7 Tips for Pet Parents Working from Home During the Pandemic
Many of us are currently working from home with much of the country on lockdown due to the pandemic. Of course, that means our cats and dogs now think every day is Saturday. As much as we’d love to cuddle and play with our furry coworkers all day, we actually need to get some work done. Follow these simple tips to stay productive at home while ensuring your fur balls feel loved throughout quarantine.
1. Get Exercise
Snuggle breaks are the best but we can’t focus on our four-legged pals all day. That’s why it’s so important that your pet gets plenty of exercise. A brisk walk or game of fetch will help your dog chill out so you can take care of business. Many cats can’t get enough of chasing the laser pointer. A tired pet is less likely to demand your attention throughout the work day. Walking your dog is also a great excuse to stretch your legs and get exercise. Just make sure to practice social distancing when you’re outside!
2. Keep Your Pet Occupied
Try to distract your pet with a favorite toy, tasty treat or new bone when you need a few minutes of peace and quiet. After all, you don’t want to be the one interrupting a Zoom meeting thanks to your dog howling at a squirrel. A bone, healthy treat or peanut butter-filled occupier toy will buy you some time so you can connect with your family, friends and co-workers.
3. Establish a Routine
Getting into a work from home routine will be beneficial for both you and your pet. Whether it’s a lunchtime treat or mid-morning walk, it’s important to set a schedule that you can stick to every day. If you usually go home to walk your dog during lunch, stick to the same schedule now that you’re working from home. Establishing a routine will help your pet adapt to this new reality and your 24/7 presence. It’s even a good idea to schedule these breaks in your work calendar to keep yourself honest.
4. Keep Them Warm and Comfy
Pets will crave even more of your attention now that you’re home all the time. Cats love to hop on your keyboard due to warmth of your laptop and proximity to their favorite hooman. Dogs love to plant themselves on your lap for maximum attention. Instead, you can provide your pet with a comfortable sleeping spot whether it’s a bed, small box or blanket near you. Choose a spot in the sun or near the heater for warmth!
5. Calming® Chews to the Rescue
Need a little extra help to get your pets to relax during the work day? Pet Naturals Calming® chews can do the trick! Delicious chicken-flavored chews contain natural ingredients that support calm behavior in anxious or stressed pets. Typically, Calming® works within 30 minutes and lasts up to 4 hours. If you have a meeting at 10 AM, try giving your pet a Calming® chew at 9:30 AM for proper conference call pet-iquette. Choose the #1 calming product for cats when your chatty co-worker just won’t stop meowing up a storm!
6. Create a Pet-Free Work Space
Sometimes you need to practice social distancing…from your cat or dog. Use a spare bedroom or office to separate yourself from your pet. This will give you the chance to focus on work without your furry friend being a constant distraction. By doing so, you’ll draw a clear line between work and playtime, which can boost your productivity and support healthy work habits.
7. Don’t Give into Begging or Whining
You’re the boss at home so it’s important to not give into begging for food or whining for attention. If you give into your pup’s cries, they will expect you to do so every time. That will lead to even more distractions while you attempt to get work done. You may be snacking a little more but extra treats or table scraps can lead to diarrhea, discomfort and weight gain in pets. Make sure your pet earns their next treat or walk with good behavior!
There’s no doubt that pets provide comfort and stress relief in these times of social distancing and isolation. Working from home just wouldn’t be the same without them. No one would blame you for indulging in extra cuddles and kisses but you should also take steps to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout the pandemic.