However, balancing the demands of a full-time job with caring for a pet can present unique challenges, as many pet owners must leave their animals at home while they go to work.
Read on if you need help managing your career and pet care responsibilities or are considering bringing a new pet into your home but are uncertain due to your work schedule. Here are some strategies to ensure your pet receives optimal care, even with the demands of a hectic work schedule.
Planning Your Dog's Care During Work Hours
Bringing Your Dog to Work
While this option may not be feasible for everyone, there are certain situations where taking your dog to work is possible. If your job involves outdoor activities, operates in a pet-friendly environment, or requires significant time spent driving your personal vehicle, consider bringing your dog along. In these cases, the question of "What should I do with my puppy when I'm at work?" can be quickly addressed by having your pet accompany you throughout the workday.
Exercise Before You Leave
If you expect your dog to remain calm and restful while you're away at work, it's important to set them up for success with a vigorous exercise session beforehand. This may require waking up 30 minutes earlier than usual, but dedicating time for a high-energy activity—whether it's a game of fetch, a run, or something beyond their regular morning walk—will greatly increase the likelihood that your dog will spend the day relaxed and sleeping.
Pet's Day Care
A large number of pet owners choose to keep their pets at home, allowing them to become accustomed to and comfortable in their familiar surroundings. However, arranging for in-home care can sometimes be challenging. An alternative solution is to enroll your pet in a daycare facility. Here, a dedicated team provides care and ensures your pet has opportunities for socialization with other animals. This option meets your pet's basic needs and fosters learning and interaction, creating a well-rounded experience while you're away.
Create A Comfortable Environment
Ensuring your pet is left in a healthy and comfortable space during the day is essential for their well-being. The ideal environment should include:
- A cozy bed.
- Access to plenty of fresh water.
- Engaging toys.
- Ample space to move around.
It's also important to remove any potentially hazardous items from their reach to ensure safety.
Avoid confining your pet to a crate for extended periods. Even with soft bedding, keeping a pet in a small space all day is not fair or conducive to their physical and mental health. Providing them a more open, comfortable area is key to their relaxation and happiness.
Leave An Item With Your Scent
Before heading out for the day, leave a personal item with your scent in your pet’s resting area. A softly worn t-shirt (avoid workout gear) can offer your dog a sense of comfort, helping them feel connected to you through the familiar smell. This simple gesture can ease their anxiety while you're gone.
Managing a full-time job alongside pet care can be tough, but by applying these strategies, you can create a more calming and secure environment for your dog, even when you’re not home.
Automated Food And Water Dispensers
When considering how to care for your dog while you're at work, one of the primary concerns is ensuring they have consistent access to food and water throughout the day. If your dog is accustomed to eating multiple small meals or has a habit of tipping over their water bowl, an automated food and water dispenser can be an excellent solution. These devices enable you to automate feeding and hydration at specific times, ensuring your dog's needs are consistently met, giving you peace of mind while you're away.
The Bottom Line
Being a pet owner often mirrors the experience of raising a child, with many feeling guilt when leaving their pets alone. Research indicates that most pet owners experience significant guilt each time they leave their dog or puppy at home. However, it's important to be kind to yourself and remember that dogs can be perfectly content spending time alone during the day in a safe and comfortable environment. While your dog may cry or whine initially when you leave, they will quickly adjust, settling into a routine of playing or resting.
By incorporating these recommended practices, you can make sure that your dog receives the care they need and create a positive daily routine for them. This allows you to enjoy both a successful full-time career and the happiness of returning to a devoted companion at the end of each day.
