If you are new to the work-from-home scene, you may be feeling mixed emotions about your new gig, but working from home can be quite beneficial, especially if you have a furry friend!

Think about it. You have the comforts of home, you can dress in your pajamas, and you have your favorite being in the entire universe next to you while you get paid to work, but, and there is always a but, how do you effectively work from home with a pet?

Here are some ways to get yourself into a new working routine when you have pets at home to keep you company:

1. Create a Workspace:

When it comes to a home office, some of us may have more options than others. If possible, try to separate yourself from your pets to ensure you have a functional workspace. Go into a room and use a door as a barrier. This will set a clear message that you are unavailable to play or cuddle. If a separate room isn’t possible, try using a space that is higher up, such as a table or countertop, so your pet cannot disrupt your papers, computer or other materials.

2. Work Time vs. Play Time:

If you have a needy pet, you may have to set some work-from-home boundaries. Just like you normally leave the house for the day, head to your “home office” and shut the door, physically separating you from your pet. If this isn’t possible, set up times to play. Take some time to tire your pet out before you sit down to work, so they will be less likely to bother you. When you get up for a break or a snack, include your furry friend so they learn to understand the difference between work time and playtime.

3. Setting a Schedule:

Working from home is a great option, especially if you get to make your own hours, but sometimes too much freedom can be a curse. Just like working in an office or at a site, set up a schedule to keep you and your pet in a working routine. 

• Meals: This may mean changing meal times, but they will adjust. No matter what you choose, pick a schedule, stick to it, and always feed them before you start your day in the home office.
• Walks: If you have a dog, be sure to pencil in an appropriate time to take your furry friend out. This is a great way for you both to release some energy and spend some quality time together.

4. Treat Tricks:

Working from home means your pet will see a lot more of you than they normally would. With that said, be sure to watch those treats! It can be easy to overfeed our pets when we are with them for long periods of time. Keep a running tally at your desk to keep you and your furry friend on track. For a healthy option, check out WHIMZEES, all-natural daily dog dental treats that also double as a long-lasting chew to keep your dog occupied. 

5. Creature Comforts:

Your pet may simply want to be near you while you work without being a bother, and that’s great to hear! Move your pet’s bed or favorite blanket into your workspace, so they can keep you company in comfort.

6. Don’t Give In:

If working from home is new for your pet, they will most likely try some tricks to get your attention. This could include begging, whining, or scratching at the door. Stay strong, just like when they were small. Set firm boundaries and good behavior will follow.

While we treat our pets like family, it’s still a good idea to set boundaries and stick to them. This is the best way to ensure you can create a working environment that works for you and your pet. At the end of the day, remember to be flexible and work with your furry co-worker to create a space that works for everyone.

It’s also important to remember that change takes time for them just as much as it does for us. Give your furry friend some time and space to process your presence during the day, especially if they are used to being home alone. With these tips, you are both on your way to a happy and healthy working future.

Pets can sense more than we realize. They know when we are sick, they know when we’ve had a bad day and they know when we need some extra love as we traverse a tough breakup. Heck, they can even sense natural disasters before they happen! But when the world hits pause, and we are told to stay in our homes, we enter uncharted territory. How do we combat the fear of the unknown when we can’t leave our homes? Two words–our pets. 

Let’s take a moment to turn away from our fears and toward our furry friends. It’s time we realize all the benefits our four-legged family members have to offer.

It’s Science!

As we approach and experience lockdowns and quarantines from the COVID-19 virus, this new territory can cause our nerves to rattle and our anxiety to rear its ugly head, but this is the time where our pets can shine. Did you know the medical field encourages furry family members based on real data? Scientific research has shown the relationships between pets and their owners decrease anxiety, depression and loneliness and support general wellness. Through a series of testing, scientists have seen pet interactions lower blood pressure and heart rate which reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels. Animals causing humans joy is literally science!

Pets also give their owners purpose by providing a consistent support that establishes routine. When we decide to get a pet, we essentially become a parent. Natural instincts kick in and enhance our self-worth by creating purpose through feeding, bathing, walking, and more. Believe it not, this type of stability creates certainty in the brain that fosters mental health and overall wellbeing.

While interacting with animals is scientifically shown to improve our moods, knowing you have an animal friend with you through tough times significantly impacts our hearts and psyches. Pets provide us with a sense of security, especially through difficult experiences. When you go home, you know you have a furry friend you can count on who doesn’t judge or cause emotional harm. Think about the surge of pet-therapy animals that are sweeping the nation ensuring their owners feel comfortable and safe everywhere they go, allowing them to regain a sense of confidence and peace in an ever-changing world.

Beyond pet therapy, everyday pet owners are reaping the benefits of being around their animals. In a survey from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, three-quarters of people who owned pets reported their mental health improved simply from having animals in the home. The institute also conducted a study in which 80% of pet owners said they feel less lonely because of their pet, while

76% of non-pet owners agreed that interacting with animals can reduce the feeling of social isolation. Our animal friends keep our moods elevated and our spirits lifted by offering us constant companionship and unconditional love.

Finding Peace in a Time of Crisis

While it may feel difficult in the beginning stages of this pandemic, there is always a silver lining. We have time to slow down, get grounded and find peace in new ways. For many of us working folks, we only see our animals after a long day away from home. Now, we can find the time to give them the love they deserve, and more importantly, let them love us back. We can’t control the world around us, but we can control our time with our loved ones which include our pets.

Through time at home, we too can benefit from the advantages and benefits our pets naturally offer. You may be stuck in the house, but you are never alone when it comes to your pets. They wake up with you in the morning, help you cook your daily meals and if permitted, they get you out of the house on a daily walk. They are your TV buddy, your reading partner and of course, the best snugglers known to man. When you are feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world, stop, drop what you are doing and go to your animal friend for a sloppy kiss or a long hug.

Make sure you reward your pets with some great treats during this trying time. Check out the array of products Wellness Pet Food has to offer. From all-natural food to healthy snacks for dog and cats, show your pets how much you appreciate them and reciprocate their unconditional love. 

After a week of unsettling and uncertain news, if you’re home this weekend and practicing social distancing, the good news is your pets will be right by your side. 
These suggestions for things to do at home are great for when you have some extra time with your dog or cat:

1. Extra snuggle time:

Take advantage of some down time and curl up with your pup or kitty to watch a good movie. Your pet’s affection will help lower your blood pressure, and they’ll love the extra attention. 

2. Some fresh air:

Photo by Gianandrea Villa on Unsplash

If the weather is nice, head out to your porch, deck or yard and spend some time with your dog soaking up the rays. Do you have an enclosure for your cat so they can get some fresh air? If going outside isn’t a good option, you can always open the windows and let the kitty go bird watching.

3. Take a walk:

Even if it’s just a few times around the block, get moving with your pup to help boost your mood, relieve stress and keep your dog healthy and active.

4. Have your pet “help” as you work on a hobby:

Photo by Avi Naim on Unsplash

If you’re planning on using your extra at-home time to pick up a hobby like reading, painting, crafts or practicing an instrument, your pet will be the perfect companion and “spotter.” Pets love to help us by staying close and keeping us company.

5. Playtime:

Break out the feather toy and get a few laughs as you help your cat get out their extra energy. Spill a few of your pup’s favorite squeaky toys on the floor and watch as goofiness ensues. Your pets will have loads of fun and stay active.

6. Treats:

At a time like this, we could all use a few extra treats. While you’re enjoying a snack, give your pup a yummy, long-lasting dental health chew like WHIMZEES for a healthy way to keep them occupied. And for the felines, Wellness Kittles are a perfect low-calorie, high delicious factor treat that they will come running for. 

7. Exercise:

Head outside to play some fetch in the backyard with your dog, and then later they’ll sit next to you (and maybe get in your way) when you try to get a workout in.

8. Organize their things:

It may not sound like much fun at first, but organizing and doing a deep clean of your pets toys, accessories and medications will help keep the home clean and you may even discover something you didn’t know you had. Set aside any items you plan to donate to your local pet shelter in the future.

9. Clean their spaces:

Not just a chore—you’ll see the positive results of your effort in cleaning the crate, bed, food bowls and eating area when your dog or cat comfortably settle into their space and relax (although you’ll be tempted to call them back to the couch to cuddle).

10. More snuggle time:

If you’re staying home for an extended period of time, there will be plenty of opportunities for you and your pets to snuggle up, hang out and slow down. 
Enjoy this time to fully appreciate your pets and the close bond you have with each other. 

What are you and your pets doing at home this weekend? Tag your photos @wellnesspetfood to share.