding down, and leaves beginning to change, school is nearly back in session! The transition from the summer season to the school year can be ruff on pets, continue reading for tips to prepare your pet for the smoothest transition possible.

Easing Into a New Routine
The key to a smooth transition with routines is to start slow! By easing your pet into their new routine, they’ll be more likely to adapt faster. During the summer pets get used to lots of activity and sounds around the house, meaning its up to you to make sure your pet gets used to staying home alone. Starting three or four weeks before school starts, build in short absences during the week. The goal is to make your pet feel as comfortable as possible, normalizing the new schedule while it’s still summer prepares your pet for a gradual and smooth transition

Bathroom and Meal Times
It’s inevitable your pet’s bathroom and meal times will change with the new schedule. However, establishing specific times throughout the day can help smooth out the change of routine. Focus on consistency! Mapping out you or your family’s day is also critical in relation to letting your pet out and making sure they’re fueled. Talk to your family and establish a game plan for who’s taking your pet out, and who’s feeding your pet. Weeks before school starts, try to stick to the times you’ve picked for your pet; this will ensure your pet knows exactly what to expect! The adjustment might take some time, but with your help, your pet will adapt.
Exercise
Despite the busyness of back to school, your pet’s physical activity should not be compromised! Be sure to strategize how you’re going to fit in lots of walks and outside time for your pet with the new schedule. A dog or cat with pent-up energy that’s left home alone all day can become stressed and they may cause you extra stress if the diversions they come up with for themselves damage your belongings. An active pet is a happy pet, make sure exercise does not take a back-seat despite how crazy your schedule may feel.

Quality Time
We all love our pets unconditionally throughout every season, though it may be more challenging to find quality time to spend with your pet during some seasons. With all of the adjustments to your schedule, it’s important to make sure your pet isn't feeling neglected. Find a few blocks of time to play catch, use the laser pointer, or snuggle up with a magazine or book and your furry friend on the couch. You can also try and find activities that meet multiple needs. For example, you could bring your dog to the hardware store the next time the toilet breaks and it can be a fix it trip as wall as a walk.

Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is real! It’s natural to miss your pet, but making a big deal everytime you say goodbye perpetuates the idea that leaving your pet is a big deal. As you and your family get ready to spend more time away from your pet, normalize leaving. Go to the shop and simply say, “Goodbye, Fido” instead of making a big deal about leaving. If you make a big deal everytime you leave, your pet will think there is a problem and be more stressed for longer periods after you go then if you treat it as a normal occurrence that is not a big deal. (If you are the one experiencing the anxiety, fake it till you are out of the house and far enough away that your pet can’t hear you. I know, they’re your best friend! It is hard to say goodbye! But, you’ll be home in no time!)

In Conclusion
Keep in mind there’s not one perfect schedule, the best thing to do is practice your new routines and continue showering your pet with lots of love, care, and attention. Find time to spend with them and ensure that their basic needs are met and they should adapt to the new schedule.

Written By: Grace Butler

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6 Funny Pet Behaviors

6/8/2022

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Cats and dogs are amazing for countless reasons, but have you ever seen your pet do something strange and wonder why? Today we’re counting down some of our favorite funny pet behaviors and breaking down the meanings behind each action.

1. Kneading
At one point or another, you’ve probably seen your cat knead with their paws. Kneading is when a cat pushes their paws against soft objects, such as a blanket or lap, the action is often referred to as “making biscuits”. From the very beginning of kitten-hood to the end of their adulthood, cats knead because it’s instinctive. For kittens, kneading is a signal to their mothers for milk. For adult cats, kneading brings pleasure and can be used to mark territory. It’s important to always let your domesticated cat express and retain their instinctual behaviors. If the kneading behavior is damaging furniture, consider placing a folded blanket in their favorite kneading spot as protection.

2. Spinning in Circles
Have you ever seen a dog aimlessly spin in circles? The list of reasons why a dog spins in circles is extensive, but there are four common reasons. The first reason is right before a bathroom break. Dogs intuitively take time to “mark their territory” along with circling the environment to survey their surroundings before proceeding to squat down. Another occasion is before settling down for a nap. This pre-nap ritual acts as a signal to other dogs that this spot belongs to this dog. The last two reasons are controlled by emotions, if a dog is happy or if a dog is anxious. If you notice an increase in anxious spinning, consult your veterinarian.

3. The Zoomies
One second your cat is sitting peacefully and the next your cat is “zooming” and frantically running around the house! As the name suggests, this behavior is called the zoomies. Cats are known for getting these whimsical little bursts of energy, but why? The zoomies are more likely to occur in the middle of the night when your cat has had an excess of rest and needs to release their pent-up energy. Cats naturally get the zoomies from time to time, but if it’s a daily occurrence or waking you up in the middle of the night, it’s likely a sign of not enough exercise. The best way to avoid everyday zoomies to make sure your cat is getting enough exercise and playtime. Laser pointers, throwable cat toys, and cat dancers can help get your kitty the exercise and mental stimulation they need.

4. Winking
Have you ever thought maybe your dog was trying to communicate with you through their eyes? Winking is a distinctive gesture dogs use to express affection and happiness! Similarly to humans, dogs have facial expressions to connect with other dogs or their families. Dogs like to mimic human behaviors; it should not come as a surprise if you wink and your dog winks back at you. While a little wink from your pup is nothing short of adorable, too much blinking may be a sign of a medical issue. If you’re noticing chronic or prolonged blinking, be sure to see your vet to make sure there is not an infection or foreign body causing the action.

5. Sitting On Your Laptop
Since cats are naturally drawn to warmth, it’s not much of a surprise cats love to lounge on laptops. Laptop keyboards provide coziness along with some guaranteed attention from a pet parent. Despite how many cozy crevices you have in your home, cats like to be near you; or in other words, be the center of attention! If this behavior is preventing you from getting your work done, you can take 2 different approaches. First, you can provide them with a comfy bed to the side of your work station. Often this will prevent them from being directly on top of your work space but still nearby their greatest love (YOU!). If this does not work, avoid giving your cat attention and encourage them to move to a more appropriate nap location.

6. Barking At Reflection
As we all know, dogs tend to bark at a lot of things. But the most puzzling may be when your dog catches a glimpse of their reflection. Dogs are highly intelligent animals, however the sense they rely on the most is smell and not vision. When they catch an unexpected glimpse of themselves in the mirror they are surprised that another dog could sneak up on them! If you’re looking to lessen barking at reflections, simply allow your pup more time in front of the mirror or glass door. This will allow your dog to become more comfortable with their reflection.

Written by: Gracie Butler

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Back to School for Your Pet

6 Funny Pet Behaviors

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