So, we’re going on Week 9 of stay-at-home and work-from-home orders, and some are even looking at Week 10+. While some people have returned to work and a somewhat “normal” schedule, others are still working from the comfort of their cozy apartments.

If you have a furry pet, chances are they love EVERY minute of the extra snuggle time. Much to your dismay though, they might become stage-five clingers right in the middle of your video call with your boss’, boss’ boss.

While we’re all learning to adapt to this new “normal,” having Fluffy walk across your keyboard while Fido is barking on the patio isn’t an ideal situation. So, what’s a working person to do? Here are some tips to help keep up with your pet’s much-needed structure. We want them to stay busy and not become bored, restless, or destructive.

1. You’ve got a new routine, so stick to it. That also means stick to the same feeding schedule too.Working from home threw all of your schedules out of whack. Even though you may not be spending as much time getting ready or commuting to work, it’s essential to establish and stick to your new schedule as best you can.

Your pet thrives on a schedule. I bet your dog knows the exact time you wake up in the morning when it’s time to go outside and so on, while your cat could care less about what you do as long as they have fresh food and fresh litter. 

Photo courtesy of Camden

2. Lace-up Those Sneakers and Get Outside

A tired pet is a happy pet, which means you’re a happy owner! Spend the time that you used to spend on your commute on a morning walk with Rover (at a social distance from others, of course). Try tiring your cat out with a laser pointer or feather bouncer. They’ve got the energy to burn, and these are great ways for you to get some fresh air and exercise too. 

Photo courtesy of Camden

3. E=MC^2

Okay, so maybe your pooch won’t master the fundamentals of physics, but who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? While your cat may not want to learn how to fetch or rollover, most dogs love to learn! Working on simple commands like sit, down, and stay could give your pooch that mental workout they need to help them stay calm. 

Photo courtesy of Camden

4. Brain Games and Interactive Toys

After all your walks, does your pet still seem restless? It may be time to switch it up and bring out the brain games. Puzzle toys stuffed with treats or squeakers inside can keep your furry friend busy for at least the duration of your next video call.

Try filling a KONG toy with peanut butter and freezing the whole toy. They’ll spend hours chewing until every frozen bit is gone! And your cat will love you if you get them an interactive toy like the Tower of Tracks. You’ll thank us later when you’re not having to reach under the couch 27 times a day trying to get the dang ball that they keep losing under there.

5. Make Some Homemade Treats

Hit the recipe boards and grab the peanut butter. If you made these homemade goodies before, you’d already have all the ingredients you need in your pantry!

6. Brush, Brush Baby

Is your apartment covered in what seems like never-ending dog or cat hair? Use your lunch break and get your groom on. Your vacuum and future-self will thank you!

Photo courtesy of Camden

7. Stock Up on Extra Supplies

Since the stay-at-home orders make it hard to know when you’ll get out to the grocery or pet store, make sure to have at least two weeks’ worth of supplies. Think about essentials like food, treats, medications, and litter. If you can, buy some extra supplies to donate to your local pet shelter or food bank.

8. Reward Good Behavior

When your pet is behaving as you want, make sure to give them a good pat or belly rub, which will send the right signals to your pet for how they should act.

Photo courtesy of Camden

Remember that these are unprecedented times that we’re in, but they won’t last forever. Be patient with your furry pals, and appreciate those extra snuggles you can sneak in between calls. Soon, you’ll be in the office and wishing you were back home, spending every waking minute with your best friend! After you are done playing with your pooch, try one of these six books selections to help pass the time!