Many Chesterfield County 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 severe on your pets. Because of so much time together, being separated can cause your pets to have high anxiety levels, resulting in some destructive or otherwise unwanted behaviors. To help acclimate your pet to your new work routine and keep these behaviors under control, here are some tips you can implement immediately and throughout the next few months.
Day Care
Maybe you’re worried about leaving your pet home alone. Or they’re indicative of signs of stress or boredom (peeing on the floor, excessive barking, spraying furniture, or chewing items). Look at 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, it may go far toward easing the transition.
Crate Training
For dogs, it is essential to implement crate training if you haven’t done it before. While it isn’t right for all dogs, others like the security of being inside a crate while you are gone. You may equip the crate with a plush bed and chew toys to make their experience inside more comfortable. Just be aware that crate training may take some time, so begin as quickly as possible and get ready for some complaining first.
Enrichment Toys
Boredom is a probable reason why pets get destructive. To save your furniture and your sanity, you could 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 develop 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 good choices to keep them entertained. For cats and other pets, providing areas for them to climb, “hunt” for treats or objects, or motion-activated toys they can chase are great suggestions.
Doggy Camera
If you’d want to go high-tech with your pet care, you may try obtaining a “doggy” camera for your house. There are a few different types of cameras, yet they all let you 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. (Majority of them need a stable WiFi signal and a smartphone app to use.)
Together Time
At the end of the day, if you expect a routine change, one of the best things you can do is continue prioritizing your time with your pet. As an example, try to arrange your daily routine so that you and your pet can enjoy a walk or some playtime before work, and then again as soon as you move back home. This is especially helpful 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 home each evening.
Returning to working outside the home may be a challenging adjustment for both you and your pet. However, by adopting these tips, you can make that transition a bit easier. Another way 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 Richmond Metro provides everything you need. Our Chesterfield County property managers would be pleased to assist you, and your pet locates a new home to stay. Contact us online today!
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