Lifestyle

How to help your pet manage the fall routine reset

As summer fades into fall, the vibe-shift at home can be unsettling for pets. Maybe the kids are back in school. Maybe your own schedule is shifting with the season — a return to in-office days, earlier commutes, evening activities picking back up or just shorter daylight hours. Whatever the trigger, the result is often the same: your home goes from wonderfully chaotic to dead silent for hours at a time. This sudden shift in routine can be jarring for both dogs and cats.

Why the fall shift is so hard

Pets are creatures of habit and thrive with a routine. Knowing what to expect makes it easier for them to feel calm. When their routine is disrupted or they experience something new, some pets approach this with confidence and security while others may panic and have behavioral issues.

Pets may struggle with other changes as well. It’s not always possible to pinpoint the exact cause but common changes that may unsettle your pet are: 

  • New pets or people in the home
  • Loss of a human or pet companion
  • Loud noises like nearby construction, thunderstorms or household appliances
  • Moving or relocating

Spotting the signs of behavioral issues

Each pet is unique but keep an eye out for these common signs of behavioral problems:

  • Vocalization: incessant barking, howling or crying that doesn't stop after a few minutes
  • Destructive behavior: chewing on door frames, digging at carpets or destroying pillows
  • Pacing and panting: heavy drooling and anxious pacing. 
  • Inappropriate elimination: a perfectly house-trained pet suddenly having accidents indoors
  • Repetitive actions: excessive licking and chewing of legs, paws and other areas of the body pets can reach

Treating pets with behavior issues

Treatment for pets with a behavior issue typically involves a stepwise approach aimed at reducing distress and improving their comfort by teaching them how to cope. 

  1. Stick to a schedule: pets thrive with predictability. Designate times for play, attention, meals and exercise. 
  2. Keep dogs busy: Keep dogs’ bodies and minds moving with regular playtime, treat-dispensing toys and walks to engage their senses (not just bathroom breaks). 
  3. Reward desired behaviors: Many times, pets that are sitting or laying down quietly are ignored. Instead, reward calm and desirable behaviors. It encourages them to repeat them.
  4. Behavioral modification and training: Behavioral modification involves teaching your pet to respond differently to stressors. This change takes patience and consistency.

When to call in the pros

If your pet is injuring themselves, destroying your home or if their anxiety is so severe that basic desensitization isn't working, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian. They can rule out underlying medical issues and may recommend calming supplements, anxiety medication or a referral to a certified veterinary behaviorist.

How your Fetch Pet Membership can support your pet's behavioral health 

Addressing behavioral challenges sometimes requires professional intervention and the costs for specialized care can add up quickly. This is where Fetch Pet Insurance can be a lifesaver. 

Fetch Pet can help cover the costs of veterinary visits, behavioral therapy and prescription medications for anxiety, aggression or separation issues with 100% reimbursement. Whether your pet needs to work with a certified veterinary behaviorist or requires medication to ease their transition, you’re covered up to $1,000 a year with no copay and no deductible.

The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.

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