Back to school: watch out for the blues! (Video) TEST 5 TITR

Excerpt from the program 30 Millions d'Amis

Deterioration, loss of appetite, uncleanliness… There are many signs that may indicate a certain discomfort in your pet when they return from vacation. But don't panic: he just has the blues! Back to school implies, as for humans, a certain change of pace and habits. Small traumas that are easy to decipher and deal with on a daily basis.

give it time

Whether he accompanied you during the holidays or you placed him for some time during your absence, these two situations have one thing in common: that of having upset his routine. And the return to the fold is no exception to the rule, that of turning your little routine upside down! The consequences of this disarray are then clearly visible: “ The dog no longer eats, no longer plays, is not interested in anything, spends the day licking himself or sleeping, says Dr. Laetitia Barlerin. We also observe animals that destroy, chew, make holes in the garden… In reality, they try to occupy themselves. »

Our own changes in habits are also at the origin of its disturbances. The animal does not understand the reason why we are absent to go to work, or why the children go back to school. Accustomed to being almost permanently by our side, during the holidays or with teleworking – increased due to the health crisis – he suddenly finds himself alone. The misunderstanding is great. If the animal stayed in boarding, it is all about the party to find its master. But here again, with the resumption of activities, he again suffers from our absence: " For example, you have to extend the duration of the dog's walk, or give your cat more play sessions and cuddles ," advises Dr. Barlerin. The signs of anxiety should then disappear.

Prepare him for his return

" We are organizing the return of the children, why shouldn't we prepare that of our animals? asks Laetitia Barlerin. The gestures are very simple: “ One week before the end of the holidays, leave your animal alone for an hour so that it gets used to your absence again. When you get home, hide the cat's kibble in the apartment, buy him a new toy! Find a new place to walk for your doggie, a park, a forest he doesn't know. » The important thing is to erase the feeling of abandonment which wins the animal at the time of the re-entry.

If he refuses to eat, do not dramatize: he will not let himself starve. On the other hand, nothing prevents you from enhancing your usual croquettes with slightly tastier dishes: cheese, fish, charcuterie… in an exceptional way of course. Appetite should gradually return. Give your pet time to get used to its "old" life.

If after 15 days, no improvement is observed, a visit to the veterinarian is essential. He will then resort to a light treatment: " The animals recover very quickly when we help them ", concludes Dr. Laetitia Barlerin.

Video: © 30 Million Friends
Photo: © Fotolia.com