Let’s face it; modern life can be a whirlwind of work, personal commitments, and endless to-do lists. However, amidst this whirl of activity, it’s essential to keep in mind the needs of our four-legged friends. They rely on us for their wellbeing, happiness, and engagement. How then, can busy pup parents ensure their dog lives a fulfilled, vibrant life despite a packed timetable? Here are some practical suggestions.
Dog Food Deliveries
You can now get dog food delivered to your door at home, shaving hours of shopping off your life over the course of a year. Another benefit to this is that you never have to experience those big, sad eyes when you go to the cupboard and there’s no dog food in it. Joining a meal plan allows you to feed your dog exactly the right amounts and keeps them trim while saving you time.
Ensure Both Physical & Mental Exercise
Every dog needs a good dose of physical exercise and mental stimulation each day. Even if your schedule is tight, try to squeeze in a brisk walk or a quick game of catch. If time is at a premium, consider smart toys that can keep your dog engaged in problem-solving activities, or a dog walker to ensure your pet gets the exercise it needs.
Read: 5 tips for falling back in love with dog walking
Dog Walkers Galore
A dog walker is an essential part of modern dog ownership if all the adults in your household work. Even if you do have time to walk the dog yourself, if you live in a city such as London it can be difficult to find good areas which are dog friendly. Hiring a dog walker means the dog gets picked up from home during the day, taken out into the suburbs, and allowed to run off its energy.
The Private Pet Sitter
If you know you won’t be home for long hours and days in a row, then you require the services of a skilled pet sitter. If you live in the UK and you would like to find a specialist pet sitter, choosing from the list provided by the College of Animal Welfare is a good idea. This way you know your sitter is skilled, qualified, and knows how to care for your pet.
A Food & Water Dispenser
Automatic pet feeders are an excellent way to help out with feeding. Even if you do get your dog food delivered, you can quicken the feeding process even more by adding an automatic dispenser. This device feeds the dog food and water in small portions, allowing you to top up as necessary. This can last the dog all day if you need to be out of the house.
Read: A guide to perfect pooch nutrition
Use A Groomer
Your dog may or may not have the type of coat which requires constant upkeep. Even if it doesn’t need a trip to the groomers, the dog might still like it as a treat. Find a groomer in your area and take your pup along for a trial run. If they like it, you might be able to pick them up and drop them off around your work schedule. This lets the dog get even more entertainment and engagement from life, even if it is not from you.
Prioritise Health Checks
Regular vet checks are vital for early detection of any potential health issues. If getting to the vet is a challenge due to your busy schedule, look for veterinary clinics that offer weekend or late evening hours. Some even offer mobile vet services that come directly to your home.
Keep Communication Lines Open
Dogs are social creatures and communication is a must for their happiness. Talk to your dog, play with them, give them reassuring touches. Even if you’re busy, a few minutes of focused attention can do wonders for your pup’s mood, sense of security and even the quality of their (and your!) sleep.
The Bottom Line
At the end (and the beginning) of the day, a dog needs time, attention, care, and love to be a healthy animal. If you don’t meet its needs, it may be time to think about rehoming them. A dog is for life, but only if you can give it a fair life. Nothing can replace you being there, though these five tips should help ease that burden for both of you.