How To Work Your Pet Around a Hectic Lifestyle
Having a busy and demanding lifestyle doesn’t mean that you can’t, or shouldn’t, get a pet. What it does mean is that you need to ensure that you make adjustments in your daily routine where necessary, and be sure that you can still give your pet the care and attention it needs and deserves, despite your demanding routine. Those with more a rigorous lifestyle may have to work harder to accommodate a pet than those with a structured lifestyle, but it’s still possible with the right amount of compassion and dedication.
Consider Daycare
If you are working long hours or are running into a lot of unavoidable social plans, you don’t want your pet to be left alone for a long duration of time, especially if they are the only pet and suffer from separation anxiety, particularly in the case of dogs.
Daycare is a great option to ensure your pet receives love and attention while you are away from home. Heart and Paw Veterinary provide not only daycare services, but grooming and veterinary attention, too, meaning your pet can feel cared for around the clock, even if you’re unable to be there yourself. This is especially useful for dog owners.
Work Your Routine Around Them
Your routine is one schedule you should seriously consider before choosing to get a pet, especially in the case of working hours and length of commute. Under no circumstances should your pet suffer due to lack of time you might have in your own routine. Even if you have to get up early due to an extensive commute, you still need to provide your pet with the proper attention he or she needs. This might require you to get out of bed in the morning even earlier so that your dog has their lengthy morning walk but it will ensure they are kept healthy and active.
If your type of pet also needs attention during the day, you should also take the necessary measures to fulfill their needs, whether it’s a family member visiting the pet while you are at work, or the aforementioned daycare service.
Take Your Pet with You
Understandably, this isn’t always going to be possible, depending on the location and the task that you need to fulfill. However, where possible, you should embrace your pet accompanying you during your daily routine. Where you can’t bring your pet with you to the gym, you could alter your fitness routine to instead take an evening jog, whereby your dog can then jog along with you.
Some career options and employers are even dog-friendly and may be open to your dog coming with you to the office. It’s also worth checking if this is an option.
For social calls, ask your friend or loved one if your pet can come along with you, and in the case of dining out or having a social drink, look for pet-friendly options that welcome dogs or have the option for outside seating.
Keep a Daily Routine, Even If It’s Not The Same as Other Pet Owners
If you need to walk your dog at 4 a.m. because of work commitments, then do so. If you need to feed your pet earlier than the standard dinnertime, then do so. As long as you have a set daily routine, your pet will act more favorably towards it and become accustomed to when certain tasks are due, and this will also help to relax and comfort them.