Going Back to Routine: How to Help Your Dog or Cat Adjust After Summer

Summer can be one of the best times of year for our pets. Longer days, more time spent outdoors, holidays, day trips, relaxed mornings and plenty of extra time with their favourite people can make the summer months feel like one long adventure.

But as summer comes to an end, life often starts to change again. Holidays finish, children go back to school, working hours return to normal and the household gradually settles back into its usual rhythm. While you might be looking forward to getting back into a routine, your pet may need a little more time to adjust.

Dogs and cats are creatures of habit, and changes to their usual routine can sometimes be unsettling. Even seemingly small changes, such as breakfast being served later, a different walk time or suddenly spending more time alone, can take some getting used to.

The good news is that there are plenty of simple ways you can help your dog or cat transition from summer mode back to their everyday routine. With a little preparation, consistency and patience, you can make the change much easier for everyone.

Why routine matters to pets

Our pets may not understand what a calendar says or know that the summer holidays are coming to an end, but they quickly learn patterns in everyday life. They become familiar with when they are fed, when they go outside, when their favourite person comes home and when it is time to settle down for the night.

A predictable routine can help pets feel secure because they have a better idea of what to expect. Consistency can help reduce stress in pets, and recommends keeping regular feeding and exercise routines where possible.

During summer, however, those patterns can easily change. Perhaps you've been getting up later, taking your dog for walks at different times to avoid the heat, spending more time at home or allowing your cat to spend longer outside during lighter evenings.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying a more relaxed summer schedule. The important thing is to recognise that returning to normal can be a change for your pet too.

Rather than suddenly going from a summer full of attention and activity to a completely different schedule, try to make the transition gradually wherever possible.

Start getting back into a routine before you need to

One of the easiest ways to make the transition smoother is to start before your normal routine actually returns.

If you know that you're going back to work or that the children are returning to school soon, begin moving your pet's schedule towards the new routine a little at a time. This might mean bringing breakfast forward, adjusting walk times or gradually introducing periods when your pet needs to entertain themselves.

For example, if your dog has become accustomed to having you around for most of the day, suddenly leaving them alone for several hours can be a significant change. Instead, start with short periods apart and gradually increase them. It is recommended to build up alone time slowly rather than making a sudden change.

The same principle can apply to cats. While cats are often considered more independent than dogs, they can still become accustomed to having people around more frequently. A cat that has spent weeks enjoying extra company may notice when the household suddenly becomes quieter.

Small adjustments can make a big difference.

Re-establish regular mealtimes

Mealtimes are one of the easiest parts of your pet's routine to make consistent.

If your pet has been enjoying breakfast at a different time during the summer, gradually move their meals towards the times you plan to stick to once your normal schedule resumes. Keeping feeding times predictable can help your pet know what to expect throughout the day.

Try to avoid making lots of changes at once. If you're changing feeding times, exercise times and the amount of time your pet spends alone, doing everything suddenly can make the transition more difficult.

Instead, introduce changes gradually and give your pet time to settle into each one.

It's also worth checking how much food and how many treats your pet has been receiving over the summer. Extra treats, holiday leftovers or changes in activity levels can sometimes affect their overall diet. As you return to normal, make sure their daily food intake is appropriate for their size, age, lifestyle and individual needs.

If you're unsure whether your pet's diet or weight has changed significantly, speak to your vet for personalised advice.

Get your dog back into regular walks

For many dogs, summer means more opportunities for adventure. Walks may have been longer, more frequent or taken in completely different places. You may have spent more time exploring beaches, parks, woodland or the countryside together.

When everyday life returns, your dog's walking routine may need to change too.

Try to establish regular walk times that fit realistically around your normal schedule. Your dog will quickly learn when it's time to grab the lead and head out.

Remember that a return to routine doesn't mean walks have to become boring. Even if you have less time available, you can make walks mentally stimulating by allowing your dog plenty of opportunities to sniff and explore, incorporating some training or varying your routes when you can.

If your dog's activity level has been particularly high over the summer, don't assume you need to suddenly increase or decrease exercise dramatically. Aim for a routine that is suitable for your individual dog's age, breed, health and fitness level.

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You can also make up for shorter walks with enrichment at home. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, interactive toys and appropriate chew toys can provide opportunities for mental stimulation when you don't have hours available for outdoor adventures to help keep dogs mentally stimulated.

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Don't forget about your cat's routine

Cats can have very different routines from dogs, particularly if they have outdoor access. During summer, longer daylight hours may mean your cat spends more time exploring outside, while warm evenings can encourage them to stay out later.

As the seasons change and household routines return to normal, your cat may need to adjust to different meal, play and outdoor times.

Try to keep feeding times consistent, particularly if your cat is used to coming home around mealtimes. If your cat spends more time indoors, make sure they still have plenty of opportunities for play, exploration and rest.

A cat-friendly home should offer different types of spaces and activities. Consider providing:

• Comfortable places to sleep and relax

• Safe hiding places where your cat can retreat when they want some peace

• High resting spots where they can observe their surroundings

• Scratching posts or pads

• Interactive and puzzle toys

• Opportunities for play and hunting-style activities

Cats don't necessarily need constant attention from us, but they do benefit from an environment that allows them to behave naturally and choose how they spend their time.

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Prepare your pet for more time alone

Perhaps the biggest change after summer is that your pet may suddenly spend more time without you.

If you've been working from home, taking time off or simply spending more days together, your dog or cat may have become used to your presence. Going from having company throughout the day to being alone for long periods can be challenging.

This is particularly important for dogs. If your dog isn't accustomed to being left alone, don't wait until the first day back at work to discover that they are struggling.

Instead, practise gradually.

Start by spending short periods in another room while your dog remains settled. You can then gradually increase the amount of time you're apart, always paying attention to how your dog responds. The aim is to help them learn that being alone is a normal part of the day and that you will return. Try to make departures and arrivals calm rather than turning them into big emotional events. 

It's also important not to punish your dog if they struggle. Barking, destructive behaviour, pacing or accidents in the house can be signs that a dog is distressed rather than simply being "naughty". Separation-related problems can require professional support, so speak to your vet if you're concerned.

For dogs that need to spend some time alone, make sure they have access to a comfortable, safe area and suitable enrichment. An interactive feeder or puzzle toy can give them something constructive to focus on, provided it is appropriate and safe for them to use unsupervised.

Remember that dogs vary enormously in how comfortable they are being alone. It is recommended that dogs should not routinely be left alone for more than four hours, although individual circumstances and needs differ.

Give your pet somewhere quiet to relax

After a busy summer, it can be tempting to fill your pet's schedule with activities as you try to get back to normal. However, rest is just as important.

Make sure your pet has somewhere they can retreat to when they want some peace and quiet.

For a dog, this might be a comfortable bed in a quiet corner of the house or a crate if they have been crate trained. For a cat, it could be a cosy bed, covered hiding space or elevated resting spot.

A safe space is particularly useful when the household becomes busy again. Children returning to school, visitors coming and going and changes in household activity can all affect your pet.

Your pet should be able to choose when they want interaction and when they want to rest. If they go to their bed, crate or hiding place, give them space rather than repeatedly calling them out.

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Keep enrichment part of the everyday routine

One of the biggest mistakes we can make when returning to a busy schedule is assuming that our pets only need attention when we have plenty of spare time.

Enrichment can be incorporated into everyday life, even on busy days.

For dogs, you could try feeding part of their normal daily food allowance through a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat, hiding treats around an appropriate area for them to find, or spending a few minutes practising positive-reinforcement training.

For cats, short play sessions can be extremely useful. Toys that encourage chasing, stalking and pouncing can provide opportunities for natural behaviours. Rotating toys rather than leaving every toy available all the time can also help keep familiar items interesting.

Enrichment doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. The key is providing appropriate opportunities for your pet to use their body and brain.

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Make the return to normal positive

A routine doesn't have to mean less fun.

One of the best ways to help your pet adjust is to make the new routine something they enjoy. If mornings are going to become busier, perhaps establish a short but enjoyable play or training session before you leave. If evenings are quieter, make time for a relaxing walk, grooming session or cuddle.

Think about what your pet particularly enjoyed during the summer and how you can carry some of those experiences into the rest of the year.

Maybe your dog loved exploring new places. You could plan a different walking route at the weekend. Perhaps your cat enjoyed chasing a new toy. Keep incorporating short play sessions into the week.

The goal isn't to recreate the summer indefinitely. It's to make sure your pet still has positive experiences within their new routine.

Watch for signs that your pet is struggling

Most pets will adjust to changes with time, but it's important to pay attention to their behaviour.

A temporary change in behaviour isn't necessarily a cause for concern, particularly when you've recently changed their routine. However, persistent or significant changes should not simply be dismissed as your pet "getting used to it".

Depending on the individual animal, signs that your pet may be stressed or struggling can include:

• Becoming unusually withdrawn or clingy

• Excessive vocalisation

• Changes in appetite

• Destructive behaviour

• Pacing or restlessness

• Toileting accidents

• Hiding more than usual

• Changes in sleeping patterns

• Excessive grooming in cats

• Changes in normal social behaviour

Some of these signs can also indicate an underlying medical problem, so if you notice a persistent or worrying change, contact your vet. Behavioural problems can have medical causes, and your vet can help determine what support your pet needs.

Most importantly, don't punish your pet for behaviour that may be linked to stress or anxiety. Punishment can increase fear and make the problem worse.

Give older pets a little extra time

Every pet is an individual, and some will find routine changes easier than others.

Older pets may need a little more patience, particularly if they have health problems or age-related changes that affect their ability to adapt. A routine that changes frequently can be more difficult for some senior pets, so try to keep things as predictable as possible.

If your older dog or cat seems particularly unsettled by changes, speak to your vet. They can help you determine whether there is an underlying health issue and offer advice tailored to your pet.

A simple back-to-routine checklist

As summer draws to a close, it can help to think about your pet's routine as a whole rather than focusing on one individual change.

Before your normal schedule returns, consider whether you need to gradually adjust:

• Feeding times

• Walk times

• Bedtimes

• Outdoor access

• Play sessions

• Alone time

• Toilet breaks

• Enrichment activities

• Grooming

• Weekend activities

You don't necessarily need to change everything. If your pet's summer routine already works well alongside your everyday life, there's no reason to abandon it simply because the season is changing.

The most important thing is consistency.

The key is to take it slowly

The end of summer doesn't need to be a difficult time for your pet.

If your dog's walks are changing, your cat's outdoor routine is becoming different or you're returning to work after weeks of spending more time at home, give your pet the opportunity to adjust gradually.

Keep their feeding and exercise routines as consistent as possible, introduce periods of alone time slowly, provide plenty of appropriate enrichment and make sure they always have somewhere comfortable to relax.

Most importantly, remember that every pet is different. What one dog or cat takes in their stride might be a big adjustment for another. 

With a little preparation, patience and consistency, your pet can settle happily back into their everyday routine - while still enjoying plenty of the fun, attention and adventures that made summer special in the first place.