Our pets tend to find change stressful. Whether it’s the start of summer break or the end, our pets can expertly detect changes in routine. They may not understand why the kids are home, why everyone is packing clothes in a suitcase, or why grandma is visiting, but they notice something isn’t like it used to be. Now, as we prepare for back-to-school, it’s important to set up predictable routines for happier pets.
Why Pets Love Routine
Our pets navigate the world mostly through our eyes, rules, and desires. They don’t get much of a say in where they live, what they do for fun, or what they have for dinner. They do, however, have some control over their day-to-day activities, that is, if there is a routine.
Routines give pets something to look forward to. They reduce the anxiety associated with the unknown. And, they put our pets at ease. When asking yourself why pets love routine, consider that predictability, for most species, equals peace of mind.
How to Reestablish a Routine
Summer break is meant to be enjoyed. Especially in the Connecticut Shoreline, celebrating summer is as good for our local economy as it is for our psyche. Not to mention, getting out and about during the summer months allows us to enjoy our beautiful local beaches, trails, and more. After a chilly winter and rainy spring, summer beckons our participation.
Once summer winds down, however, it’s important to slowly but surely return to routines. Back-to-School time is a great time to recommit to personal goals, professional endeavors, etc. It’s also a great time to get back on track with regular exercise, a healthier diet, and healthier habits.
Routines help keep us, pets included, on track. To reestablish a routine, wake up at the same time each morning, get to bed around the same time every night, and plan your pets’ meals, walks, and playtime for consistent times throughout the day. Not only will setting schedules and routines help create predictability for your pet, but routines have also been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and make goal setting easier and more successful long-term.
Better Daily Pet Routines
As you’re envisioning your next few months, consider how your pet’s routine might be improved. Schedule a time for a dog walk that you can commit to. Or, hire a dog walker like our team at Shoreline Happy Paws to help take the task off your plate. Dog walks can greatly improve dogs’ quality of life and aid in their long-term health and overall wellness.
Schedule playtime, plan for regular grooming like brushing sessions and nail trims, etc. and browse enrichment feeders for cats and dogs to replace traditional pet bowls. Of course, always make time for snuggles on the couch or weekend morning lounging. Our pets live for quality time with us!
By making a plan for better daily pet routines, you’ll set yourself and your beloved pet up for success. Plus, you’ll have a plan in place for when days get busy, stressful, or otherwise unpredictable.
Routines by Shoreline Happy Paws
Often, when we arrive at a client’s home for a midday dog walk, we find the resident dog(s) waiting by the door. While pets cannot read clocks, that we know of, they adapt to routines quite quickly. At Shoreline Happy Paws, we see the benefit of routines for the whole family. And, we’re grateful to have the opportunity to help overextended families meet their pets’ needs and help them establish healthy habits and routines.
Following are our current Connecticut Shoreline service areas in which we offer in-home dog walking and pet sitting services:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
Please contact us by phone or text at 860-964-0464 or via email at info@cthappypaws.com to learn more.
