To ensure the well-being of your furry friend, it is recommended to establish a structured routine for them as well as spend quality time.
It's usual for working professionals to feel guilt about parting from their pet child for an extended period of 8-10 hours. Their concerns regarding the well-being of their furry companion are reasonable. Especially post Covid times have been hard for pets who were used to being around their humans for several months. However, the good thing is that creating a structured routine, providing them a support system, and spending quality time with them before and after office hours can play a huge role in easing this separation anxiety.
"It's widely understood that most pets thrive on human companionship and can experience stress or boredom when left alone for extended periods. To ensure the well-being of your furry friend, I recommend establishing a structured routine to spend quality time with them. Alternatively, you could consider enlisting the assistance of a professional pet sitter or dog walker. Creating a comfortable environment is crucial in promoting relaxation. This entails providing cozy bedding, a selection of toys, ample water, and proper ventilation," says Dr Anubhav Kumar Mishra, Veterinary Consultant at Plum Telehealth.
"Monitoring your pet's regular habits, such as their eating patterns, activity levels, and weight changes, is a valuable practice. These observations serve as key indicators, alerting you to any alterations that might signal underlying health issues. If you do detect any changes, promptly consulting a veterinarian is advisable to address the situation effectively," says Dr Mishra.
Shweta Shridhar, a pet parent shared her personal story about how she helped her pet deal with separation anxiety when she resumed work after Covid lockdown lifted.
That special day was September 1st, 2019, when I brought a tiny 2-kilogram ball of fur home, and life changed forever.
Then the pandemic hit, and we were stuck at home. While it was a tough time, I saw Midge grow into a smart dog. We became really close – keeping each other company through thick and thin.
But eventually, I had to go back to work, and that was hard for both of us. We had gotten used to being together all the time. So, we had to learn how to handle being apart and adjust to a new routine.
Sticking to a routine: Having a fixed schedule helped Midge know what to expect. We spent quality time in the morning and when I got back from work. This made her feel secure.
Not feeling guilty: It's easy to worry about leaving your pet alone. I felt that too. But I realized it's okay because I have responsibilities, and Midge understands that. Checking on her with a camera isn't the best idea because it distracts you from work.
Special toys: I gave Midge specific toys for when I wasn't home. This helped her know it's okay to be alone when she played with those toys.
Making them comfortable: I made sure she had enough space, water, food, and air when I was away.
Emergency plan: I gave my phone number to the security guard in case Midge got upset or distressed when I wasn't there.
Quality time: Spending lots of time together when I was home, especially on weekends, was important. We went for long walks and did things she enjoyed.
Despite the challenges, being a pet parent is the best thing I've ever done. Midge has brought so much joy and love into my life. Our journey together has been incredible, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
"By implementing these recommendations, you're taking significant strides in safeguarding the health, happiness, and overall well-being of your beloved pet," says Dr Mishra.
Disclaimer: This Article is auto-generated from the HT news service.
