Never has a dog been more of a human’s best friend than during a pandemic. People across the U.S. adopted pets in large numbers, bringing new beloved family members into their homes.
However, now that many workplaces are requiring employees to return to the office at least for part of the week, people are naturally worried about their pets and how they’ll fare on their own. Will the cat take control of the home and deign to let you back in the door? Will the dog howl all day in its sorrow at your absence?
Here are some ways to prepare so that both you and your new fluffy best friend can manage your relationship when you can’t spend every moment together.
While you may want to spend every last second you have with your pet at home, practicing being away is critical so that your pet isn’t startled and upset when you suddenly depart for hours on end.
Practice going somewhere for an hour. Then the next time, leave for two hours. Building these increments will help your pet adapt slowly.
Remember, how long you can leave your pet alone during the day before they need to use the bathroom can depend on the type of animal, the breed, and the age.
Cats of course can take care of themselves. But dogs need our help. Rover has tips for how long you can leave your dog during the day based on their age, but be sure to conduct your own research to see what experts recommend for your specific animal.
Think about where you’re ok letting your furry friend roam without your supervision. Can the cat go anywhere or do you need to keep it out of the coat closet piled high with boxes and shoes that it could knock over? Is the dog free to walk on the carpet or do you want it to stay on hardwood floors?
Some animals prefer to be in crates, especially if they have extreme anxiety, USA Today reports. Some people prefer to have their pets stay in the garage while they’re gone. Others are ok with their dog hanging out in the backyard. It may be an experiment to discover what works best with your animal.
An important thing to remember: make sure that wherever your pet stays, they’ll be ok if there’s extreme weather. So if your garage gets really hot in the summer, don’t leave your pet in there while you’re gone.
Before and after you leave your pet, give them quality exercise, whether that’s a run, walk, or time playing fetch in the yard. The American Kennel Club says this helps dogs stay calm during the day. An added bonus: exercise is great for your health and anxiety, too!
The Kennel Club also recommends getting different types of toys for your pet, which can help give them something to do and keep them distracted from unfamiliar sounds outside that could cause anxiety.
Questions about pet insurance? Contact a Sea Mountain Life & Health Insurance Specialist today!
