It’s safe to say that many of us are spending more time at home. According to research from Hammonds Furniture , we’re spending 56% more time at home than pre-pandemic. And with a June 2021 ONS survey finding that 85% of people want hybrid working, chances are this is set to continue long into the future. But what do our pets think about this new arrangement?
With more time spent in their company, our pets are getting much more exposure to our pet parenting styles. We all want Fido to be the best version of himself, so here are some great pet parenting tips that can ensure your time with your pet is as beneficial as it can be.
Invest in techno toys
If you’re at home more, then your pet is going to want to play – why else would you be spending so much time at home? To make sure you can get on with your working day, invest in auto-rolling balls, laser projectors, and ball projectors that dogs can learn to load themselves!
Set boundaries
When working from home, we need to make sure we’re not being mobbed by animals during the hours of nine to five. That means setting boundaries – namely, no pets in your workspace, be that the dining room, office, or bedroom. Your pets might feel put out at first, but they’ll quickly get used to the situation.
Let them out regularly
It’s critical to keep pets active, so make sure to let your cat out regularly, or take your dog for a walk at lunchtime. Make sure you use the leather collar and leash set for your dog’s safety. Engaging their minds this way will make your time together less frustrating too, as they won’t feel cooped up and starved of attention.
Train them properly
More time together means more opportunities for training. This is certainly a dog-focused tip (although it is possible to toilet train your cat), but by putting in the effort regularly, a few times a day, you can quickly reach the number of repetitions your pooch needs to learn a trick.
Keep them healthy
Just because you’re in closer proximity doesn’t mean you should neglect your pets’ health needs. Try not to give them more treats than usual, and keep an eye out for health issues, and book in regular vet visits.
Watch out for separation anxiety
As many of us have found over lockdown, leaving our pets alone after spending lots of time together can lead to them developing separation anxiety. To combat this and prevent it from happening, don’t make a fuss when you leave your home or return. This way, your pet knows that the act of you heading out is nothing to worry about.
