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Pet parenting is more than a responsibility; it is a commitment to love and care for them. According to MarketWatch, the average cost of owning a dog in the US is $2,127 upfront. This includes adoption fees, supplies, and vaccinations. There are additional ongoing expenses, such as food and vet visits. You will also need to spare time for training, bonding, and feeding your canine buddy.
Despite that, people are willing to give time and energy to pet parenting. Consider the example of Denver, where the dog population is a whopping 160,000. Dog daycare in Denver can be a savior for busy dog parents. It is also a big business opportunity, considering the strong demand in the city.
As a busy pet parent, you may struggle with the role. Raising a happy dog will require deliberate effort to balance your schedule with your dog’s needs for care, attention, and emotional security. While your time may be limited, a few simple measures can contribute to your dog’s happiness and well-being.
In this article, we will explain a few actionable tips for busy dog parents to raise a happy and healthy dog.
The American Kennel Club highlights the importance of routine for dogs at every stage of their lives. They thrive on consistency, and knowing what to expect keeps them happy and comfortable. Starting early, with proper routines for eating, sleeping, potty training, and bonding, sets a solid foundation for puppies.
A routine gives structure and predictability, and offers a sense of security. Even with a busy schedule, you must do your bit to set regular time for everyday activities. This structure reduces stress and behavioral issues in pets. Keep the routine realistic and flexible, so it fits into your lifestyle without causing extra stress for you or your dog.
A daily schedule does more than keep your dog healthy. It also boosts your pet's emotional balance and well-being in the long run. Skimping on it will upset your schedule and make things hard for your furry buddy.
Busy lifestyles can limit how much time you spend with your dog, but quality matters more than quantity. According to Northeast Ohio Thrive, spending time with your pooch is not about doing anything special. You can simply sit on a couch and relax together, as dogs sense the presence of their owners and feel secure when they are around.
If relaxation is the idea of spending quality time with your dog, your life gets a lot easier as a busy pet parent. You will surely love this no-pressure activity at the end of a busy and stressful day at work. However, try doing other things that bring you together whenever you have time to spare.
Dedicate focused time during weekends for play, cuddles, and training exercises to build a strong bond. Engaging in interactive play and positive training provides mental stimulation and reassures your dog of your affection and attention. Even short bursts of dedicated time can keep your dog feeling loved and secure.
If your work or commitments keep you away for long periods, your dog may encounter issues like separation anxiety. PetMD notes that separation anxiety is among the most common canine behavioral health issues. It makes them prone to restlessness, anxiety, clingy behavior, and over-excitement when their parents are not around.
Consider professional care options like trusted pet sitters or walkers who can provide companionship, exercise, and mental engagement in your absence. Happy Tail Happy Dog recommends daycare for dogs to leave your pet when you need to be away. Look for one that offers amenities like spa care for your pet because it deserves the best.
With professional care, your dog has regular social interaction and activity during the day, which prevents loneliness and anxiety. These arrangements let you maintain your busy lifestyle without neglecting your dog’s emotional and physical needs.
A safe and comfortable environment is crucial for your dog's happiness. It is even more crucial for busy pet parents who cannot be around their furry babies 24/7. Imagine worrying about your Fido hurting itself by running into sharp furniture edges or slipping down a stairway. Making your home pet-safe can give you peace of mind.
Remove hazards and provide a designated area with toys, bedding, and water where your dog feels secure. This space helps your dog relax when you are busy or away. Try rotating your dog’s toys and introducing new ones occasionally to prevent boredom.
Store toxic substances like cleaning agents, chemicals, medicines, and certain foods high up or in locked cabinets. Also, ensure that there are no toxic houseplants in your home or yard, as your pet may ingest them. Educate your children and other family members to keep an eye on your dog.
While dogs can physically be left alone for up to 8 hours, it is not ideal for their emotional well-being. Younger dogs or those prone to separation anxiety should not be alone for such long periods. Prolonged alone time can lead to stress, boredom, and destructive behavior. If 8-hour absences are unavoidable, arrange a walker, sitter, or doggy daycare to keep your dog engaged.
Yes, canine separation anxiety is a genuine condition. Dogs with this anxiety can exhibit distress behaviors such as excessive barking, pacing, whining, destructive chewing, or attempts to escape when left alone. It stems from a strong attachment to the owner and sometimes past trauma.
Aggression such as growling or snapping, lethargy or sleeping excessively, and pacing or restlessness indicate that your dog is unhappy. Watch out for changes in appetite or drinking habits, decreased interest in play and activities, and withdrawal from affection. Ears pulled back, flattened ears, or other body language indicating discomfort are other physical cues of anxiety.
Raising a happy dog as a busy pet parent is about conscientious care and creating stability. You may need to go the extra mile to ensure that your dog feels loved and secure, even when time is limited. By integrating these simple measures, you can foster a thriving relationship with your furry companion. This approach benefits your dog’s happiness and enriches your own experience as a responsible and loving pet parent.
