Many Roy residents have spent at least part of the past year working from home. Some have been working from home for even longer but are now heading back to the office. That transition can be especially tough on your pets. After a long time together, being separated can cause your pets to encounter high anxiety levels, bringing about some destructive or otherwise unwanted behaviors. To help acclimate your pet to your new work routine and keep these behaviors under control, the following are a couple of tips you can implement immediately and throughout the next few months.
Day Care
Perhaps you are concerned about leaving your pet home alone. Or they show signs of stress or boredom (peeing on the floor, excessive barking, spraying furniture, or chewing items). Try having someone stay with your pet for at least part of the day or take them to a playgroup. If you introduce your pet’s new caregiver before you need to go back to the office, that can go a long way toward easing the transition.
Crate Training
If you haven’t done it recently, you should start to implement crate training for dogs. Even though it isn’t right for all dogs, others like the security of being inside a crate while you are gone. To make their stay in the crate more comfortable, you need to add a plush bed and chew toys. Just keep in mind that crate training may take some time, so begin as soon as possible and be prepared for some complaining first.
Enrichment Toys
Boredom is a major cause of why pets become destructive. To save your furniture and your sanity, you might try leaving your pet with some enrichment toys while you are at work. If you give the toys to your pet only while you are gone, they may begin to associate the fun playtime with your absence and help them feel less anxious. For dogs, chew toys, puzzle toys, balls, and obstacle courses are all fantastic methods to keep them entertained. For cats and other pets, building spots for them to climb, “hunt” for treats or objects, or motion-activated toys they can chase are good options.
Doggy Camera
If you want to go high-tech with your pet care, you may acquire a “doggy” camera for your house. There are many different types of cameras, but they all help you to keep an eye on your pet while you are at work. Other cameras will even dispense treats and/or let you talk to your pet through a speaker. (Most need a stable WiFi signal and a smartphone app to use.)
Together Time
In conclusion, if you expect a routine change, one of the best things you can do is continue prioritizing your time with your pet. As an illustration, try to arrange your daily routine so that you and your pet can enjoy a walk or some playtime before you leave, and then again as soon as you come back home. This is particularly essential for dogs, who need to walk with you regularly to feel calm and happy. By creating a new routine around your work routine that includes your pet, you can help ease their anxiety and encourage them to wait patiently until you come back each evening.
Returning to working outside the home may be a difficult adjustment for both you and your pet. However, by following these tips, you can manage that transition a bit easier. Other possibilities to ease your transition back to work might include things like living closer to your job or moving to a more pet-friendly rental home or neighborhood. If your lifestyle could use an upgrade and a new place to live, Real Property Management Northern Utah offers a solution. Our Roy property managers will be delighted to help you, and your pet finds a new place to live in. Contact us online today!
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