Receive local adoptable pets PLUS updates for pet lovers in your inbox every week!

Mornings are once again filled with alarm clocks going off, grumbling kids who aren’t ready to get out of bed, and fast-paced mornings filled with a quick breakfast and first day of school pictures, officially marking the end of summer vacation. Getting back into the school year routine can be tough for both parents and children, but it can also be difficult for your furry family members as well.

Pets who have been used to months of constant playtime and a bustling home may be confused when the house suddenly goes quiet while the kids are away at school. While some may patiently await the return of their owners, others may start to show some signs of separation anxiety, which can take a toll on their sense of security and cause a lack of energy, decreased appetite, increased vocalizing and even destructive behaviors like chewing or scratching.

Luckily, there are many ways an owner can alleviate some of the back-to-school blues and help the transition go smoothly for the entire family. Put in some extra exercise time for your pet that allows them to redirect their energy on something positive while burning some pent-up energy they have been holding on to through the day. Provide enrichment toys, puzzles and treats to keep their minds stimulated and busy instead of anxiously waiting at the window or door for the school bus to pull up. Encourage the family to spend some extra one-on-one time with the pet, after homework is completed of course, to promote bonding and to let them know they are safe and loved. For more extreme cases of the blues, pheromone products may be used in the house to reduce stress, or you can talk with your veterinarian about other available options.

Going back to school can be a stressful time for everyone involved and providing ways to help your pet cope with all the changes will be vital in having an A+ year.

Summer break may be over, but good times with great people can still be had! Join us next Sunday, Aug. 28, at Thunderbowl/McCoy’s in Council Bluffs from noon to 4 p.m. for our fifth annual Wags & Wheels Car Show. We welcome you to come as a guest or you can register your car in one of our 13 judging classes. If the parking lot fills up, there is additional parking at East Side Christian Church, with a free shuttle to bring you right to the center of the fun. If you have any questions, please contact Mariah at mgarcia@midlandshumanesociety.org or 712-396-2264.

MHS Pets of the Week brought to you by Iowa Western Community College: Dexter is a 2-year-old German Shepherd who is a high energy boy looking for an owner who can keep him busy and work on his basic obedience skills. He has no experience with children so older kids in the home are preferred. Red is a 9-year-old Pointer mix who doesn’t act his age and is still very spry and energetic. He has lived most of his life as an outdoor dog but had a habit of chasing the livestock. He would love a home to retire in that will give him both a good napping spot and space to run and play. Half Pint is a beautiful 1-year-old Domestic Shorthair that can start off shy with new people, but is a big sweetheart when she warms up. She would like a low-key home where she can acclimate at her own pace. Tigger is a 1-year-old female Domestic Shorthair that may not be able to use her tail as a spring to jump up and down, but she does have the same charming personality of her namesake. Visit these adoptable pets on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays from noon to 6 p.m. Midlands will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 24 for staff training.

Receive local adoptable pets PLUS updates for pet lovers in your inbox every week!

With the influx of animals coming in the doors and the challenges surrounding accessing high volume spaying and neutering, Dr. Elizabeth Farri…

Pet theft is on the rise across the U.S., so it is important to be prepared and be alert. Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club.

Hello from SOLAS, and welcome to the next chapter of cats, cats, kittens!

As pets reach their golden years, they require a lot more health care to stay healthy and happy. Here are some helpful expert tips.

Adopting a dog from the shelter comes with many joys: a new snuggle buddy for those movie nights on the couch, a partner to take with you on y…

Hello from SOLAS, and welcome to the next chapter of cats, cats, kittens!

Midlands Humane Society has received a $30,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to help prepare more homeless pets in Council Bluffs and Pottawat…

Today is the National Day of the Cowboy, declared in 2005 to be celebrated on the fourth Saturday of July each year to honor the legacies of t…

Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.