Back to Routine: Supporting Your Animal Through Post-Summer Anxiety

As we return to our regular schedules after the summer holidays, it's important to remember that our beloved animal companions may be feeling just as unsettled by these changes as we are. The shift from relaxed summer routines back to work schedules, school runs, and busier households can trigger anxiety in our sensitive animal friends.

Understanding Post-Summer Anxiety in Animals

During the summer months, many animals become accustomed to having their humans around more often. They enjoy the comfort of constant companionship, longer walks, outdoor adventures, and a more relaxed household atmosphere. When September arrives and routines suddenly change, animals can experience what we might call "back-to-school anxiety" even if they're not the ones heading to the classroom.

This anxiety often manifests in various ways that can be challenging for guardians to navigate. You might notice your animal displaying behaviours such as:

• Excessive barking or vocalising when left alone

• Destructive behaviours like chewing furniture or scratching woodwork

• Changes in toileting habits or inappropriate elimination

• Loss of appetite or refusing favourite foods

• Overgrooming or repetitive behaviours

• Hiding away or withdrawing from family activities

• Clingy behaviour or difficulty settling when you're home

• Fear-based reactions to previously manageable situations

It's crucial to remember that these behaviours are your animal's way of communicating their emotional state. They're not being "naughty", they're expressing genuine distress about the changes in their world.

Understanding and Communication

One way to help an anxious animal is simply to acknowledge their feelings and create space for understanding. Many animals feel misunderstood when their anxiety manifests in challenging behaviours. When we approach their anxiety with compassion rather than frustration, we create an environment where healing can begin.

Consider spending quiet moments with your animal, simply being present with them. Animals are incredibly intuitive and can sense when we're genuinely trying to understand their perspective. This connection alone can provide comfort and begin to reduce their anxiety levels.

Practical Steps for Supporting Your Animal

1. Gradual Routine Changes

Rather than abruptly shifting from summer freedom to structured schedules, try implementing changes gradually over a week or two. This gives your animal time to adjust without feeling abandoned or overwhelmed.

2. Create Comfort Zones

Establish safe spaces in your home where your animal can retreat when feeling anxious. This might be a cosy corner with their favourite blanket or a quiet room where they won't be disturbed.

3. Maintain Connection Rituals

Even with busier schedules, prioritise daily bonding time with your animal. This could be morning cuddles, evening brushing sessions, or simply sitting together while you have your coffee.

4. Energy Balancing and Healing

Consider holistic approaches to support your animal's emotional wellbeing. Gentle healing like Reiki can help balance their energetic body and relieve stress. Even if you're not trained in these techniques, your calm, loving presence provides its own form of healing energy.

5. Natural Support Options

Some animals benefit from calming herbs or aromatherapy that might support your specific animal's needs through an Applied Zoopharmacognosy session.

How Animal Communication can help

Animal Communication can be particularly valuable during transition periods, as it allows you to understand your animal's specific concerns and what would help them feel safer.

Sometimes animals have particular worries about routine changes that we might not anticipate. Perhaps they're concerned about a family member's wellbeing, confused about new schedules, or carrying stress from a past experience. Understanding these underlying concerns can make all the difference in how effectively you can support them.

Remember that adjustment takes time. Be patient with your animal as they navigate these changes, and be gentle with yourself as well. The transition back to routine can be stressful for the whole family, and acknowledging this helps create a more compassionate environment for everyone.

Your animal's anxiety is not a reflection of anything you've done wrong. It's simply their natural response to change, and with understanding, patience, and the right support, they will settle into the new routine.