Many Emeryville 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 for your pets. After a long time together, being separated can cause your pets to face high anxiety levels, causing them to become destructive or otherwise unwanted behaviors. To help acclimate your pet to your new work routine and keep these behaviors under control, here are several tips you can implement immediately and throughout the next few months.
Day Care
Perhaps you’re worried about leaving your pet home alone. Or they’re expressing signs of stress or boredom (peeing on the floor, excessive barking, spraying furniture, or chewing items). It would be good to have 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 far toward easing the transition.
Crate Training
If you haven’t already executed it, you need to implement crate training for your dogs. Even though it isn’t right for all dogs, others like the security of being inside a crate while you are gone. You need to provide a plush bed and chew toys in the crate to make their stay there more enjoyable. Just don’t forget that crate training may take some time; that’s why you have to begin soon and be ready for some complaining first.
Enrichment Toys
Boredom is the primary reason why pets get destructive. To save your furniture and your sanity, you may 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 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 are all good alternatives to keep them busy. For cats and other pets, establishing areas for them to climb, “hunt” for treats or objects, or motion-activated toys they can chase are perfect choices.
Doggy Camera
If you’d like to go high-tech with your pet care, think about acquiring a “doggy” camera for your house. There are many different types of cameras, but they all help 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 demand a good WiFi signal and a smartphone app to use.)
Together Time
Ultimately, if you anticipate 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 going to work, and then again as soon as you come home. This is particularly essential for dogs, who need to walk with you regularly to feel calm and happy. By establishing 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 get home each evening.
Returning to working outside the home can be a huge adjustment for both you and your pet. But by employing 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 Pacific has your solution. Our Emeryville property managers would be willing to help you, and your pet finds a new place to live. Contact us online today!
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