Backpacks, Lunchboxes & ER Visits: Why Fall Can Be Risky for Pets

The start of a new school year brought packed lunches, drop-offs, and shifting routines, but for pets, it can also mean confusion, loneliness, and unexpected emergencies.

Let’s walk through a few real-world scenarios that illustrate why our ER at Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital sees a spike in visits every fall, and how you can help prevent your pet from becoming part of the trend.

Case #1: Toby the Golden Retriever & the Missing Glue Stick

Toby’s family was rushing to get out the door for the first day of school. Amid the backpacks and breakfast hustle, a glittery glue stick rolled off the table and onto the floor. By the time anyone noticed, it was already gone, swallowed whole.

ER outcome: Toby arrived vomiting, and X-rays confirmed a foreign body obstruction. He needed endoscopic removal to prevent further complications.

🧠 Lesson: School supplies like glue, crayons, and erasers are colorful and chewy, just like dog toys. Always keep them stored high or zipped away.

Case #2: Luna the Lab Mix & the Empty House Blues

Luna had been used to spending summer days with the kids. But once school started, she found herself home alone. By week two, her anxiety had kicked in. She chewed through the doorframe and ate a sock she found in a backpack left by the door.

ER outcome: She presented with lethargy and vomiting. Exploratory surgery revealed a blockage.

🧠 Lesson: Separation anxiety peaks during transitions. Pets that are suddenly left alone may act out or ingest non-food items. Try puzzle toys, pet-safe enrichment, or gradual schedule changes.

Case #3: Max the Cat & the Mystery Illness

Max, an indoor cat, began hiding more and eating less after the school-year rush began. With no one noticing at first, his symptoms escalated to full-blown illness before his family realized something was wrong.

ER outcome: Max was diagnosed with a urinary obstruction, common in stressed male cats. His condition was treatable but could have been fatal if left any longer.

🧠 Lesson: When households get busy, subtle signs of illness in pets are easy to miss. Check in with your pets daily, especially older or anxious animals.

Back-to-School Pet Safety Tips

• ✅

  Designate a backpack drop zone

  far from pets.

• ✅

  Stick to a routine

  for feeding, walking, and playtime.

• ✅

  Use interactive toys

  to curb anxiety and boredom.

• ✅

  Keep trash, lunch wrappers, and snacks

  well out of reach.

• ✅

  Watch for early signs of stress

  : pacing, hiding, clinginess, GI upset.

As your schedule changes, take a moment to consider how those changes affect your furry family members. Prevention, routine, and awareness go a long way, but if something feels off, trust your instincts.

Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital is here 24/7 for emergency pet care in Portsmouth, NH. We’re just a call away when fall takes an unexpected turn.