Can Working Professionals Be Dog Parents?

Owning a pet is a big responsibility. A pet needs love, care, and attention all the time. Dogs are not exceptional, and having one dog at home requires much time and effort. In today’s world, everyone is busy.

However busy you may be, it is possible to have a dog if you are willing to dedicate your free time to a fur baby. All dog parents feel it is worth investing some time in their pets. It is rewarding and works as a stress buster.

If you are thinking of getting a puppy, and for your busy work schedule, you remain out of the house most of the time. You must think it will be difficult to care for a dog in such a situation.

Here is a guide that may simplify things and give you an idea of what you need to do for the pet when parenting them, along with working full time.

Before that, you need to accept that when you are away from home for most of the day, you will miss your pet, and the pet will miss you too. If you are working from home, things are much easier. If you have a pet-friendly workplace, you can take your dog with you.

But these are not always the situation. So, to make sure that your puppy is not neglected and is well taken good care of, here are some tips that you can follow:

Bring home a dog that you can manage

If you plan to bring home a dog because of work pressure, you will be surprised to know that many dog breeds need less maintenance. Research a little bit and search for a variety that can stay on its own if left alone when you have to go out for work.

Certain dog breeds require more human attention and care than others. They may suffer from separation anxiety when they go out each day for long hours.

Meet the basic needs of dogs

Dogs have some basic requirements. They need proper nutrition, health care, exercise, grooming, and along with all these, a lot of affection.

Stock all the foods and supplies that your dog may require. Schedule a grooming session once every two-three months, depending on the quality of coats your dog has. You should also take it for a veterinary check-up every 6 to 12 months. Planning and setting a reminder on the personal calendar can help you to remember the dates.

Develop a schedule

If you work full-time and have a puppy to care for, you must plan your non-working hours around it. If you live alone with no one else to take care of your dog, you must sacrifice parties or sleepovers at a friend’s place after work. In the routine, feeding, exercise, and playing time must be spent with your dog. The timings for all the activities should be the same each day.

A routine not only keeps you organized. At the same time, it also makes the dog less anxious. They know what to expect and when it is time to rest.

Don’t skip the training schedule

If you are bringing home a puppy, it may seem overwhelming to find time for training. But you will be surprised to notice that investing 10 to 15 minutes in training and that too twice or thrice a week can help your dog understand what you want. Training keeps your dog mentally active and provides a great bonding opportunity.

Exercise is essential

You and your dog both need to exercise to stay active and fit. Why not you both do it together? You can start with simple activities like walking or light jogging. If you prefer, you can include running or cycling in your routine. Make your dog run or walk along with you. A 15 to 30-minute session in the morning and evening is enough. This daily exercise routine will help you and your dog stay healthy.

Make arrangements for food and water

The main concern of working pet parents is how their dogs will have access to food and water while they are away. If your doggy is used to taking several small meals throughout the day or your puppy often trips the water bowl, an automated water and food dispenser can reduce many of your concerns.

Keep provision for indoor potty

If you leave your dog in an apartment for the day, you must make a place. You need to arrange a place where your pet can relieve itself. Many dogs can stay fine for seven to eight hours without a potty break. But you cannot count on that as every day is not similar. There are different indoor potty solutions that you can purchase.

Bring dog toys

Get plenty of toys for your pet dog. Toys will keep your dog occupied. They can enjoy playing with these toys. All you need is to check whether the toys are safe for your dog so they can enjoy playing with them without supervision.

Get a dog walker

You can get a dog walker to walk your dog. If you find it difficult to walk your dog daily, choosing a dog walker will be convenient for you. It would be best to choose a safe and reputable person to walk your dog.

Think of a daycare

Dogs love to live in groups. They make such good pets as they love staying close to human beings and interacting with and bonding with them. You have to ensure your pet is interacting with other pets or you. If your work schedule is too demanding and you have no time to play or take your dog for a walk, consider leaving it in a pet daycare when you are at work.

Not only do they get good attention and care there, but they will also have an opportunity to socialize, which is significant. If pet day care seems expensive, you can hire the service of a dog walker who can take your dog for a stroll even when you are away.

Conclusion

We all love pets, and owning a pet brings joy and happiness to your life. However, being a pet parent is a tough job. Your pet needs your time and affection. You can make it happen with a few plans and some extra hard work. You can make arrangements with a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a pet sitter to take care of your pet when you are not around.

The key is to select the right dog that will match your lifestyle. Avoid high-energy dogs and dogs with special needs. They need extra care and attention that will not be possible for you to provide.