5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy While You're at Work
Leaving the house in the morning is honestly the hardest part of my day. I grab my keys, put on my shoes, and then I have to look down at those big, sad eyes staring back at me. If you are a pet owner like me, you know that exact feeling of guilt. You walk out the door wondering if your dog is going to be lonely or if your cat is going to be bored out of their mind for the next eight hours.
It is a common worry for all of us who work full time jobs. We want to provide the best life for our furry friends, but we also have to pay the bills. The good news is that you do not have to feel guilty every time you leave. I have learned that with a few changes to your routine and your home setup, you can actually turn that alone time into a positive part of their day.
I spent a lot of time reading through advice from veterinary experts and behaviorists to find what really works. I wanted to move past the basic advice and find real solutions. Here are five practical ways I have found to keep my pets safe, comfortable, and actually happy while I am away at the office.
1. Turn Breakfast Into a Brain Game
We often think that our pets just sleep all day when we are gone. While they do sleep a lot, boredom is a real problem. When a dog or cat has nothing to do, they often create their own fun. Unfortunately, that usually means chewing on your shoes or scratching up the furniture. I used to come home to a mess until I realized my dog just needed a job to do.
Ditch the Boring Food Bowl
One of the best changes I made was getting rid of the standard food bowl in the mornings. Instead of just pouring food into a dish where it is gone in thirty seconds, I started using puzzle toys. By putting their breakfast inside a toy that they have to roll, nudge, or flip to get the kibble out, you are giving them a fun challenge. It keeps them busy for twenty or thirty minutes, which is the perfect amount of time for you to get ready and leave without them noticing as much.
Set Up a Scavenger Hunt
You do not always need to buy expensive toys to make this work. Sometimes I like to play a simple hide and seek game with treats. Before I walk out the door, I take a handful of dry food or small treats and hide them in safe spots around the living room. I might put one behind a chair leg or on top of a low shelf. This taps into their natural instinct to hunt and scavenge for food. It turns your departure into the start of a fun game rather than a sad moment. Just be sure you remember where you hid them so you do not find bugs later.
2. Create a Calming Atmosphere
Animals are very sensitive to the way a house feels. When you are home, there is noise, movement, and energy. When you leave, the house can become dead silent. That silence can make every little sound from outside seem scary or threatening.
Use Sound to Your Advantage
I have found that leaving some background noise on makes a huge difference. If the house is too quiet, my dog barks at every car door that slams outside. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) notes that having some background noise can help a pet feel less alone. I usually leave the radio on a station with calm talking or soft music. Some people even leave the television on for their pets. The goal is to mask the jarring noises from the street so your pet can relax and nap without being on high alert all day.
Manage the View
This tip depends a lot on your specific pet. For some dogs and cats, looking out the window is like watching TV. It provides hours of entertainment as they watch squirrels, birds, and people walking by. If your pet enjoys this, open the curtains and let them watch the world. However, if your dog barks at everything they see, it might be better to close the blinds. You have to know what makes your specific pet happy. For my cat, I put a bird feeder outside the window, and it keeps her glued to the glass for hours.
3. Burn Energy Before You Leave
I know how hard it is to wake up early. Trust me, I hit the snooze button just as much as anyone else. But I have learned that my evenings are much more peaceful if I put in a little work in the morning.
The Power of the Morning Walk
A quick walk around the block is good for a bathroom break, but it does not always tire them out. I try to go for a slightly longer walk where I let my dog stop and sniff as much as he wants. Sniffing is mental work for dogs. It engages their brain and makes them think. A twenty minute walk with lots of sniffing can be more tiring than a thirty minute fast walk. If you have a cat, a quick session with a feather wand or a laser pointer can help burn off that morning zoomie energy so they are ready to crash when you leave.
Incorporate Quick Training
If it is raining or I am running really late, I do a quick training session in the kitchen. I ask for a sit, a shake, or a down stay. These little brain teasers help them feel satisfied and accomplished. It sets a good tone for the day. When their brain is tired, they are much more likely to settle down for a long nap once the house is quiet.
4. Master the Art of the Goodbye
This was the hardest lesson for me to learn. I used to make a huge deal out of leaving. I would hug my dog, kiss him on the head, and tell him I was so sorry I had to go. I did not realize that I was actually making his anxiety worse.
Keep It Low Key
Animals are smart. They pick up on our emotions. If you are acting sad and stressed, they will feel that too. The Spruce Pets advises keeping your arrivals and departures as boring as possible. Now, I try to ignore my pets for about five minutes before I actually walk out the door. I gather my things calmly and just leave. It feels a little cold to do it that way, but it helps them stay calm. It signals that me leaving is a normal, everyday event and nothing to be worried about.
Practice Short Trips
If your pet really struggles with you leaving, you can practice small steps. I sometimes put on my coat and pick up my keys, but then I just sit down on the couch and watch TV. This helps them learn that those cues do not always mean I am disappearing for hours. Other times, I will leave for just five minutes to check the mail and come right back. This teaches them that I always return, which helps reduce that panic they feel when the door closes.
5. Prioritize Safety and Comfort
I cannot focus on my work if I am worried that my pet is unsafe. Making sure the house is pet proof is essential for my peace of mind.
Create a Safe Zone
I recommend creating a specific space where your pet feels totally secure. For my dog, that is his crate with a soft blanket over it. For my cat, it is a high perch in the bedroom. Cornell University resources mention the importance of environmental enrichment and having safe spaces. This should be a place where they can retreat if they feel scared or overwhelmed. If your pet is destructive, using a baby gate to keep them in a safe room is a great idea. It keeps them out of trouble and keeps them safe from chewing on electrical cords or getting into the trash.
Monitor the Temperature
We sometimes forget that our homes can get really hot or cold during the day when the AC or heat is off. I always check the thermostat before I leave. I want to make sure the house stays at a comfortable temperature. If it is a blazing hot summer day, I leave the air conditioning on for them. If it is freezing outside, I make sure the heat is set to a reasonable level. Physical comfort is a huge part of keeping them happy. If they are too hot or too cold, they are going to be restless and unhappy until you get back.
Finding the right routine takes a little bit of trial and error. Start with one of these changes, like the morning puzzle toy, and see how your pet reacts. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.
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