Don’t Forget Your Pets in Your Back to School Plans

Summer will soon be over, and you’ll be focusing on getting the kids—and maybe yourself—back to school. Every change in routine can be stressful, so be sure to plan for those hours alone that your pets will have to endure.

Start Planning Now for a Smooth Transition

Just as you prepare the kids and yourself for a new routine, get the fur-kids ready by starting with one change at a time. Perhaps they’ll have to eat their morning meal earlier than on your summertime schedule, so start feeding them at the school schedule time about 2 weeks in advance. This will ensure that your dog’s elimination will be on schedule when there’s no one home to let her out.

Providing your dog with a high quality Hale Pet Door can save you from discovering unexpected accidents to clean up because your dog will be able to get outside to your safe fenced yard, so he can answer ‘nature’s call.’

Provide Plenty of Toys for the Long Day Home Alone

If your pet will be on its own for many hours, it’s a good idea to offer some new toys that will keep him busy while you and your family are away. When you offer new toys on a rotation in addition to favorites, your pup will be more interested in them than other things she may find around the house to chew.

When dogs can get outside — to run, explore the scents in the air and play with toys they’ll be happier to come into the house to nap instead of finding things to chew and destroy.

Plan for Potty and Exercise Breaks

If your dog is crate trained and you leave her in the crate while you’re gone, remember that during the day 5 hours is the maximum time you can safely leave an adult dog confined. They need to get out to eliminate and stretch their legs, so if you’re gone more than 5 hours, be sure to arrange for a friend, neighbor or dog walker to come and let your dog out.

Puppies need to get out more often depending on their age and bladder/bowel maturity.

When you have a high quality pet door, your dog can get out and ‘take care of business’ whenever necessary, and you can save money on dog walking fees.

Plan Ahead for Success

Your dog is part of your family, and you want him to enjoy the peace and quiet of staying home alone. When you consider your dog’s needs and plan for them, you’ll all have a successful school year.

Check out all the Hale Pet Door models here