How to care for your pets while working from home

Working from home has been a dream for many until the pandemic came to make it a reality. Not only was it us who rejoiced the idea of not having to leave the house for labor, but our pets are also thrilled with this thought. Now they can enjoy their time with us all day long, and we won’t be consumed with guilt at the idea that we have left them alone. However, working from home comes with its challenges when we have pets around the house. So, while we need another article to discuss how to achieve as much work as possible without letting our pets win all of our attention and focus, we are talking about spending a whole day inside with a pet and a cramped to-do list.

The advantages of working from home as a pet owner

• Increased positivity and better mental health

It is not only about being outside of the office or working alone in your comfort zone, but it is also about being with your best friend. Working from home means you do not have to put food and water for your pet in the morning, look at them with guilty eyes and leave the house for your work. First, think of the main reason why you decided to adopt or get your pet. Then, think of how far your relationship has gone—spending time with your fluffy friend even when you are working means that you will have someone you love by your side at all-time which is comforting and helpful to get rid of stress and bad feelings. You will be able to have a calm morning with them, play with them more, and care for them more than you usually would. Based on the Anxiety and Depression Association of America findings, the general happiness level of Americans who worked from home with their pets was higher, called “the pet effect.”

• Decreased stress levels

It is now proven that having a pet can decrease workplace stress. Working from home can be pretty stressful, but adding a pet to the equation can help lower your stress levels in two ways:

One: working from home is far less stressful than working from an office as your space is less crowded with people who could make you lose focus by chatting with you and asking you to complete some tasks for them.

Two: having a pet can further reduce the stress you are going through by being the perfect companion.

When you reduce your stress levels, you will find that your health is improving, starting with lower blood pressure and similar stress level indicators. According to the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, having a pet, a companion can even reduce depression and anxiety levels and other mental health issues.

• Increased productivity

While you may think that working from home with a pet around means that you will spend most of your time taking care of them, studies have proven the opposite. Working from home can increase your productivity, especially if you own a pet. The guilt you get for thinking that you left your pet alone at home and knowing that you must have been caring for it can affect your productivity. Therefore, working from home, with your pet around, can help you feel less guilty and focus more on your work. Your pet will benefit from the additional attention and care you are giving them, and your boss will be satisfied with your work and achievements.

• More exercise and… hugs

Being around your pet means you will receive many visits and calls for cuddles. This will give you a much-needed break that will be helpful for your mental health. You will enjoy connecting with your pet more than you usually do, and this has lots of health benefits for both of you. You can also schedule a short walk with your dog during breaks or some game time with your cat. This will add physical benefit to your day as you will be more active during your day.

• More time for veterinary and grooming appointments

Working from home means you are saving time on commuting. This time can be spent caring for your pet’s health and wellbeing. You could schedule your dog’s veterinary appointments during that time or take them for a good makeover at the groomer. This will contribute to reducing the guilt feeling you could have had for not caring for your pet.

• Better animal care savings

Working from home is an excellent way to save money, especially that you do not have to commute, buy more clothes to be worn to work, and do other things. But if you are working from home and caring for your pet simultaneously, you will be able to save additional money. In addition, you won’t need any pet daycare services anymore or a dog walker, as you will be able to do all of these now by yourself.

Tips for working from home with a pet:

• Place their bed somewhere close to your workplace: this will allow you to keep an eye on them. Not only that but doing so told them that they need to take breaks from playing with you to be more productive.
• Keep an eye on the number of treats you are giving them: spending more time with your pet does not mean you should shower them with more goodies than you usually would. Please keep track of the number of goodies you are giving them to avoid having them overeat.
• Take walking breaks: this can be one of the best benefits of working from home with a pet as you will be able to keep them as active as they need to be by benefiting yourself as well. Walking breaks will help keep your motivation level high in order to finish working. It will also help you be active as well rather than spending the whole day on your chair and laptop.
• If your pet is in another space, make sure you check up on them more often: if your dog is not allowed in your workspace, then make sure you take breaks more often to check upon them. This will enlighten their moods which can affect yours as well.
• Teach them about your boundaries: if you have a conference call or an important task to finish, you don’t want anything to bother you, especially your furry friend. So train your dog to stay away from when you are unable to give them your attention. You can also keep them busy with snacks such as a big bone or schedule a walking break right before the call to feel tired and sleepy during the call.
• Buy them enough toys to keep them busy: it is essential to keep your pet occupied when you are working. Toys are a great way to keep a pet entertained and away. Buy them a toy you know they will enjoy and allow them to play with it while you are busy working.

Productivity tips for when you are working with a pet around:

• Start your day by spending some time with them

It is essential to spend some time with your pet before you start working. This will satisfy them and prevent them from feeling bored and alone all the time. If you have a dog, schedule a walk with it during that time. You will both be able to be active and increase your dopamine levels. This works as a good bonding exercise and can make your pet tired enough to enjoy a quiet time, maybe alone for a few hours when working and being productive.

• Keep them busy and entertained while you are working

It is essential to spend time with them, but when you need to leave them, make sure they have something to do, rather than sit there feeling bored. Boredom will more likely make them needy and want your attention more and more. Your dog will bark, and your cat will meow long enough to cut your thoughts and ideas and make you unable to focus.

• Please do not give them attention every time they ask for it

If your pet is around you while you work, they are more likely to come to ask for your attention every time they need it. In order to be able to keep them around without compromising on your productivity, make sure that you do not give them the required attention every time they are near you, looking at you with cute puppy eyes.

• Give your pet an independent space to spend their time in

To avoid having your pet interrupting your productivity, keep them away while performing critical tasks and make sure to visit them and play with them often. Please do so by scheduling breaks spent with them.

Do you enjoy working from home with your pet friend?

Sources:

https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/benefits-working-from-home-pet-owner

https://www.freeportvet.com/services/other/blog/secret-staying-sane-while-working-home-pets

https://embarkvet.com/resources/dog-love/how-to-work-from-home-with-dogs/