The most important thing to know and remember as a pet owner is that no animal, bird, or reptile should be left alone for prolonged amounts of time.
When adopting, rescuing, or purchasing an animal, you are not only legally but, much more importantly, ethically responsible for their health, wellbeing, and happiness. It is important to remember that loneliness can be just as disruptive and traumatic for an animal as it can be for humans.
Don’t Leave Them In Complete Silence
Obviously, dogs, rabbits and cats can recognize conversations that are happening in real-time. Either between yourself and other members of your household or else when you talk to them directly and a radio or television program.
However, research has shown that leaving a radio station that is mostly conversation over loud music, or a history channel on the television, on in the room where your dog, cat, rabbit, or budgie are usually sleeping in can calm their nerves and reduce their feelings of stress and anxiety.
Be Aware Of Temperature
Just like humans, animals are sensitive to changes in temperature.
For example, you will undoubtedly be aware of the supreme dangers of leaving a dog alone in a car in the summer and, conversely, leaving them outside in the freezing cold for a prolonged time.
One of the best considerations when wanting to warm the home for your pet during the winter months is to install a traditional fireplace. When choosing one from reputable supplier fireplaces London, you will be able to match the style, shape and tone of the fireplace with the rest of the room’s décor.
You should never leave the fire switched on when you leave the house but warming the room for just 20 minutes beforehand will ensure your pets are safe and warm.
Interact & Play With Your Animals Before You Leave
Even if you are leaving for work in the early morning, it is still important to make sure you devote time to interact with your animals.
If you are the proud owner of a precious pooch, then take them for a long and engaging walk and if you don’t have the time to walk for a mile, then at least encourage your dog to run, play fetch, and generally use their energy. Naturally, you must also ensure there is enough food and fresh water in their bowls, and they have their favorite toys around them.
With rabbits, again ensure they have fresh hay, greens, and water and that you have rabbit proofed their area or shut any doors if your bunnies are free to roam the house.
Depending on what species, your treasured pets are wholly dependent on how long you can safely leave them alone:
- Rabbits can be left for up to one day alone if they are in a bonded pair or only half a day if they are on their own
- Dogs can be left for up to five hours a day, and this is only providing you have taken them on a substantial walk beforehand
- Budgies, parrots, and other birds can only be left for up to one day on their own
- Adult cats should be left for no more than two days in their own company
