Many Jerome 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 stressful on your pets. After so much time together, being separated can cause your pets to suffer 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, below are some tips you can implement immediately and throughout the next few months.
Day Care
Maybe you’re afraid about leaving your pet home alone. Or they’re displaying 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, it can help toward easing the transition.
Crate Training
For dogs, you may decide to implement crate training if you haven’t done it in the past. Even though it isn’t right for all dogs, others like the security of being inside a crate while you are gone. You may furnish the crate with a plush bed and chew toys to make their period inside comfier. Just bear in mind that crate training may take some time, so start as soon as needed and expect some complaining first.
Enrichment Toys
Boredom is a major cause of why pets become 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 come to associate the fun playtime with your absence and help them feel less anxious. For dogs, chew toys, puzzle toys, balls, and obstacle courses can all be great ways to keep them busy. For cats and other pets, creating places for them to climb, “hunt” for treats or objects, or motion-activated toys they can chase are great options.
Doggy Camera
If you want to go high-tech with your pet care, you may think about buying a “doggy” camera for your house. There are a couple of different types of cameras, but they all permit you to keep an eye on your pet while you are at work. Most cameras will even dispense treats and/or let you talk to your pet through a speaker. (Many of them require a strong WiFi signal and a smartphone app to use.)
Together Time
Ultimately, 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 arrive home. This is extremely vital for dogs, who need to walk with you regularly to feel calm and happy. By organizing a new routine around your work routine that includes your pet, you can help ease their anxiety and encourage them to wait patiently until your arrival each evening.
Returning to working outside the home can be a major adjustment for both you and your pet. Yet, by following these tips, you can make that transition a bit easier. Other ways 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 Magic Valley provides everything you need. Our Jerome property managers would be happy to serve you, and your pet discover a new home to stay. Contact us online today!
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