Millions of people around the world have ended up working remotely during the COVID-19(female pandemic and this, for many, was an opportunity to own a pet. So the term “confined puppy” exists because we have seen an increase in pet ownership during this time, but owning a pet is never easy, especially if you work from home.
Pets are great ways to reduce stress at the end of a hectic work day, but they can lead to many distractions during work hours. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Chandrakant Yadav, Chief Marketing Officer at ThePetNest, said, “Although offices have started reopening recently, remote and hybrid working is here to stay for a while and it’s time we find a balance between our work and our pets. . There are many benefits to owning a pet and it has been scientifically proven to improve mood and physical and mental health. The pandemic has been a horrible experience for all of us, but our pets have stuck by us. They have been best friends, confidants and comedians and it is time that we return the favor by taking care of their health and happiness while taking care of our own!
He revealed some tips on how to manage working from home with pets:
1. Keep Them Busy – If you work in a separate room from your pets, make sure they are well occupied during this time. For example, dogs are very social and well adapted to living in groups. However, with the work at hand, they cannot hold our attention 100% of the time. They may engage in barking or digging and chewing out of boredom. To avoid such problem behaviors, it’s important to keep your pet’s brain stimulated while you’re busy. Here are some ideas to keep them busy:
a) Take time to play with your pet, even if it plays with your dog for a few minutes in the nearby park. This will tire your pet and strengthen your bond with them. They will stay calm and rest naturally after a tiring game!
b) Try to engage your pet in indoor games like “hide and seek treat” or “guess whose hand” and when he succeeds, try hiding treats around the house.
c) Toys are also a great option to keep your pets occupied and entertained. There are many interactive puzzle games that can nourish your dog’s mind.
Unlike dogs, cats are solitary hunters, so keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated by appealing to their instinctive behaviors. Cats can be exercised and entertained by using vertical spaces like shelves to perch on and jump on for treats. A quiet, warm, dimly lit space is ideal for cats.
2. Stick to the routine – A routine helps your pet understand when you are available and when you are not. This will also help you avoid unnecessary distractions while you take calls or just try to finish that long pending article. Try to get up at the same time every day and feed your pet. Offer them some play or exercise, then get on with your work.
3. Communicate with them – Communication is key when it comes to interacting with pets. Pets have their own way of telling us what they need. They may scratch with their paws near the back door when they need to go to the bathroom or lick their bowl empty when they are hungry. They are very good at giving us clues and it is up to us to understand their language and communicate with them as best we can.