{"id":889,"date":"2021-05-17T18:28:05","date_gmt":"2021-05-18T00:28:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/?p=889"},"modified":"2022-03-30T08:53:38","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T14:53:38","slug":"working-from-home-a-new-look-at-your-pets-behavior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/working-from-home-a-new-look-at-your-pets-behavior\/","title":{"rendered":"Working From Home? A New Look At Your Pet\u2019s Behavior"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Working<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For many pet owners, working from home has become more commonplace. While this new dynamic may present many challenges for human families, there\u2019s one family member that probably likes it\u2014your pet, of course! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no mystery that pet ownership sometimes has its challenges, but being around our pets 24 hours a day, every day, may provide new perspective on this relationship. Not only is there the unique companionship that a pet adds to the workday, you might be gaining new insight into your pet\u2019s behavior and needs. You may also discover that you now have to strike a balance between showing your pet attention and getting your work done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Thanks for the Stress Relief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is well-known that our pets can provide much welcome stress relief from our busy and chaotic lives. They also help us get outdoors for our daily walks, to socialize and connect with others, and even entertain us with their cute or interesting antics. Overall, they add a wonderful dimension to our lives. That being said, a dog barking<\/a> in the background or a cat\u2019s tail<\/a> blocking your computer screen may not be what you had planned for your latest Zoom meeting!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re Adapting, Too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An interesting aspect of working from home is that pets are also having to adapt to their humans being around more. For most pets, this is probably a good thing and they like having the daytime companionship and additional attention. For other pets, however, it may result in new behaviors \u2014 especially, if a pet is sensitive to the fluctuating stress levels of their owners, ringing phones, or other office-related sounds and activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lesser known issue is that with more people working at home, fewer pets are getting enough sleep during the day. Our pets are acutely aware of our movements and activity when we are home and, while they may rest, they don\u2019t sleep as deeply as they do when no one is there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is believed that the average dog or cat needs around 16 hours of sleep within each 24-hour period, and puppies and kittens may need up to 20 or more. As in humans, lack of adequate sleep for both dogs and cats can lead to sluggishness, irritability, hyperactivity and other health-related problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create a Better Harmony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even though you\u2019re working from home, you are probably not wholly focused on your pet all of the time. Motivated by boredom, pets may react to being ignored by seeking attention with annoying behaviors, such as needy pestering, barking, chewing or scratching. Since we understand how difficult it can be to disregard a pet seeking attention, here are some tips to help you both get through your work day in better harmony:<\/p>\n\n\n\n