Many pet owners struggle with adjusting their pet’s routine when they have to go back to work outside the home. Whether it’s a full-time job or a part-time gig, leaving your pet alone for extended hours can be stressful for both of you. Pets, especially dogs and cats, thrive on routine, and sudden changes can cause anxiety, boredom, or undesirable behaviors.
However, with some planning and preparation, you can maintain your pet’s routine, ensure their happiness, and reduce any negative effects from your absence. In this article, we’ll discuss how to adapt your pet’s daily schedule when you’re working outside of the home, ensuring both you and your pet feel comfortable and secure.
Why Is It Important to Adjust Your Pet’s Routine?
Pets, especially dogs and cats, are creatures of habit. They rely on consistency and a predictable routine for emotional security. When their usual routine is disrupted—like when their owner is suddenly away for a long period—pets may experience stress, anxiety, or boredom.
- Reduces Anxiety: Pets that are left alone for long hours may become anxious. Routine adjustments can help reduce this stress and make your pet feel more secure.
- Prevents Behavioral Issues: Boredom and anxiety can lead to unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, scratching, or destructive chewing. A well-planned routine can help prevent these behaviors.
- Improves Pet Well-being: Keeping your pet’s schedule in check, including feeding times, walks, and playtime, ensures they stay mentally and physically healthy, even when you’re not home.
Now, let’s look at some tips on how to adapt your pet’s routine when you’re working outside the home.
1. Create a Structured Schedule
One of the most important steps in adapting your pet’s routine is creating a consistent, structured schedule. A predictable schedule helps your pet know what to expect throughout the day, reducing anxiety and keeping them engaged.
- Feeding Times: Try to maintain consistent feeding times for your pet, even when you’re not at home. If you feed your pet in the morning before work, try to keep this routine consistent, and do the same for dinner when you return. If you have a cat, an automatic feeder can be a great option for dispensing food at regular intervals.
- Walks and Exercise: If your pet is used to walks or playtime in the morning, try to keep that routine by having someone else, like a neighbor or dog walker, take them out during the day. For cats, interactive toys can provide mental stimulation and exercise when you’re away.
- Playtime and Interaction: Even though you’re away during the day, make sure your pet gets sufficient attention and playtime during the morning and evening hours. Try to engage with them before you leave and after you return. This ensures that they are mentally stimulated and feel loved.
2. Hire a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
If you’re away for long hours, one of the best ways to ensure your pet’s routine is maintained is by hiring a pet sitter or dog walker. This person can help break up the day and provide much-needed companionship and exercise.
- Dog Walkers: If you have a dog, a dog walker can take your pet for a walk during the middle of the day, providing exercise and mental stimulation. This can help reduce boredom and anxiety.
- Pet Sitters: For pets that need more attention or those that require additional care (such as elderly or sick pets), a pet sitter can come to your home to check on them, provide food, clean up, and offer playtime.
- Cat Care: Even cats can benefit from a mid-day visit. A pet sitter can clean the litter box, offer playtime, and give your cat some attention, ensuring they don’t feel too isolated.
3. Interactive Toys and Enrichment Activities
When you’re not home, your pet needs ways to entertain themselves. Interactive toys and enrichment activities can help keep your pet’s mind occupied and prevent boredom.
- Puzzle Toys: Puzzle toys that dispense treats or food can keep your pet busy and engaged while you’re away. These toys provide both mental and physical stimulation, encouraging problem-solving.
- Chew Toys: For dogs, chew toys can keep them occupied for hours. Choose durable toys that can withstand heavy chewing, and make sure they’re safe and non-toxic.
- Cat Trees and Scratching Posts: Cats need physical and mental stimulation, and scratching posts or cat trees can keep them entertained while allowing them to exercise. Many cat trees also have built-in toys and spaces for your cat to explore and hide in.
- Automated Play Devices: There are also automated toys available that move on their own or respond to your pet’s movement, providing stimulation and entertainment.
4. Comfortable and Safe Space
When you leave for work, make sure your pet has a comfortable and safe place where they can relax. This area should feel like a personal space where they can retreat when they need to relax or nap.
- Create a Cozy Spot: Set up a comfy bed or crate in a quiet area of your home where your pet feels secure. This can be especially important for dogs, who may need a place to decompress when you’re not home.
- Use Calming Products: If your pet experiences separation anxiety, consider using calming products like pheromone diffusers (Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats). These products release soothing scents that can help your pet feel more relaxed in your absence.
- Leave Familiar Items: Leaving your pet’s favorite blanket, toy, or even an item of your clothing in their safe space can provide comfort and reassurance while you’re away.
5. Consider a Pet Camera
If you’re concerned about how your pet is doing while you’re away, a pet camera can provide peace of mind. Many modern pet cameras allow you to monitor your pet in real-time, talk to them, and even dispense treats remotely.
- Monitor Behavior: A pet camera can help you see how your pet is behaving during the day. If they’re barking excessively or showing signs of anxiety, you can adjust their routine or environment accordingly.
- Interactive Features: Some pet cameras also have two-way audio, allowing you to speak to your pet and comfort them, which can help alleviate separation anxiety.
6. Gradually Adjust to Your Absence
If your pet isn’t used to being alone for long periods, it’s important to gradually get them accustomed to your absence. Sudden changes in routine can cause anxiety, so a slow and steady approach is key.
- Practice Short Absences: Start by leaving your pet alone for short periods and gradually increase the time you’re away. This will help your pet adjust to the idea of being alone without becoming overly stressed.
- Stay Calm When Leaving and Returning: Pets can pick up on your emotions, so avoid making a big fuss when you leave or come home. Try to make your departures and arrivals as calm and low-key as possible to reduce any anxiety your pet may feel.
7. Maintain Communication with Your Pet
Even though you’re away during the day, you can still keep the bond strong by maintaining communication with your pet.
- Verbal Comfort: When you leave in the morning, offer a calm, reassuring word or two. Similarly, greet your pet warmly when you return to reinforce that they are loved and valued.
- Quality Time: During your time at home, ensure you spend quality time with your pet by giving them attention, playtime, and affection. This makes them feel secure, loved, and reassured that your absence doesn’t mean neglect.
Conclusion: A Happy Pet, Even When You’re Away
Adjusting your pet’s routine when you work outside the home can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make sure your pet remains happy, comfortable, and well-cared for. By maintaining a consistent routine, incorporating enrichment activities, and considering external help like a dog walker or pet sitter, you can ensure your pet’s needs are met even when you’re not there.
Remember, the key is to be patient and consistent. With a little planning and love, you and your pet can successfully navigate the challenges of your work schedule while maintaining a strong, loving bond.