Preparing your pet for your return to work
With restrictions recently beginning to ease, it’s a good
idea to start thinking about your return to work. To make the transition as
smooth as possible for your four-legged friend, try following some of these
simple steps.
An easy way to combat this is by following a daily schedule
that includes feeding, exercise, toileting, rest and one-on-one time. Try to
ensure that this routine mimics your normal, non-pandemic routine so there’s
less change for your animal to cope with when the time comes for you to get
back to work.
It’s a great idea to make sure your animal still feels
comfortable being alone. After all, your pet has enjoyed your constant company
for months.
Here’s how to get started:
An effective strategy to help reduce separation anxiety is to downplay
your arrivals and departures. While it can be hard to resist giving your
gorgeous pet a cuddle when you leave or come home, keeping it low-key shows your
pet that these events are nothing to get anxious about.
There are many ways to increase your pet’s comfort and
wellbeing. Ideally, your household will have at least one area where your pet
can relax undisturbed. Explain to young children that they need to respect an
animal’s alone time and tell them what signs to look out for when a pet may be
feeling overwhelmed.
For cats, kitty furniture will ensure you have a very happy
feline. If you have a barking dog, try playing soothing music or an audiobook while
you are out.
We all know humans love a scented candle to unwind. Animals also love a
soothing smell in the form of synthetic pheromones. Adaptil® for
dogs and Feliway® for cats can be
purchased from our online store.
Make sure you look out for signs of stress in your animal
during this transitional period.
With cats, check for changes in activity levels, increased
hiding, inappropriate toileting, changes in appetite or scratching.
In dogs, common distress signs can include a house-trained
dog toileting inside, excessive howling, barking, destroying, drooling or
panting.
Don’t punish your pet if these behaviours occur. Instead,
seek help from a reputable animal trainer or behaviourist who will be able to help
diagnose and solve the problem.