[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”In this Post” content_max_width=”100%” admin_label=”In this Post” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ module_alignment=”left” z_index_tablet=”0″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_horizontal_image_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_image_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_image_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_image_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” saved_tabs=”all”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px”]<\/p>\n
Over a year has passed since the initial lock-down was implemented to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Most people across the globe had limited access to others during this time, and pet ownership and adoptions increased almost everywhere. Even for those that were already pet owners, the bond between pet owners and their pets increased during this difficult time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Vaccines are rolling out at a fast pace, meaning that restrictions are gradually being lifted. As we prepare to return to the office, we can\u2019t help feeling concerned about how being away from home will affect our pets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pets thrive on routine and theirs changed as dramatically as yours. They have gotten used to having you around at home all day. There is no doubt that initially, your pet will be shocked not to have you around. The adjustment curve will be bigger for any new pets you acquired or adopted over the last year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here is a short guide to help you prepare your pets for your return to work. The earlier you prepare them the easier the transition is!<\/span><\/p>\n The best way to prepare your dog for your absence is to start making gradual changes to its routine for a few weeks before you return to work. Dogs adapt easily to changes, but when these are sprung on them at short notice, they can become anxious and suffer from <\/span>separation related problems.<\/p>\n Often, working from home means a complete change of routine for you, and this also changes the routine of your beloved dog. Perhaps you were getting out of bed later in the morning because you didn\u2019t have to worry about the commute or dropping the kids off at school. That means you have also probably adjusted your dog\u2019s feeding, walking, and playing routine.<\/span><\/p>\n Without a doubt, your dog has probably enjoyed having you around all day. Dogs left alone for too long tend to struggle because they are social animals. Remember if you have been at home all this time, your dog will struggle with the changes your return to work will bring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The whole idea is to get your dog used to the way things will be once you are back at work. This includes your dog\u2019s feeding and walking time, especially if you changed these during the lockdown. To prevent frustration and anxiety, start with <\/span>gradual changes to your dog\u2019s daily schedule<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Start preparing your dog by not playing with him every time he seeks attention. However, if you completely ignore your dog, you will confuse him. Instead, offer him something better to do while you carry on doing something else. This can be a little treat or a new toy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Re-training your dog will make your departure less stressful. Start training your dog with gradual changes. Reward-based training gives the best results. Offer small treats and interesting pet toys to reduce stress and distract your pet while you are away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you stopped crate training during the lockdown or have never tried it, start it gradually. Crate training is invaluable in teaching your dog to happily accept alone time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Increase the amount of time you <\/span>exercise your dog<\/span><\/a> in the morning before leaving for work. This will rid your dog of excess energy, making him so tired that he will spend the rest of the day sleeping instead of being anxious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pet daycare may be the best solution for your dog if you work long hours. Here he can socialize and play in a safe environment, forgetting that you are now away from him for long hours. There are concerns about COVID-19 and pets, so make sure the daycare you choose is taking all the necessary safety precautions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Each cat has an individual personality. Unlike dogs, who thrive on attention from their owners, not all cats enjoy human companionship. Some cats may have enjoyed spending so much time with their owners during the lockdown, while others may have preferred finding a quiet spot.<\/span><\/p>\n Whichever kind of cat you have, you still need to know that they are <\/span>sensitive to any changes<\/span><\/a> in their routine which can lead to stress once you return to work. Therefore, it is important to make gradual changes to your cat\u2019s routine to help it adjust.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Start reducing the amount of interaction you have with your cat gradually. This will help prepare it for your long absence during the day. Reduced interaction time often causes frustration and stress in cats. If your cat is already happy with less interaction, adjust the hours you interact with it to match your working hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Watch your cat\u2019s behavior before and once you return to work, this will help you learn a lot about what it likes and how it is feeling. Once you get back to work, your observations will help you understand any changes in your cat\u2019s behavior.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your cat seeks more interaction and plays more roughly with you, it could be frustrated and bored. Offer it the playtime and interaction it wants. Then again, if it is quiet, withdrawn, or more irritable, your cat could be stressed and could want some quiet time in a quiet space. Leave your cat alone, it will come to you in its own time.<\/span><\/p>\n Once you do go back to work, make sure to spend quality time with your pet in the morning before leaving, and when you return. Play with it and take it through its favorite grooming routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are various steps you can take to ensure you prepare your cat properly for your return to work.<\/span><\/p>\n As we said earlier, dogs are a social species, whereas cats mostly thrive in small family groups, often not minding a solitary life. Therefore, cats sometimes seem standoffish and very independent, often ignoring their human owners.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even if your cat is an independent character, it can still get stressed once you return to work. Make the <\/span>transition as stress-free and smooth<\/span><\/a> as possible. Once you do go back to work, you\u2019ll probably be very excited to return to your cat after a long day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow to prepare your dog for your absence?<\/h2>\n
1) Create a new routine<\/h3>\n
\n
2) Prepare your pet for longer alone time<\/h3>\n
\n
3) Getting used to a new walking routine<\/h3>\n
\n
4) Do you need to retrain your dog?<\/h3>\n
5) Relieve stress with exercise<\/h3>\n
6) Daycare for your dog<\/h3>\n
How to prepare your cat for your absence?<\/h2>\n
1) Interaction time<\/h3>\n
2) Take note of your cat\u2019s behavior<\/h3>\n
3) Gradually make the changes to your cat\u2019s routine<\/h3>\n
\n
4) Following your cats\u2019 cues<\/h3>\n