Living and Working With Your New Co-Workers – Your Pets

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all our lives, with some of us having to start working from home. This can be a challenge, especially when you have such distracting four-legged co-workers to deal with. Read on to learn more about successfully living and working with your pets nearby.

CATS DOGS

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Posted by bravectosouthafrica – 23 April 2020

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Living With Pets: Times Are Changing

People all across the world have had to come to terms with a new state of normal – extended periods spent in lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic has effectively turned everyone’s lives upside down, forcing many to start working from home. This can be an overwhelming change of pace for those unused to it. Home, after all, offers many more distractions: a comfy bed, rambunctious kids, unrestricted access to snacks and last, but certainly not least, our beloved fur babies.

Working alongside your new four-legged co-workers may prove to be a challenge, initially.

The BBC reports that both scientists and vets agree that the transmission of coronavirus from pets to people is highly unlikely. It is, however, in everyone’s best interest for you to follow a strict hygiene regiment – wash your hands frequently and thoroughly to avoid contamination. Also, be sure to maintain plenty of stock of your cat or dog’s favourite pet food, if at all possible. It isn’t a bad idea for you to designate an alternative caregiver for your pet, should you find yourself unable to care for them properly.

In trying times like these, it’s important to keep focusing on the positives – you can now enjoy more time with your beloved cat or dog than ever before!

Accommodating Your Furry Colleagues

Furry friends across the world are rejoicing: their owners are staying home with them for longer! You might have already noticed how much your pets enjoy your new working arrangements – your cat curling up in your lap, giving no indication of wanting to move or your loyal dog frequently running over to lavish you in slobbery kisses while you’re right in the middle of a video call.

Maintaining a work-life balance can seem impossible right now. After all, how are you supposed to get your work done, but still keep your pets happy and content right this moment? Bravecto® has some suggestions on how you can keep productivity and your pet’s happiness up

What To DO when Living With Pets:

• Don’t overdo it on the treats – Spoiling your pet with more treats than usual can be tempting, especially if you want to keep them busy or distracted. This, however, is only a temporary solution that may lead to negative consequences in the long run.
• Engage in regular activity – It’s a good idea to burn up some of your pet’s boundless energy every few hours throughout the day. Dogs might not be allowed to go out for walks under South Africa’s current rules, but you can still play an improvised game of fetch or hide-and-seek around the house using their favourite treats and toys. Entertain your cat with their favourite toy or indulge them with some hide-and-seek as well. After all that excitement, your pet is sure to feel more relaxed and now you have a chance to actually get some work done. Remember that mental games are equally effective, if not more than physical games when trying to tire out your pet, so why not teach them some new tricks?
• Enjoy a little chit-chat – More people than ever are dealing with feelings of isolation right now, as there are few opportunities to talk to other people, outside your household, in the flesh. By talking to your pet, you’re doing them and yourself a favour!
• Make time for physical contact – Pets’ heightened sensitivity levels help them sense when you’re feeling anxious, agitated or just ‘off’. By offering them head-scratches and belly-rubs you help put them at ease, calming some of their excitement. Something to also consider is placing your pet’s bed or blanket near where you’re working: this should help keep them happy, as well as reduce some distractions while you work. When your pet is chilling out by your side is also a prime time to get to that grooming you’ve been putting off…

Don’t Let the Lockdown Get You Down – Make the Most of It

Most people are going to spend much more time at home, along with their loyal pets, for the foreseeable future. Times may be tough and uncertain, but pet owners can agree – spending quality time with furry friends is just what the doctor ordered. You and your pet’s well being benefit from the companionship.

Enjoy some feel-good facts about staying home and spending more time with your precious fur babies:

• A majority of pet owners felt that working from home increased their activity levels, since they were also spending time exercising and playing with their pets
• More than half of all pet owners have revealed that their pet’s presence makes them feel less anxious
• Most people prefer working from home, since having their pet for company makes them happier
• Nearly all pet owners interviewed felt that by spending time with their pets they were able to alleviate stress caused by the current COVID-19 global pandemic

Keep Calm and Carry on (as Much as Possible)

Even though most businesses have closed down to comply with government regulations, you can rest assured that most veterinary practices remain open as they are considered an essential service. Numerous practices are also offering telephonic consultations, as well as curbside services.

If, for any reason, you suspect that your pet requires veterinary care, do not hesitate to get in touch with your nearest practice. Your pet’s health should remain a top priority. In the meantime, do your best by providing your pets with preventative care such as keeping on top of their deworming and tick and flea treatment schedules. Bravecto® is also considered an essential product, meaning you and your cat or dog won’t have to deal with nasty ticks, fleas and mites on top of the lockdown-situation. You’re still able to buy your preferred Bravecto® treatment at a stockist near you.

It’s important to keep in mind that you’re never alone. Enjoy the comforting companionship your pets provide during this difficult time and know that professionals are just a phone call away – for both your pet and yourself.