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Animals almost tend to follow a routine. Days pass by in a consistent pattern, which gives the comfort and familiarity they require. So how do you spice it up? Summer plans or a radically different schedule can create stress for your pet and you, no doubt; but already with a little planning, you can actually make it easier and perhaps even fun for your friend.

Bright summer holidays truly do bring changes in your routines. Perhaps you are thinking of going on weekend hikes, dining on patios with buddies, or even starting a new job. That all sounds great for you; your pet isn’t going to be very thrilled, because it’s going to pull her away from the comfort of her usual routine. You may find, too, that while your own schedule isn’t changing all that much, your pet’s circadian rhythm is altered by more hours of daylight waking up even earlier with the sun.
Introducing new routines feels like an enormous task. Here are five such simple tips to make a routine change easier for you and your pet.

2. Gradually Change Routines
   Your pet’s life depends on routine, so when any part of the routine has to be adjusted—meals since no walks will enable it to happen—then such changes should be gradual. Sudden changes tend to confuse or make your pet feel uneasy, especially where it affects regular occurrences.
   For instance, if you want to change your pet’s dinner time from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, do it bit by bit. Use the first day to feed your pet at 5:45 PM instead of at 5:30 PM towards making a change that takes an hour. For the rest of that week or two weeks, continue increasing feeding times by 15-minute intervals. Gradual change such as this ensures a smooth transition for your pet.
   Make trial runs with minimal and very brief absences if your schedule changes, making you leave home longer on weekends, for example. You could start with going away from the house for a period of 15 minutes as that is expected, then extending further until your pet has gotten used to the new routine. This helps to condition pets to associate absences with calm, expected habits that have more effect on their feelings by evoking lower anxiety levels when you’re away for longer periods of time.
3. Transform New Changes into Fun Times
   So let’s not create a big drama. Your pet doesn’t want you to go. They want to sit in your lap, wrestle, and join you in everything. But if the house will be empty because of your work, errands, or social engagements, make the absence productive for your pet.
   Provide your pet something fun with which to keep busy while you’re at work or running errands. Place a coil of food in a snuffle mat or in puzzle toys, put it within reach for them to concentrate on it while you are away. You can also leave the television on to your pet’s favorite nature documentary or soothing sounds to make them feel less lonely.
   Even things that seem unpleasant can be enjoyable. For example, when your pet needs grooming during the summer months, you can have a fun time during the grooming by providing yummy treats such as peanut butter or other special goodies that are given only at the time of grooming. Does your cat hate riding in the car? Play some soothing music on the trips so they can relax.
   Such routine changes could be combined with something enjoyable to create a positive association that takes the edge off.
4. Release Their Energy
   Absolutely one of the best things to do for your pet during an elaborate transition is to exercise. Exercise usually works in making animals calmer, thus energized animals tend to be anxious or frustrated as soon as they realize something has changed in their familiar environment. Meanwhile, it tires them out to their comfort and new change.
   Of course, it may not be possible to do an hour walk in the morning because of time, but just within the short time available, you can let them do little activities, run down the yard playing fetch or laser chase with them inside. Physical effort will help release energy when being cooped up either alone or when the schedule suddenly changes.
   New rest is also ensured for your pet after an exciting play time. Such changes like going to the vet or being away from you would not bother them because they are well adapted to it.
5. Keep It Cool
   Pets are quite sensitive to the moods of their owners. In case of a stressful situation or any change, whether it’s anxiety or too much excitement, the pet senses it and adds to the already stressful situation for itself. Hence the need for you to keep cool and composed when leaving the house or introducing any novelty into the routine.
   In case you’re used to modifying your schedule as you leave for work, try changing it to something more calming. Instead of rushing in preparation for your exit, put it all on low-key. The same is when arriving back home, avoid making fusses before your pet overjoyed. Too much excitement signals to them that something else is happening which can become the source of their anxiety.
   Just keeping neutral energy calm and in a state to reassure your pet everything is normal does end up minimising any need to react anxious at your absence-or-at-you’re-return.
6. Bring Your Own Cleats With You!
   Wouldn’t it be pretty cool to have your pet with you always? It might not be as easy as everyone else, but you would be amazed at the number of things than what you can do -fox on rides with your pet. They enjoy traveling, so you should search for pet-friendly places to allow your furry friend to travel along with you.
   Hiking trails are any favorite hiking trails open to dogs? Most local bars and cafes are pet-friendly, meaning you can take your dog with you while sipping drinks with your pals. Does your workplace allow pets? Take one along for the day to the office. Your pet might enjoy being around you besides getting extra attention from your coworkers.
   The more you involve your pet in your activities, the more the damage changes to the routine might affect them even less. This is win-win-winner for both of you!
   There’s no such thing as “just trivial” because these methods have been shown to ease transition irrespective of their nature into new environments-even meal times are being altered among others. The same principle applies to preparatory measures for a summer of exciting activities. Quite existent here are gradual changes, positive reinforcement, and keeping your pet’s needs in mind. Here’s to this new era of new routines, adventures, and lots of happy moments together.