(Dr. Iulia Mihai, DVM) It’s so annoying when you come home from work and find your favorite pair of slippers or shoes ripped to shreds. Or maybe you discover that the sofa is destroyed? We’ve all been there. We know how difficult it can be to leave your dog or cat alone at home while you are away at work.

However, the truth is that many adult dogs and cats sleep and relax for a good part of the time when you are away at work. But what do we do with very young pets that have an unusual energy level and feel the need to chew, run, climb, and consume their energy in any way possible? What can we do with pets who suffer from separation anxiety and wait at the door while you're at work? These kinds of dogs and cats need redirection to keep them occupied for a long time until you return home and give them the necessary attention again.

In this article, you will find out which are the most interactive products and toys that will keep your pet entertained while you are at work. In addition to guaranteeing maximum fun, these products will provide your pet with mental stimulation and physical activity - two things that are extremely necessary for our pets to stay healthy.

Pet Toys and Products: How to Keep Your Pet Busy and Entertained While You Are at Work

The time they spend alone can be difficult for our pets, especially if they are used to receiving constant attention from us. However, many toys and products can help your pet stay happy, entertained, and busy while you are at work. Here are some suggestions of toys and products for pets that could keep them busy while you are at work:

1. Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are an excellent way to keep your pet busy and stimulate their mind. This category of toys may include:

• Interactive puzzles: These toys can train your cat or dog's mind with problem solving. You can hide treats inside the puzzle based on the instructions and your pet will put their paws and mind to work. These puzzles will keep them focused, are mentally stimulating, and they won't realize how much time has passed if they are determined enough.
• Treat-dispensing puzzles and toys: These toys and puzzles release food as your dog or cat plays with them. An example of such a toy is the KONG Wobbler toy for dogs. These durable rubber toys are filled with treats. They naturally stand up until the dog starts to nudge them with their nose or paw. Only then will the treats fall onto the ground for your dog to enjoy them.
• Chase and catch toys: This category includes mice for cats and balls for dogs. Like the categories above, these toys can be filled with treats that will be released as your pet plays with them. This keeps them physically active and interested for a long time.

2. Scented Toys

When it comes to scents, dogs love toys that have interesting smells. This is especially true when they smell like food. Therefore, your dog will definitely go for toys infused with fish, beef, chicken, or peanut butter scent. With cats, the most suitable toys for them are those that contain catnip. This plant has an euphoric effect on your cat, keeping them busy for a long time. Cat owners can attest to their own cat’s reaction to catnip. They tend to not leave these toys alone for long!

3. Chew Toys and Treats

These products and toys are specially designed for dogs that like to chew various things. If you want to save your favorite pair of shoes, it is recommended buying these special products for them. Not only will these products redirect their energy for a long time, but they will also have benefits for their teeth and support the health of their oral cavity. 

Chew toys are usually made of durable, non-toxic rubber or nylon. These products will last weeks even against your dog's strong teeth and jaws. If you want to combine a multiple sensory experience for your dog, you can give them dried beef hide. These treats can be swallowed and do not pose any health risk for your dog. Rubber or nylon toys can be a health hazard for your dog if they are ingested. If the swallowed pieces are large, they can lead to gastrointestinal blockages because these materials are not edible. Gastrointestinal blockage is a medical emergency because it can put your pet's life in danger. It may also be wise to monitor your dog when first introducing new types of chew toys. 

4. Cat Trees and Hiding Spots

These products are specially designed for cats. These cute pets love to hide and climb, most of the time looking for the highest place in the room to watch over us. A cat tree with multiple levels and places to hide can be a source of unlimited fun and a place to relax away from everyone's prying eyes. You can even attach toys to the sides of the cat tree to provide a different play experience for your cat. Cat tunnels also can be a good source of endless fun especially with cats prone to zoomies. 

5. Automatic Feeders

Although they are not really part of the category of fun toys, automatic feeders can become a source of fun for some pets. Dogs and cats can anticipate for hours ahead their automatic feeder schedule and wait for the time the food is dispersed. Although it may seem boring to us, pets will have a purpose and will keep themselves busy waiting for their meals. In addition, there are some models of automatic feeders that will allow you to add treats, which can be an element of surprise for your pet, making them even more excited because it was a treat they did not expect.

6. Calming and Relaxing Music and Sounds

There are special playlists with relaxing music and sounds for dogs and cats. These can especially help anxious pets that do not like to be left alone at home. Pets who are prone to being spooked by loud sounds outside may benefit from this background noise covering up the impact of those sounds. 

7. Calming Pheromone Diffusers for Cats

These products are specially designed to help reduce stress and unwanted behaviors in cats. They mimic the pheromones released by cats naturally when they feel safe in their environment. Therefore, it might help your cat relax more when you are at work.

8. Games and Apps for Tablets

There are some games and applications for tablets that can keep your cat entertained for a longer period. These games aim to catch a mouse, insect, various shapes, or points of light with their paw on the screen. When they are caught, they will disappear, and others will appear in their place.

9. Cameras and Remote Monitoring

Surveillance cameras allow you to monitor your dog or cat in real-time. They are a good idea for several reasons. First of all, you can monitor your pet from a distance. You can see what they are doing, where they are sleeping, if they are still sick, if they ate, and so on. Secondly, some products also have the function of voice interaction. If you see your pet is sad or chewing on your favorite blouse, you can interact with them through these products.

10. Play Partners

If you have the possibility of bringing another pet into the house, it is a good solution to combat loneliness. Bringing a new member into the house is a responsibility, and for this reason, you should think carefully before making any decision. 

Conclusion

There are many ways to keep your pet busy and happy while you're at work. By investing in interactive toys, remote monitoring, scent toys, cat trees, and other specially designed products, you can ensure the well-being and happiness of your furry friend. Ultimately, the key is to find the solutions that best suit your pet's needs, their personality, and your sanity.