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

Extract from the show 30 Millions d'Amis

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

Give it time

Whether he accompanied you during the holidays or whether you placed him for some time during your absence, these two situations have one thing in common: that of having disrupted his routine. And the return to the fold is no exception to the rule, that of upsetting your little routine! 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 or sleeping," says Dr Laetitia Barlerin. We also observe animals that destroy, chew, make holes in the garden … In reality, they are trying 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 return to school. Used to being almost always by our side, during the holidays or with telework – increased because of the health crisis – he suddenly finds himself alone. The incomprehension is great. If the animal has stayed in boarding school, it is a joy to find its master. But there again, with the resumption of activities, he suffers again from our absence: " For example, you have to lengthen the duration of the dog's walk, or give your cat more play and cuddles ", advises Dr. Barlerin. The signs of anxiety should then disappear.

Prepare for his return to school

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

If he refuses to eat, do not dramatize: he will not allow himself to starve. On the other hand, nothing prevents you from decorating your usual croquettes with slightly tastier dishes: cheese, fish, cold meats … in an exceptional way of course. Appetite should gradually return. Give your pet time to get used to his “old” life again.

If after 15 days, no improvement is noted, a visit to the veterinarian is required. He will then have recourse to a light treatment: " The animals recover very quickly when they are helped ", concludes Dr Laetitia Barlerin.

Video: © 30 Millions d'Amis
Photo: © Fotolia.com