A Santa Clarita veterinarian is talking about how a change in routine as kids go back to school this fall can affect pets.

“Every animal is different,” said Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto of Cinema Veterinary Centre. “There are some, especially dogs, that are sensitive to schedule changes and they like their family, their pack all home with them. When kids go back to school or if kids go off to college and they’re not around, you definitely can see a difference in their demeanor or their behavior.”

Some pets may appear “sad” or “down,” possibly even spending extra time in the child’s empty room during the day or night, according to Ronchetto.

Related: Fun Facts About Cats With Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto Of Cinema Veterinary Centre

Another possibility is for pets to act out as a result of anxiety, which could men tearing things up or having accidents in the house, Ronchetto continued.

Cats in particular tend to have what Ronchetto called “soiling issues” outside of the litter box when a disruption to their routine or other factor is causing them stress or anxiety.

“With cats, you usually have to make sure that it’s not a medical problem first,” Ronchetto said. “And if not, then ok, well what’s then causing the behaviors? And it’s usually some other kind of stress.”

For pets who are upset by back-to-school routine changes, Ronchetto recommends making some extra efforts until they can adjust.

“If you do have an animal that’s more sensitive that way … try to spend a little bit more time with them,” she said. “Take them out, play, chase the ball, take them on walks — get their minds off of it, and I think once they get back into the back-to-school routine, they’ll kind of snap out of it. It’s just that transition period that’s difficult for them.”

Dr. Jaimie Ronchetto, DVM, is a Santa Clarita veterinarian who opened her own veterinary hospital in Valencia after spending several years in private practice as an associate veterinarian at other SCV hospitals. Ronchetto and the staff at Cinema Veterinary Centre strive to give every dog, cat and pocket pet outstanding quality care in the areas of medicine and surgery. A Hart High School graduate, Ronchetto earned her BS degree from UC Davis and graduated with Honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cinema Veterinary Centre

23460 Cinema Drive

Valencia, CA 91355

(661) 253-9300

Cinema Veterinary Centre – Valencia

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