Creating a balanced lifestyle is crucial for working pet owners to ensure the well-being of both their pets and themselves.
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Mastering the Juggling Act: Tips for Working Pet Owners
Legally, a pet is something you own and is considered property, but you know that it’s really like being a parent. Balancing the responsibilities and joys of having a pet in your life is hard enough, and part of that is finding an equilibrium between your professional duties and taking care of your furry family members. Any chance to do remote work might help, but that’s not always an option. Your pet might help you manage the stress in your life, so you owe it to your four-legged friend to minimize their physical and mental stress.
Create a Routine That Balances Work and Your Pet
Animals do better in structured environments, and a predictable routine is something they can get used to and rely on. If your work hours are regular, then you need to build a routine for yourself and your pets based on that. Specific times for bathroom breaks, playtime, feeding, and exercise need their designated spots in your regular schedule.
Depending on what pets you have, you might have them exercise and play before and after your time at work. Routine exercise lets animals funnel their energy into something positive while moving their muscles and pumping their hearts. This reduces the frequency of destructive behaviors. Tiring them out early in the day makes your work shift easier on them, but you should still leave treats and toys out to occupy them.
Consistent schedules minimize pet anxiety and further promote good behavior. You should visit with your pets as frequently as possible or have others do so. This is possibly more important for dogs than cats, but some cats are still exceptionally social. Check-in with them when you can, use a doggy daycare, have friends or neighbors check in on them, or hire a dog walker.
Pet-Proof Your Home
Your pets can be a source of joy, but they’re still animals. Left to their own devices, they can severely damage your home. You need to designate a pet area whether you head out to work or close the door to your home office. Most pets need water, food, bedding, and toys.
Pet gates or crates might keep animals in certain spaces. Keep that area free of excess food, dangerous objects that could be choking or chewing hazards, and clutter or electrical cords that pets might pay too much attention to when you’re not in the room. Scratching posts are essential for cats. Keep kids’ toys and remote controls out of the way.
Protect your furniture with anti-scratch tape, and cover up your trash cans or put them inside cabinets. This will not only prevent a mess but also keep your pets from accessing potentially indigestible or toxic items.
Pet-proof your home before leaving for work, setting up a designated pet area. Make sure they have food, water, toys, and bedding. Cover HVAC vents, and move or block fitness equipment in your home. Water-repellent carpeting is a significant investment, and pee pads can save you a lot of mess.
Use Technology
Technology can’t replace your relationship with your pet, but it can be a helpful complement in many circumstances. You can use pet cameras to keep an eye on your animal when away from home; some even let you talk to your pets when you have a moment. Utilize voice commands, treat games, and much more. Remote access can provide your pet stimulation with minimal effort from you or even having to be there. When your pets can occasionally see and hear you, it alleviates their separation anxiety. These technological tools might even relieve your anxiety.
Interactive toys can occupy your pets but need rotation to maintain entertainment and engagement. Automatic feeders let you schedule meals ahead of time, and some permit multiple meals to keep your pets fed just enough on a regular schedule. Find an automatic feeder that can handle both wet and dry food. Whenever possible, opt for a battery-powered or battery-backup so your pets stay satiated and healthy when the power goes out in your home. Some models are units you can mount to wooden boards or other hardware to ensure stability if your pets are rambunctious and knock things over from time to time.
Regular Vet Visits Are a Must
Your pet needs wellness visits or check-ups at regular intervals. Ask your vet whether you should go by an annual or six-month schedule, and follow their recommendation even if your pet seems fine. Preventive services and treatment can stop any suffering your pet might go through before it starts. Many pets are adept at hiding their problems and are genetically inclined not to show weakness. By the time you notice something, it could be too late. Fortunately, vets are experts at discovering, preventing, and treating issues impacting your pet’s health.
Wellness visits can also save you money in the long run. Preventive medicine is usually cheaper than emergency treatment and the costs of long-term medical care. Regular vet visits are also chances for you to ask questions and learn about caring for your pet between trips to the clinic. If you only do emergency visits, you might not get the time with your vet to talk to them about many things, and they might not get the chance to establish a medical history for your pet.
Saving money regularly and anticipating future expenses is crucial to ensuring you can afford your pet’s needs. In addition to that, pet insurance can help. The right policy invests in your pet’s health and happiness, helping you save money and access affordable benefits thanks to group purchasing power.
Minimize Stress and Enjoy Life More
Finding the right balance between work, spending time with your pet, and caring for yourself is a tricky act that will take time. Once you find that balance, enjoy it. Your time with your pet and your self-care can overlap a lot, as pet owners have more joy in life and even longer lifespans.
