Prepping Your Dog for When You Go Back to Work

This past year has been difficult and your dog has probably gotten used to you being home almost all day everyday.

Now that things are starting to return to normal, going back to work and school could take a toll on your pets. Change is coming to their daily routine and as pet parents you should help them adjust slowly.

Stress and Anxiety

Make sure to keep track of signs of stress and anxiety. This is a big concern for many pet parents. Some signs of distress include: whining, barking that’s nonstop, pacing when they see you preparing to leave, self-harm such as biting their body, shaking, and more. Some ways to ease this stress are long walks before work, dog appeasing pheromones, or finding a pet walker or sitter during the day.

Post-Pandemic Routine

Dogs love routine. When the pandemic started they adjusted to you being home all day, and now you have to readjust them to you being gone all day. Don’t wait to introduce the routine that day, start getting your pup used to waking up earlier and more at least a week before you go back to work.

Prep Your Pet for Your Absence

As part of your new routine, prep your pet for getting used to your absence. Start taking small walks alone, and gradually make them longer. Leave your pet with a toy to keep them entertained while you are gone.

Schedule

Start making a schedule for feeding your pup. Scheduling feeding times will help them associate when you’ll be gone and when you’ll be back.

Try scheduling day visit during work. Maybe go on a lunch break at home and spend time with your dog and take them on a short walk.

Make sure you’re keeping track of your pup and if they are doing well. New routines can be stressful but with the right preparation they should be fine.