It’s back-to-school season again! That magical time of year when the house transforms from summer chaos to…slightly more organized chaos. Kids are packing backpacks, stuffing lunchboxes, and losing their shoes five minutes before the bus arrives.

But amid the hustle, there’s one very important group being completely left out: your pets.

While you’re figuring out how to get your child to wear pants and remember their homework, your dog or cat is quietly (or not-so-quietly) discovering new ways to get into trouble. So, before school starts, here’s your crash course in “How Not to Poison Your Pet 101.”

1. Backpacks: Snack Stations for Sneaky Pets

To your dog, your kid’s backpack is a glorious treasure chest filled with forbidden delights: half-eaten PB&J, a leaky juice box, and a sticky granola bar stuck to a math worksheet. Yum.

And your cat? She probably couldn’t care less about the sandwich, but that dangling zipper pull is now her mortal enemy. Plus, backpacks smell like the great outdoors (aka intriguing new nap spots), so don’t be surprised if she curls up inside—right on top of a chocolate-laced cookie.

Watch out for:

  • Grapes and raisins – major kidney risk for dogs.
  • Xylitol (in sugar-free gum, mints) – even a tiny amount is super toxic to dogs.
  • Chocolate – still a hard no for both dogs and cats.
  • Snack wrappers – cause blockages or choking, especially if your cat treats it like prey.

Pro Tip: Do a post-school backpack sweep like your life (and vet bill) depends on it. Because it kind of does.

2. School Supplies: Not Toys, Despite What Your Pet Thinks

Markers, glue sticks, erasers, and scissors—aka “cat bait” and “dog chewables.” While most of these items say “non-toxic,” that’s more of a human disclaimer. Pets? Whole different digestive system.

  • Glue can cause tummy issues. (Even the “safe” kind is not meant for dog bellies.)
  • Ink pens are a mess waiting to happen (hello, blue-streaked whiskers).
  • Rubber bands, pencil grips, and paper clips = choking hazards, especially for cats who treat everything like it’s part of a tiny Cirque du Soleil act.

Tip: Tell the kids: “Supplies go in the bin, not on the floor.” Your cat might ignore you—but your dog might not get the chance to eat a pink eraser that way.

3. Medications: Tiny Bottles, Big Dangers

When school starts, medications like ADHD pills, allergy meds, or even ibuprofen show up on counters, in backpacks, or, let’s be honest, forgotten on the couch.

  • Stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin are very toxic to pets. Even a small dose can cause tremors, seizures, or worse.
  • Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen are a huge no-no for dogs and cats.
  • Children’s vitamins or melatonin gummies may seem innocent, but many contain xylitol or iron.

Note for cat owners: Cats are particularly sensitive to many medications. Even a single Tylenol tablet is deadly for them. Because, apparently, cats read the “Do Not Ingest” label and take it as a personal dare.

4. Craft Time = Chaos for Pets

Ah, the joy of glue and glitter flying through the air. Your kids are being creative, your dog is drooling over the Elmer’s glue, and your cat is contemplating how to knock over the entire art bin from a high shelf.

  • Slime-making ingredients (like borax and glue): definitely not pet-friendly.
  • Paints (especially oil-based or old-school craft kits): potentially toxic and always messy.
  • Modeling clay, science kits, and batteries: If your pet chews or swallows any of these, you’re heading to the emergency vet faster than you can say “volcano project.”

Solution: Have a craft zone. Close the door. Let your pets live another day without tasting neon paint.

5. Separation Anxiety: It’s Real (and Furry)

With the kids gone most of the day, pets can feel lonely, bored, or just plain betrayed. Dogs might whine or chew your couch. Cats may take revenge by knocking your glasses into the toilet. (You know who you are, Whiskers.)

Signs of stress:

  • Dogs: Excessive barking, pacing, destruction (ahem, goodbye throw pillows).
  • Cats: Hiding, overgrooming, or dramatic puking in exactly the spot you’ll step in.

Fix it: Provide toys, comfy beds, window perches (for the feline neighborhood watch), and maybe even a pet cam if you want to spy on their mid-day naps. Calming pheromone diffusers can help, too—because even cats sometimes need a chill pill (figuratively, not literally) and if that isn’t enough there are wonderful oral prescription options too that can help both our cats and dogs help to be the best versions of themselves.

Final Bell: Class Dismissed

Back-to-school is exciting, chaotic, and loaded with unexpected hazards for your pets. From forgotten lunch crumbs to rogue glue sticks and those ever-tempting pill bottles, this time of year is basically one big episode of “Will They Eat It?”

But a few smart habits—backpack checks, keeping supplies out of reach, locking up meds, and being a little more aware—can keep your furry friends safe and sound.

So go ahead, get those first-day-of-school pics. Just make sure the dog isn’t eating the markers in the background… and the cat hasn’t claimed your kid’s backpack as her new personal throne.

And as always, if you ever have any questions or concerns we are always happy to help!