What Happens When Your Pet’s Favourite Human Leaves for College

Animals feel safe and secure when they are in a familiar surrounding. Dogs specifically have serious separation anxiety when a person leaves. When that one person goes away, pets feel emotions, which they show in different ways.

• Dogs stop eating or lose interest in their daily activities. Some might become extra expressive, with barks and howls. The most heartbreaking scene, when they wait by the window or door for one glance of that favourite human.
• Cats are less expressive. They might hide more often and be clingy to other house members. Being reserved, the way of expression is mistaken for indifference, which others need to keep a look out for.
• Small pets like birds and rabbits also feel emotions. They also lose interest in eating and playing their favourite games.

When our source of comfort is taken away, we feel uneasy, same goes for all our pets, they have strong emotions too, just like us.

After your comfort is taken away, you try to adjust with the new normal, but it is not always a straightforward path. The same way, pets facer challenges which they need to overcome.

• Separation Anxiety: Indulging in mischievous activities, chewing furniture or even wanting to be let out of the door.
• Clinginess: Pets tend to turn towards other house members in search of the same comfort and secure feeling.
• Restlessness: Pets feel uneasy and starting whining, and throwing tantrums.

Understanding the pet once their favourite human has left is the responsibility of the remaining members of the household. Their actions are not intentionally mischievous, it’s their coping mechanism.

Here’s how they can make adjusting easier for your pets

1. Daily Routine: Making changes in your pets routine makes them wonder why. Try and maintain the same routine as closely as possible.
2. Virtual Connection: Tell your family members back home to put you on video calls to say hi to your pet. That familiarity of your voice will calm them down.
3. Stimulating Activity: Keep the actions and activities alive. Bring them new toys and puzzles which keep them engaged and feel less.
4. Share Love: Tell all your family members to just keep the flow of love high. Give them extra pets, cuddles, and play sessions.

By following just these few tips the next time you come back home, your pet will not have a void which was left behind by you while leaving.

We all know the feeling of meeting our best friend after ages, a tsunami of emotions just flow through your body don’t they? Pets will feel that exact feeling when you return home for your vacations. They’re the ones who have missed you the most. Their wagging tails, small circles they make when they’re excited, it all feels like a shower of love.

On the other hand some pets may be distant, may throw a tantrum, asking “why did you even leave in the first place.” But nothing to worry, spending time with them will bring back that spark and rebuild that connection like nothing ever happened.

Seeing a pet feel low when one leaves for college show how deeply they are attached to someone and how much love matters. It is the responsibility of the family behind to take care and provide them with the utmost comfort.

If surrounded by the right care, they will live a happier, steadier, and healthier life when you are away. Pets struggle when one leaves, but they also learn to adapt with the helping hand of people around them. For them, family is forever, just like their love, their loyalty remains unconditional no matter the distance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do pets miss their favorite human when they leave for college?
   Yes. Pets can experience separation anxiety, sadness, or changes in behaviour when their closest human suddenly leaves.
2. How can I help my pet cope with my absence while I’m at college?
   Keep their routine stable, provide toys and enrichment, and stay connected through video calls or leaving behind something with your scent.
3. Will my pet forget me if I’m gone for months?
   No. Pets have strong memories tied to scent and voice. They may feel distant at first, but they won’t forget you.
4. How long does it take for pets to adjust when a family member leaves?
   It varies by pet, but with patience, consistency, and affection, most adjust within a few weeks.