Having a dog is a big responsibility that takes a lot of time.
Dogs need lots of love and attention, just like kids do. Dogs can get sad, act up, want to play, and need to be fed.
When you have a dog, you must be prepared to give them lots of time.
But sometimes, you may not feel like there are enough hours in the day. Life can quickly get too busy if you have a full-time job, a family, and other responsibilities.
You still need to take care of your dog, but there are some tricks you can use to make the most of your time.
Use these four tips to save time without compromising the quality of care you give your precious pup:
1. Take your dog with you
Include your dogs in your regular activities or errands. Many businesses and restaurants are dog-friendly. If your employer allows it, bring your dog to work.
Leaving your dog alone for many hours a day can cause her to misbehave out of boredom and develop bad habits such as poop eating, excessive barking, and howling. Others may find something to chew on (like your leather couch!).
But when you take your dog along, you keep her occupied and give her opportunities to socialize with other people and sometimes other dogs.
Here are some examples of places where you can bring your dogs:
- Bring your pooch when you pick up your kids or drop them off at school.
- Take your dog along on your daily walk or run.
- Provided your dog behaves, take him along to a meeting.
- Bring them along when you go to any pet-friendly store.
- Take your dog along when you visit a friend’s house — provided your dog is welcome there.
- Let your dog spend the night in your room. Whether you let your pup sleep on your bed is up to you, but even if your dog sleeps in his bed on the floor, just being in the same room is a great way to spend time together.
2. Get a dog sitter
If you can’t take your dog with you, consider hiring a dog sitter or taking your pup to doggy daycare.
Bringing someone into your home to care for your dog allows the dog to get out for regular walks and meet other people and dogs.
Going to doggy daycare also provides that opportunity with the bonus of a car ride to get there and go home.
Evaluate your dog’s personality to determine which option is better for you. Territorial dogs may not respond well to having a “stranger” enter their house and might be unwilling to leave it.
In such cases, you can opt for professionally supervised doggy daycare that provides a safe and stimulating environment for your pet while you’re away.
While another option will cost you some money, it’s better than having your dog sit at home alone, bored and depressed.
Leave your pet with their favorite toys, blankets, and other familiar items. Having comforting belongings around can provide a sense of security.
Moreover, you can also leave an unwashed piece of clothing with your scent on it. This can comfort your pet in your absence.
3. Regulate your dog’s feeding schedule
Dogs over eight months usually only need to be fed once daily, so that shouldn’t be a big problem. Choose the best fresh dog food brands for your furry friend’s nutrition and energy throughout the day.
However, it’s easy to get caught up with other things, so there can still be a risk of late feeding, overfeeding, or forgetting to feed.
Instead, consider adding your dog’s meals to your routine. Feed your dog at the same time each day.
You can also consider using an automatic dog feeder to lighten your load. If you do, however, ensure the feeder allows you to control the food your dog receives.
Ensure the feeder customizes feeding times and portion sizes to meet your pet’s needs. Look for easy disassembly and cleaning features to maintain hygiene.
Decide on the power source that suits your preferences, whether battery-operated or electric. Choose a reliable brand with positive reviews and durable construction to withstand your pet’s interactions.
Opt for a user-friendly interface that simplifies programming for setting feeding times and portion sizes. Features like meal confirmation or Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring can add convenience.
Finally, be sure to provide fresh water for your dog every day and refill the water bowl often if your dog is thirsty.
4. Get organized
Initially, it’s not easy to have a dog — especially if you are busy.
But it’s not a matter of how busy you are; it’s more a matter of how you manage your time and set your priorities. Include your dog in your daily routine; caring for a dog will eventually become easier.
- Make feeding time part of your routine.
- Determine the best time for a daily walk. You might need to adjust your schedule, like waking up earlier to take a walk before heading to the office. Or you may need to delay eating dinner at night so you’ll have time to take a walk when you get home.
- Schedule vet visits, grooming, and playdates.
- If you live with other people, delegate pet-related tasks to them. Set up a schedule for feeding and walking. Share the responsibility.
- Create a natural indoor puppy potty using hydroponic grass.
Take care of your dog
Before you get a dog, you must evaluate your ability to care for one. If you’re too busy, your dog could feel neglected.
Busy dog owners face physical and social challenges in keeping their dogs healthy.
To be happy and healthy, dogs need proper nutrients, the right amount of exercise, and a healthy level of socialization.
Determine the dog food that will meet their needs and feed them regularly. Dogs also need regular exercise, such as walking and running.
Finally, dogs need opportunities to socialize with other dogs. They need love and attention to avoid getting sick or developing unwanted behaviors.
Lauren Peralta is the founder of lovablepawsandclaws.com and has a passion for pets. She has kept many pets and intimately knows their emotional and physical needs. Her dogs help keep her active and satisfy her desire to spend lots of time in nature.