Pets at home: How to keep them entertained while you work

Pet owners who work from home have lived with the conundrum of what to do with their pets during the day. Some have established large and lavish “apartment areas,” consisting of a large crated area filled with toys, bedding and other pet supplies; while others allow their pets to roam and sit beside them during their work hours.

However, most pet owners would love a few extra ways to keep their furry friends entertained. Here are a few ideas to entertain your pets at home while you work:

Games

Animals love to play. It’s a method of teaching them social skills with small animals, key people in your household and other pets. However, playing with your pet may not be conducive to your daily productivity. Luckily, there are solo games that can be played by your pets during the day.

For example, if you have a dog, try a snuffle mat that allows your dog to bury its face and search for tiny morsels such as treats or pet food. There are also solitary games for dogs that teach them to use deductive reasoning and rewards them with a tasty tidbit when they’ve gotten the answer correctly.

For those with cats, try an exercise wheel for hyperactive felines, a logic puzzle for those kittens that like to get into trouble or a standard hanging cat toy above their favorite place. Cat games should also have treats hidden inside to keep them invested in play.

Toys

While toys may seem like an obvious addition to your work-from-home distractors, not all toys are the same. Try high-value toys, such as toys with treat compartments or herb pockets. These tend to keep your pets invested in their playtime and out of your company meetings.

Restful areas

Another pet distraction lies with restful places for your pet. Places that are heavy with items your pet enjoys, bedding misted with pet-friendly calming extracts and a good bout of pet-appropriate music may be just the thing you need to keep them busy.

Adding restful elements helps your pet relax, and with pet-specific music and sounds, your pet can get some well-deserved rest while you work through your day.

Your pets are a great addition to your household, regardless of their activity level. However, your workday doesn’t have to suffer distractions to keep them occupied. Try these simple tips and watch as both your productivity and your pet’s playful interests soar.