Back to school advice for pet owners
PET shop bosses have urged families to spare a thought for their furry friends as youngsters prepare to head back to school.
Pets across Hartlepool are going to have to settle into a less eventful routine as children head back to their studies next week.
Peter Stonehouse, store manager at Pets at Home, in Hartlepool, said: "Pets are very sociable and need our companionship just as much as we need theirs.
"This is especially true of children who play with the family pet and form a special bond with them."
Lack of attention can cause pets to suffer from 'separation anxiety', so vets advise all pet owners to get someone to walk or play with their pets everyday or to leave an item of the child's clothing behind, as the scent can help pets relax.
Peter added: "There's comfort and cuddle toys for dogs as well as training balls stuffed with treats to keep them occupied and reward them.
"Cats are a bit easier to keep amused, a nice place for a nap or a scratching post and they'll be happy.
"Rabbits and guinea pigs need exercise every day, so wheels, balls, tunnels and playpens are all ideal."
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Weather for Hartlepool
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
