hildren spend time with their dog at home. Families are urged to help pets adjust as school routines leave them alone for longer hours. [File,Standard]
For many families, the return to school brings back early mornings, school runs and busy evenings. But while children adjust to the new timetable, their pets must also cope with a major change at home.
Dogs that have spent the holidays surrounded by children may suddenly find themselves alone for much of the day.
The change can leave some dogs stressed, bored or unsettled, with signs such as barking, whining, pacing, destructive behaviour or withdrawal.
A 2022 study of 1,807 dogs in the United Kingdom found that 9.9 per cent developed new separation-related behaviours after COVID-19 restrictions eased and dogs spent more time alone.
Researchers linked the behaviour to changes in owners' routines.
The study did not examine school reopening or Kenyan households but offers context on how changes in daily routines can affect dogs.
For Kenyan families, the return to school can also make routine pet care easier to overlook, including walks, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention and veterinary visits.