Inside: Wondering what to do with dog while at work? Tips to help you thrive when having a dog and working 9-5! How to have a dog while working full time? Well that requires some planning ahead.
Choosing to adopt a pet dog, taking care of a family, and working full-time simultaneously, is pretty tough. However, these needs are fundamental and deserve equal attention and dedication.
You need a job to house a dog, plus you may decide you need a dog to keep yourself and your family company. You want to maintain a healthy relationship with your dog and your family, and you want to keep yourself mentally sane during all of this.
What to do when things in life seem so chaotic? You are not alone in this. Every working mother and pet owner goes through the same struggle. The bottom line is, it is manageable. If you’re wondering what to do with your dog while at work, you’ve come to the right place.
We have compiled some of the best tips to help you simultaneously own a dog and work full-time to make things much easier for you.
Tips on having a dog and working full time
Make A Routine
So how do you go about owning a dog and working full time? The best thing you need to do to make things work out is to create a schedule that includes everything, which means you need to assign time to essential tasks so that nothing is left out.
You need to do your job, get groceries, take care of your family and your pet, and a million other things that are your responsibility. Carefully set your priorities so your day goes smoothly.
When you are at home, make sure you are also mentally available for your pet. Feed, bathe, pet, and play with them, so your pet also feels loved.
Spend your time at home with your pet and involve them in things you do. Kids love playing with pets, so include both the kids and the dog in fun family time. Even if you work late hours, make sure you are there for them when you are home.
Working mothers often feel mom guilt for not looking after and spoiling their kids all day, as some other mothers do. But that does not mean your pet has to feel deprived. You are doing the best you can, and indeed your poodle understands you and supports you through it.
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Give Your Dog Something To Do
Think of things your dog likes to eat and loves to do. Then, make up a nice dog food recipe and reward your dog with treats so that he stays calm and composed whenever you are not around. This way, they will have something to keep them busy while you are away.
If they stay engaged for long, there are fewer chances of them missing you or frantically throwing or chewing things in the house in your absence.
When you are away, your mind should be at peace that at least you did something worthy for your pet. If you know in your head that your dog is not going to miss you much when your little fellow has something to do, then you won’t have to worry about your pet while you are away.
Maybe you can bring them toys to play with or adopt another pet animal so they can keep company. You can also build them a pet house and make things interesting for them, so they don’t feel lonely while you are away.
You can also have neighbors’ or friends’ pets come over so your pet can enjoy quality time with other pet dogs. Or, if you’re away for many hours, perhaps having a pet sitter stop by for a visit with your puppy would be helpful.
Talk With Your Vet About Anxiety Medication
Most dogs, especially the younger ones, quickly get into anxiety and depression when left alone. It is challenging for your puppies to stay on their own.
In such cases, most vets would prescribe you anti-anxiety drugs to keep your dog calm till you come back home.
With anti-anxiety medication, you won’t have to worry much about their mental health and their response to being alone. Your vet will further assure you about these medications so that you don’t feel troubled.
Try Leaving The Radio Or The Television On
Just because no one is at home does not mean no one is nearby either.
Your pet will be used to listening to your calling out to him all the time. He will be used to the noises you make around the house and feel comfortable knowing you are there with him.
Therefore, having noises played in the background will satisfy your dog that someone is in the house even when no one is.
Your canine friend will know that they are not alone and people are around him. It will also prevent him from getting too anxious and breaking or toppling things around the house.
The aim is to keep your dog distracted till the time you come back to them.
Walk Your Dog Often
The best way to spend time with your furry companion is to go out and take him for a walk. Going out for a walk means you are spending one-on-one or special time with your furry friend. The walk will be the best quality time you can spend with him.
Plus, dogs love going and playing outside the house. They love when you take them out to walk. Give your doggie that freedom and the full aspect of emotions but do not forget about his safety and always use a dog tracker when he is off-leash. These smart collars are great helpers which will always show you the location of your doggy and will minimize the risk of getting lost. Going for a walk with the dog is also a great family activity the kids can help with. It is a great distraction and an act of love. Walking your dog also improves the bond you have with your dog because you are spending an hour or more with your furry friend every other day.
Not only is this habit healthy for both of you, but it also gives you a chance to stay together while you can.
Last Thoughts
Working mothers are often bothered by the fact that they have to leave their pets home alone while they are working, earning a living, and developing professionally. Both, of course, are important, but if you take the proper steps, things can go pretty well for you as well as your furry pal.
If you want to know more about your dog’s health and eating habits, visit Dog Food Desire.
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