Animal Talk

lifestyle

PETTA LK

Taking care of your dog when you’re away most of the day

Solutions

for working

pet parents

Text: Katherine Brown | Photography: 8thcreator, Scorpp, Alexei_tm, Oxford Square,

Elbud, Marek Walica, Ratikova, George Rudy, Halfpoint, Kaspars Grinvalds

Many modern dogs face a massive obstacle, which pressures their

physical and emotional well-being, often resulting in unwanted

behaviours that are blamed on the dogs. Destruction, digging,

barking and howling, over-excitement, anxiety and depression –

all of these can lead to a dog being labelled as ‘naughty’, ‘spiteful’

or ‘just a bad dog’. In reality these dogs are isolated, lonely and

frustrated because their needs are not being met. The culprit is the

long working day. For many people, the day starts early and ends

late, leaving little time, energy or patience for a long walk with the

dog or an intense training session.

The modern dog is at great risk of benign neglect – the best

food, the best veterinary care, the most expensive beds and

toys. But not enough human interaction. And this is all

dogs really want. A recent study showed that the part

of the brain associated with positive expectation and

reward is activated to a greater extent when dogs

smell their owners as compared to smelling other

people or dogs (even familiar dogs)^1.

Fortunately, there are simple ways of fulfilling your

dog’s needs without quitting your job, and ensuring

that they’re safe and coping well in your absence.

There are people who can take care of your

pets while you are at work, such as your

domestic helper, the gardener or a

pet sitter or walker. See the May

edition of Animaltalk to read

more about people

who can assist while

you are working.