After a summer of lazy mornings, long walks, and extra attention from the kids at home, the sudden shift to hectic mornings, rushed drop-offs, and quiet households during the day can be confusing and stressful for our furry companions. The “back-to-school blues” can affect dogs and cats alike, but there are things you can do to help ease their transition.

Pets Feel the Change

Dogs and cats thrive on routine and companionship. When their human family suddenly disappears during the day, they may experience boredom and separation anxiety, or changes in appetite and behavior. 

Easing the Transition

1. Gradual Changes

If your kids haven’t started school yet, start adjusting your pet’s routine one to two weeks before school starts. Slowly shift feeding, walking, and play times to match the upcoming schedule. Making incremental changes will make the adjustment feel less abrupt for our pets.

2. Spend Quality Time in the Morning and Evenings

Spend a few minutes each morning playing with or walking your dog. This gives pets a positive start to the day and reinforces their bond with the family. Exercising your dog in the morning also helps them burn off nervous energy so they can nap during the day. After school and work, be sure to give pets plenty of love, attention, and exercise. A walk, cuddle session, or playtime helps them feel valued and part of the family again.

3. Keep Them Busy and Distracted

Turn on the TV or radio to help make the house less quiet. Give your pet a puzzle toy and a new chew toy to keep them busy when they are home alone. Besides making a variety of chews to match your dog’s needs and preferences, Nylabone makes innovative treat toys designed to keep your dog entertained longer. Their Stuffable Cone Dog Treat Toy and Fillable Peanut Dog Chew Toy allow you to put treats in the toy so your dog can stay preoccupied for hours trying to get the treats out. And as a bonus, in celebration of their 70^th birthday, Nylabone is donating a chew toy to Best Friends Animal Society for every purchased Nylabone. In addition to helping your dog stay busy, you’re helping enrich a shelter pet’s life. For more information or to upload your receipt go to: NylaboneCares.com

4. Give Them a Cozy New Bed

Buy your dog or a cat a new bed to encourage naps and relaxation while everyone is away. P.L.A.Y has a large selection of cozy, comfortable, and easy to maintain beds. Their California Dreaming Memory Foam Bed has plush bolster sides and a memory foam center cushion to provide extra comfort and support for your pup.

5. Watch for Signs of Stress

Excessive barking, chewing, bathroom accidents, or changes in behavior might be signs of separation anxiety. Consider trying calming products to help decrease your pet’s anxiety. There are all kinds of calming products available nowadays designed to decrease stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. Also consider doggy day care or setting up afternoon dog walks to get some of your pet’s energy out and break up their day. And remember if none of this helps, be sure to contact your veterinarian for help.

Pets Are Part of the Family Too

Back-to-school season is a time of growth and change, not just for children but for the whole household. With a little empathy and effort, your pets can adjust to the new routine and continue to thrive. There is no better way to end the school day, then coming home and being greeted by your four-legged friend waiting at the door.

For more about pet health or some pet-friendly ideas go to https://drruthpetvet.com/.
Facebook @DrRuthMacPete
Instagram @drruthmacpete

Losing pets is real. It’s estimated that approximately 10 million get lost each year, with 1 in 3 pets expected to go missing during their lifetimes. Unfortunately, many of these pets never find their way home.

That’s why PetPlace is supporting the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Check the Chip Day, a national awareness event that encourages pet parents to microchip their pets and register their microchips.

“A lost microchipped pet is much more likely to be reunited with their owners than a pet who isn’t microchipped,” says Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, a PetPlace veterinary expert who works as a medical provider in animal shelters. “Lost dogs are over twice as likely to be returned to their owners if they’re microchipped. Over a third of lost microchipped cats are returned to their owners, compared with under 2 percent of lost cats who are not microchipped.”

The Importance of Microchip Registration

Microchips only work if they are properly registered. That’s why PetPlace launched its Paws for Safety Awareness campaign earlier this summer.

“We refer to pets who are microchipped but not registered as digital strays,” says Sam Watson, president of PetPlace. “While they might have a physical microchip, that chip is useless if it’s not registered with a pet owner’s contact information. Registering your dog or cat’s chip is the first step in protecting them if they go missing.”

Essential Microchip Tips for Keeping Pets Safe

Dr. Koehler recommends the following microchip tips:

• Get your microchip from a licensed veterinarian or reputable microchip service provider. These providers ensure proper chip placement and a sterile environment for the procedure. If cost is a concern, contact nonprofit clinics, animal shelters, and animal control organizations to see if they offer discounted or free microchipping services.
  
• Ensure the chip is ISO-compliant and can be read by universal scanners. Your microchip provider should be able to tell you if this is the case.
  
• Keep a record of your microchip number in a safe place so that it is easily accessible. Write down the number and store it with other important documents and save a copy digitally on your phone or computer.
  
• Register your chip with a reliable registry partner. A microchip registry links your information to your pet’s chip. Reputable registries make it easy to enter and update your pet’s microchip, ensure secure data storage, and offer around-the-clock lost pet services.
  
• Include multiple contacts in your microchip information in case you are unreachable. Including the contact number of another family member or friend can be helpful if your pet goes missing and you lose cell phone service or your battery dies.
  
• Regularly update your microchip information. This is especially important if you get a new phone number or move. Consider setting an annual reminder to check your chip information.
  
• Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet’s microchip at annual appointments so you know it’s working properly. Although it’s rare, microchips can move or stop working. Your veterinarian can confirm that your pet’s microchip is working properly.
  
• Consider adding an additional ID tag to your pet’s collar as a backup. Physical ID tags provide an extra layer of security if your pet’s microchip does stop working.
  
• If your pet gets lost, report it immediately. Notify your microchip registry and local shelters.

“Losing a pet is one of the most scary and stressful things a pet parent can go through, but the relief that comes with reunification is real and palpable,” says Watson. “Microchipping your pet and registering that microchip provides peace of mind and ensures that you have all safeguards in place should the unthinkable happen.”

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) continues to advocate for responsible pet ownership throughout the Philippines, and for good reason. According to the BAI Animal Welfare Unit, caring for pets is not only a moral duty but also a legal responsibility under Republic Act No. 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act. Pet owners are expected to protect their animals from harm, maintain their health through regular vaccinations, and keep them under control in public spaces.

In this light, Tavo makes its timely debut with a product that supports the very heart of this advocacy: ensuring the safety and well-being of our furry companions, especially during travel. More than a travel solution, Tavo’s arrival highlights the growing importance of protecting pets on the move—not just for their comfort, but also to safeguard fellow passengers and promote broader community health and animal welfare.

Safety Built with Love, Backed by Global Standards

World-class pet travel safety has officially arrived in the Philippines, anchored on a simple, heartfelt promise: to protect your pets like family. Meet Tavo, the latest name in premium pet mobility, brought to you by the creators of Nuna, the award-winning Dutch baby gear brand trusted by families worldwide. 

With the Maeve 3-in-1 Pet Travel System, Tavo brings to the Philippines the first pet car seat rigorously tested to meet international standards for child safety. It’s a breakthrough for Filipino “paw-rents” looking for peace of mind on the road. Maeve is crash-tested to comply with United Nations ECE R129 child restraint regulations. It features advanced shock-absorbing technology and impact-resistant materials to protect both pets and passengers in the event of abrupt stops or collisions. Integrated smart harness points and secure locking mechanisms also help prevent accidental escapes and driving distractions.

“We know how deeply Filipinos love their pets—they’re part of the family,” shares Austin Hodges, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Nuna Baby. “With Tavo, we’re proud to extend our legacy of child safety innovation to our furry companions, offering them the same level of protection we’ve long provided for children,” he added.

Tavo’s Maeve 3-in-1 Pet Protection System

Inspired by Nuna’s decades of engineering innovation, Maeve is more than just a pet carrier—it’s a 3-in-1 pet travel system that includes:

• Maeve Pet Car Seat: A crash-tested pet car seat with plush interiors and breathable mesh panels for comfort 
• Vehicle Base: Built with an integrated secure locking mechanism using ISOFIX and dynamic stability controls, ensuring pets stay safe on the road
• Roscoe Foldable Stroller Frame: A sleek and lightweight frame designed for effortless

mobility perfect for errands or leisurely walks

“Protection is what makes the Maeve such a must-have,” adds Helen Johnson, Marketing Director at Tavo Pets. “It’s not just about keeping your pet safe, it’s about protecting everyone in the vehicle and creating a stress-free, comfortable environment on every trip,” she concluded.

Made for Filipino Pet Parents Who Want Only the Best

With pet ownership on the rise, especially in urban areas like Metro Manila, modern Filipino pet parents are increasingly looking for smarter, safer, and more stylish ways to bring their pets along for the journey. Maeve answers that need with a seamless blend of function and design, available in premium fashions like Onyx, Fawn, and Merle. The Roscoe Stroller Frame, sold separately, features vegan leather accents in Black and Chocolate for a refined, elevated finish.

Filipino pet owners eager to experience the Maeve 3-in-1 Pet Travel System up close can visit the Nuna store, located on the 3rd Level of Greenbelt 5, Greenbelt Drive, Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, Makati City. They can also find Tavo at Luxuri Pets by Aivee’s newest flagship store in Parqal Mall, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, from August. At both locations, pet parents can explore the full lineup of Tavo pet gear in person and discover how the brand merges world-class safety, premium craftsmanship, and pet-first design for life on the go. For added convenience, Tavo is also available online via Shopee.

Now available in over 23 countries, Tavo’s debut in the Philippines marks a new chapter in responsible pet travel. One that champions the five animal freedoms while advancing public safety and giving pets the protection they deserve as true family members.

Whether you’re heading to the vet, driving out of town, or enjoying a walk in the park, Tavo ensures each journey is safer and more comfortable for pets and the people who love them.