PetHealth

Quality, complete nutrition is vital to helping your pets feel at their best too. Before you head into the office, feed your pet a complete and balanced meal that’s rich in vitamins and minerals, fibre, protein and essential fatty acids. Make sure they also have water available throughout the day. Dr Hayes warns, “some routines that lead up to the owner leaving the house for the day can start to escalate the anxiety cycle in some dogs.” If this is occuring, you can work with your vet or trainer to break these associations. Start slow. Leave the house for a few minutes and then build from that. Stay close by so you can hear how your pet responds. Use positive reinforcement if nothing was destroyed and there was no barking. The days are long gone when it was new and a thrill to work from home and have your pet be your new colleague. While they are definitely mood boosters, pets can also be huge distractions, having an impact on your productivity. To avoid your pet becoming an interruption, keep them working just as hard as you do. Food puzzles will occupy both dogs and cats, challenging their minds and stimulating their natural instincts. For dogs with short attention spans, stuff treats into their KONG toy to extend playtime. Remember, treats should only make up 10% of your pet’s daily calories. Get ahead of attention-seeking behaviour by routinely scheduling a quick (15-minute) play break or walk break every 3 to 4 hours. It’s also important to normalise alone time, especially for pandemic pets used to constant attention. “These pets will have to learn that it is okay to be content in their own company … and that they can still get their attention at different times when the owner returns,” Dr Hayes says. Stayon track amidst pet distractions Many workplaces are now pet-friendly. But before you bring your pet to work, there are some considerations. Check your company’s pet policy. There can be rules around the size and breed of pet; whether you have pet insurance; whether your pet’s been desexed, vaccinated or trained. Some offices use a booking system. When you do bring your pet in, make sure they’re comfortable and entertained – and don’t become disruptive. Take regular breaks to play with your pet or walk them outside for exercise and a toilet break. Bring some comforts from home, like bedding or toys to make them feel like they are in a familiar environment. Bringing your pet to work – successfully

“Many pets enjoyed huge levels of exercise during the pandemic, as people used the extra time not spent commuting on getting outside,” Ivory Coat vet Dr Angus Hayes explains. But as these days disappear, pets still need the mental stimulation and exercise to maintain healthy, strong muscles and a good, lean body weight. Today many of us regularly split our time between the home and the office. There are simple steps you can take to manage the impact of hybrid working on your pet – and make the most of that new-found flexibility. Soothing the separation blues Hybrid working means different work patterns for different people, and even constantly changing arrangements from week to week. While some of us have required ‘anchor days’ when we have to be in the office, some of us have the flexibility to work where we want, when we want. Pets need regular mental stimulation and exercise to lead a full and healthy life. Dr Hayes says, “Pets need regular activities to make them feel comfortable, and the sense of routine can provide security and reduce anxiety or destructive behaviours.” Being left home alone can spark separation anxiety. Pets may start showing signs of distress as you are preparing to leave. Others may be destructive while you’re gone, digging up plants or ripping up couches. Barking, excessive salivation and not eating can be indicators of anxiety. Cats may start to go to the toilet outside their litter tray. It’s important to recognise these behaviours as signs of separation anxiety rather than your pets being ‘naughty’. No matter where you work, a morning routine is important for soothing some of the distress at being left alone. Before you leave or log on for the day, spend time with your pet either with a regular walk or some scheduled playtime. Exercise can offer great mental stimulation and help use up some of their energy to keep them calmer during the day. Giving pets fun, new toys to get used to while you’re in the office can help keep them entertained. If your dog is active, consider the services of a professional dog walker or doggy daycare. Meanwhile, cats love to watch the world go by, so place their cat tower by the closed window. Consider leaving TV on or music in the room your pet is staying in, and closing the door to your office or workspace to let your pet know you’re working. Reward them when they react well. Pets that are prone to anxiety disorders can be triggered by changes in their routine – this heightened anxious state will then escalate as the owner leaves the house.

“Pets will have to learn that it is okay to be content in their own company.”

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