A pet can be a source of comfort after a hard day at work. However, while they might be lifting your spirits, you might not realize that your mood and actions are negatively impacting your pet’s wellbeing.
As you will want to care for your pet’s health at all times, it is important to learn how your behavior might be affecting your furry companion each day. Find out how your work stress can rub off on your pet.
Spot the Signs of Anxiety
As you will spend a considerable amount of time with your pet, it is likely you will notice if their behavior suddenly changes. However, anxiety can affect pets in different ways. For example, they might:
- Excessively urinate
- Bite or scratch frequently
- Appear submissive or aggressive
- Suddenly change their eating and drinking habits
While anxiety in pets can be caused by various factors, such as a change of address, a new pet, or a past experience, it is also possible your general mood is affecting their wellbeing.
The Impact of Your Demanding Job
Another major source of your pet’s anxiety could be your demanding job. For example, your furry friend might be struggling with separation anxiety while you are at work. This issue is unfortunately common in pets who have been abandoned in the past or may have lived in a shelter.
If you are away from your pet for a long length of time due to work commitments, don’t be surprised if you return home to urination outside of the litter box or a ripped cushions.
How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Pets
While different pets will have different needs, your furry friend might benefit from you spending a little more time within the home. For example, you might need to stop working as late or arrange to work from home one or two days per week, if possible.
If you are unable to reduce your working hours or remote work, aim to arrange for a loved one or pet sitter to drop in from time to time so he or she can enjoy some company and receive their meals at a set time.
Plus, when you are at home with your pet, try to spend some quality time together. For example, get comfortable on unique accent chairs and stroke your pet on your lap. You also should provide them with a safe space to rest and stick to an established routine each day, which can support their digestion.
Conclusion
Your pet will provide a friendly welcome home at the end of each working day, which can help to melt your stress away. However, it is essential to consider your pet’s feelings as well as your own. Always look for potential signs that your pet is struggling, and aim to take the appropriate steps to reduce any anxiety they are feeling to improve their quality of life.
