While we are all stressed out with the Coronavirus pandemic, we sometimes don’t realize our four legged friends are also suffering. Our fur babies are confused with these sudden changes and definitely need some extra love in these uncertain times.
Here are some tips from RestoraPet CEO + co-founder Brian Larsen to consider when trying to keep your pet engaged while working from home.
- Find indoor games to help pets exercise—There are many ways to engage your pets physically + mentally while indoors. Consider playing keep away, getting pets to chase laser pointers, calling dogs back and forth through the house with treats, blowing bubbles for them to chase or getting them puzzle toys. You can also encourage them to forage for food by hiding treats around your home to keep them occupied while you finish up your work.
- Make an indoor or backyard potty—Having a stash of pee pads in the house may prove useful if you and your dog won’t want to or have time to go outdoors during the workday. Also, consider making a potty for your dog in the backyard by bordering off an area of the yard.
- Do not overfeed—While more and more Americans are forced to stay home and self-isolate, it is easier than ever to stress eat without realizing it—and overfeed your pet alongside yourself. According to a recentPet Obesity Prevention survey, nearly 60% of cats and 56% of dogs are considered overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems.
- Develop a schedule—Many pets, like people, are comforted by routines. As many of us find our daily routines disrupted, it’s important to develop new rituals and routines that give pets structure. Continue to feed them and walk them on a similar schedule, if possible, or develop new indoor routines to replace the missing rituals.
- Stay calm—Since pets pick up on our nervous energy, the last thing you want to do is stress them out in a way that causes them to act out, further perpetuating your own anxiety and productivity. Do some deep breathing, take a few minutes to pet them calmly and give them undivided attention for at least 15 minutes per day to soothe both tea and yourself.
