Day Care
Maybe you’re concerned about leaving your pet home alone. Or they’re exhibiting 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 have to go back to the office, that can go a long way toward easing the transition.
Crate Training
For dogs, you may well need to implement crate training if you haven’t accomplished it previously. While it isn’t right for all dogs, others like the security of being inside a crate while you are gone. You can outfit the crate with a plush bed and chew toys to make their time there more pleasant. Just take into account that crate training may take some time, so start as early as possible and prepare for some complaining first.
Enrichment Toys
Boredom is the main reason why pets get destructive. To save your furniture and your sanity, you could consider 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 start 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 helpful options to keep them busy. For cats and other pets, building areas for them to climb, “hunt” for treats or objects, or motion-activated toys they can chase are great substitutes.
Doggy Camera
If you want to go high-tech with your pet care, you could consider buying a “doggy” camera for your house. There are many different types of cameras, but they all let you keep an eye on your pet while you are at work. Some cameras will even dispense treats and/or let you talk to your pet through a speaker. (Most require a stable WiFi signal and a smartphone app to use.)
Together Time
Lastly, if you foresee a routine change, one of the best things you can do is continue prioritizing your time with your pet. For instance, 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 very vital for dogs, who need to walk with you regularly to feel calm and happy. By arranging 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 can be a huge adjustment for both you and your pet. But by utilizing 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 New York Gold has your solution. Our Queens property managers would be delighted to help you, and your pet finds a new home to live in. Contact us online today!