After spending so much time with the family over the holidays, pets get the back-to-school and work blues too! Prepare your pets to adjust to your new routine before life gets too busy. Use the tips below to get started.
Ease your pets into their new routine
Before you head back to school and work, help your pets transition into new habits. If you have a new pet you plan to leave alone at home, start by leaving the house for short periods so they can get used to the fact that you’re coming back.
Adjust feeding, walking and play times so that your pets become accustomed to being entertained by you before and after school or work. Make sure you have everything you need from The Queen Pet Shop to treat your best friends like royalty all year.
Provide a safe space
Consider whether you plan to leave your pets indoors or outside while you’re away and make sure they have everything they need to stay safe. All pets should have easy access to water and shade or cover during hot or rainy days.
Provide a durable bed to keep your dogs comfortable indoors or outdoors. The Huntlea Urban Mattress is made with water resistant material designed to stay cool in summer.
Keep your pets entertained
If you don’t entertain your pets, they’re going to find their own ways to stay occupied. Tidy up cables, pack away anything you don’t want to have chewed and introduce interactive toys.
The Queen Pet Shop offers a large selection of chew toys for dogs, including the TKM Chilled and Chewy Freezable range – shop online here. The Kong Classic chew toy is always a favourite, especially when stuffed with treats to extend playtime for your dogs.
Your cats deserve to be entertained too. We have a Circuit Ball Toy that comes with either a massager or cat grass, offering hours of fun for your feline friends. Leave catnip around the house to keep them happy indoors just before you leave for work or school.
Schedule Playtime
All the toys in the world can’t replace quality time with your pets. Make playtime part of your routine when you return home from work or school and on weekends. Your pets need only a few minutes of undivided attention and interaction every day.
Keep a pack of Gwigwi Tennis Balls available for a few minutes of fetch and alternate with tug games using a good quality rope toy, like the K9 Fitness Knotted Rope Bone.
Cats of all ages enjoy a few minutes with a Catwand with a feather attached! Shop online or find a large selection in store at The Queen Pet Shop.
Walks and Runs
Whether your dogs are athletic or not, live indoors or have a garden to play in, regular walks are important. Consult with your vet about the unique needs of your dog as the amount of exercise they need will depend on various factors including age, breed and current health status.
Regular walks or runs and opportunities to socialise with other dogs if possible, can play an important role in the psychological wellbeing as well as the physical health of your dogs. The Rogz Utility range of harnesses and leads are great for active dogs that enjoy daily walks.
If you keep your cats indoors, consider walking them too. Cats can be leash trained and harnesses and leads are available. Depending on their personality, your cat might enjoy some time adventuring outdoors under your supervision and this is a great way to give them exercise and stimulation if they spend most of the time lazing around indoors.
As you settle back into school and work routines, a little planning can make a big difference to your pet’s happiness. By creating structure, providing comfort and prioritising quality time, you can help your pets feel secure when you’re away.