How to Make Your Life Easier as a Single Pet Parent
Being a single pet parent has plenty of perks. After all, you’ll be your pet’s priority human, which means lots of extra love and snuggles for you. However, it can also be a big responsibility. If you already have a busy schedule, navigating single pet parenthood could become especially stressful. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple ways to make your life easier as a pet parent.
Eliminate Potential Hazards
The last thing you want is to worry about what your pet might get into while you’re away. Get ahead of potential disaster by locking up medications and researching your house plants. Medicine can be dangerous for pets when ingested, so it’s important to keep any prescription or over-the-counter medicines in a cabinet that is out of reach. Additionally, some house plants like lilies and oleander can pose a health hazard, so be sure your plants are non-toxic before you leave your pet home alone.
Spend Time Training
It may seem like training is a huge investment of time and money, but consider it an investment for the future. When your pet is well behaved, you’ll have an easier time socializing with other people and pets. This means that walks, trips to the dog park, and other pet-friendly activities will be much more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Create a Routine
One of the most important steps you can take is to create a reliable routine for your pet. Like humans, animals thrive when they know what to expect. Establishing a routine will help your pet feel secure and confident, so that they can truly relax instead of growing anxious about what will happen next.
Of course, for many single pet parents, going to work is a major part of their routine. If this is true for you, it means you could be out of the house for hours on end. During that time, your pet may grow bored or need to do her business. If you’ll be away for an extended period of time, consider hiring a dog walker. This can help break up the day for your pet, giving her an opportunity to get outside, play, walk, and socialize with another person. When you know your pet’s needs have been taken care of, you’ll make life easier for you and your furry friend.
Set Up a Safe Space
Pet anxiety is a very real concern and can make your own anxiety worse, especially as a single pet parent. According to House Method, if you’ve just adopted a new pup, chances are that she will be a little anxious in your home. You can create a safe space for her by keeping her in a den-like crate in a quiet part of the house. Fill the crate with a cozy blanket and some of her favorite toys, or you can include a shirt with your scent on it. This could calm your dog down and help her feel more at home when you’re not there.
Incorporate Plenty of Exercise
One of the best ways to keep your pet happy and healthy for the long term is to incorporate plenty of exercise into her day. Whether you take her on walks, venture to a local dog park, or schedule in lots of play time, exercising your pet will help her release pent up energy, making your life less stressful in the process.
Being a single pet parent doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, by incorporating these tips and tricks for you and your pet, life may just feel like a walk in the park.
