If you are working from home here are a few of our top tips that could help make homeworking with a pet a smooth and successful time.
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic more people than ever before may be working from home. For pet owners, this could present a unique set of challenges as you may have to balance productivity with giving your pets the attention they might require.
Sticking To A Routine Whilst Homeworking With A Pet
Having a set routine may help to keep you on track while homeworking with a pet.
Like us, cats and dogs can develop their own daily schedules, so it could help for you to try to get their schedule in line with your work schedule.
You could start by feeding your pets early before you start work.
If you have a dog, then a morning walk may help burn off some of your dog’s puppy energy.
If you have a cat, then you could have a morning playtime session.
It may be helpful to ensure that you have set times for feeding, playing with and other interactions with your pets throughout the day.
This could help to let them know when it is okay for them to interact with you.
Sticking with a schedule could help your homeworking become routine to your pets.
Keeping Your Pets Safe While You Work From Home
While you are working, you may not be able to watch over your pets as you usually would.
It might help you to ensure that there is nothing dangerous around your home for the time that they are unattended.
If your pet tends to be naughty when left alone, it may be a good idea to keep them out of certain rooms where they could get up to mischief.
You may wish to leave your pets somewhere pet-proofed or move anything that could potentially be a hazard to your pet.
It could also be helpful to ensure your pets in case anything does go wrong while you’re busy at work.
If you’d like to know more about pet insurance costs you could have a look at Everypaw, which have plans for cats, dogs and multi-pet insurance.
Many pet owners may wonder how much is pet insurance?
Doing some research about what is available could help you find the right policy for you and your pets.
A good way to help you understand the cost of pet insurance is to get some quotes, taking into account your pet and the different cover types and levels available to you.
Then you can find the cover that works for both your pet and your pocket.
Helping To Prevent Boredom Whilst Working At Home With A Pet
Some pets may get on okay alone throughout the day, while others might not.
If you think your pet might get bored or lonely without you for long stretches, it could help make sure that they have things to stimulate their minds.
For dogs, this could be puzzle toys that help to keep their minds engaged.
These could allow you to distract your dog while you are on a call or video meeting.
You could also try a toy that dispenses treats, though you might want to use healthy treats or a limited number of treats.
For cats, you could find similar brain engaging toys or treat dispensers.
You could also get interactive toys that your cat could chase around to work off some energy, though it may be a good idea to ensure these are safe for your pet to play with unattended.
Both cats and dogs may benefit from listening to music or the television for some background noise while you work.
Having some ambient background noise may help them to feel soothed while you are unavailable.
Making Your Work Space Off Limits To Pets
As with sticking to a schedule, it may help to ban your pet from the room where you work, to help them understand what is expected from them during your workday.
Banning your pets from a certain space may not always be practical, particularly if you work from your living room or kitchen, but if you have an office then making it a work-only space could help you, and your pets adjust to homeworking.
If you would like to still see and hear what they’re up to, you could consider putting in a pet gate to prevent them from entering your workspace.
If you are unsure whether this could work for your pets, you could try installing a pet camera, which might help you keep an eye on them while you work.
Checking In With Pets Throughout The Day
You may need to check in with your pets throughout the day to see how they are getting on.
Dogs may need regular bathroom breaks so you could try having a set time that you leave your office space to make a cup of tea and take your dog into the garden.
This could help give you a break from work and give your pets some contact when they may need it.
How many times you check in with your pets may depend on both them and you.
It could be helpful to have set times to check on your pets and stick with your routine.
It may also be useful to have some flexibility if you notice your dog needs to go outside more often or at different times.
Dealing With Misbehaviour Whilst Homeworking With A Pet
Your pets may misbehave when they find that you are not paying attention to them.
It could help to not give in to attention-seeking behaviour as this may worsen the issue as it will show them that misbehaving will get your attention.
Cats tend to be more impendent than dogs. It could help to know the signs of attention-seeking behaviour in dogs so that you know to avoid giving them attention.
Some signs can be pawing, whining or bringing you toys, though the type of behaviour may depend on your dog.
It might help make sure that your pet gets enough exercise and consider investing in a wide variety of toys to help them spend their time alone.
You could also praise and reward your dog when they behave well.
It can help to remain calm when faced with bad behaviour from your pet.
Cats and dogs can be very perceptive to human moods and emotions, so becoming angry could only make their behaviour worse.
Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Lucy Clarke
