Now that most schools are fully up and running for the new term, pet owners are being urged to spare a thought for their pets.

Experts in pet care say that when pupils return to full time education, cats and dogs are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety, which can result in a change in their animals’ behaviour at the end of summer holidays.  

A study by Pets at Home* revealed that more than four in 10 children admitted to having more fun with their pet than they do with their friends or siblings with more than half of children surveyed spending more than an hour interacting with their furry friend each day.

The results also discovered that a third of children are unhappy when spending time away from their pet and one in ten were noticeably upset whilst apart from them.

Carolyn Mentheith, an expert in dog training and behaviour, said: “The main problem with the end of the holidays is that very often the dog will have had 24/7 company as the family are all at home - and then suddenly everyone vanishes and the dog is left home alone. This is especially a problem for people who choose to get puppies during the holidays and at a time when they have time to devote to their new arrival.

“The puppy comes straight from the constant company of their mum and littermates into the home, thinks that their new life will consist of having humans around them all the time - and they never learn the coping strategies needed to cope with being on their own for the very first time in their life.

“While it's great to get a puppy in the holidays while you have time to devote to them, part of that time has to be spent slowly and gradually teaching them that it's safe to be alone.”

This opinion is shared by head of pets at Pets at Home, Dr Maeve Moorcroft.

Dr Moorcroft, said: “After being surrounded by family for a few weeks, pets get used to the fun and attention children bring them, but a suddenly empty home can affect them.

“Even well-behaved pets start exhibiting strange or unruly behaviour when this happens, but there are actions you can take to minimise this.”

Now back to school season is truly here, Pets at Home has developed five top tips for preparing your pet:

1. Keep all arrivals and departures low-key. For example, when you arrive home, ignore your pet for the first few minutes, then calmly stroke them. This may be hard for you to do, but it's important
2. Lessen the feeling of loss by leaving behind an item of clothing in their bed, as having your scent around will help your pet relax
3. Leave the TV or radio on to reassure the pet that someone is at home
4. Where possible, try to play with your cat or walk your dog before you leave so they will be more inclined to sleep while you are away
5. Don’t punish bad behaviour such as chewing the furniture, make sure they have enough toys around to keep them entertained. For pets that do show signs of being stressed, try using calming products like Feliway for cats, Adaptil for dogs or pet remedy for all pets, including small animals