Taking Care of Pets in Apartments
Moving into an apartment is an exciting adventure, and you may want to bring along a furry friend to keep you company. First, you’ll need an apartment that has a clear and inclusive pet policy. A great place to start is the apartment’s website, but you should always call the leasing office for the most up-to-date information about their requirements. Next, if you’re looking for an apartment in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, then you should also look for locations like Muirwood Village that keep you close to local parks and other outdoor areas. But what do you do when you’re stuck at work? How do you keep your pet occupied while you’re away so that they stay healthy and happy? Check out some of these top tips!
Tips for Dogs
Dogs can have a lot of energy, and sometimes that energy can end up misplaced if you don’t plan well. You need just a few solid plans to keep your pooch happy, even when you can’t be there all the time.
#1: Build a Special Space
Your dog may feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious when you leave home for the day. To help them stay calm and maybe a little happier, it helps to give them their own space. A special retreat for your dog could include a comfy dog bed, food and water, and some toys. If your dog has a crate, you don’t have to keep them in it, but you may want to keep it accessible. Some dogs find it comforting to be able to curl up in it if they want to.
#2: Get Creative with Toys
Dog toys are way more advanced these days than a simple tennis ball. There are heaps of puzzle dog toys now that will present your dog with a challenge to motivate them for hours. Some examples are the classic Kong toy. It’s rubber, rolls, bounces, and also conveniently can be used to hold a favorite dog treat: peanut butter. Other options include food dispensers. Instead of simply setting out their meal for the day, you can put their food in one of these clever devices. Brain stimulation is key to keeping your dog happy and occupied.
#3: Keep a Schedule
Just like we thrive on routine, so does your dog. Some of the most important parts of your routine are the things you do before you leave for the day and when you return for the day. It will help your dog immensely if you can plan a morning walk or other exercise routine for every morning and every evening around the same time. The same routine is also best for bathroom breaks. Your dog will get used to the timing, which will train their body for what to expect and build up their stamina for waiting. Another great addition to your routine is dedicating at least one day each week to giving your dog some more extensive exercise. Take them to the dog park or another nearby outdoor space and really let them release some energy. It will make the week and the times you’re away easier to handle when they get that extended one-on-one time.
Tips for Cats
Although cats are known for being independent, they can also become bored, anxious, and sad when you’re gone for extended periods of time. This can lead to some unexpected bad behaviors, so here are some ideas to keep them active.
#1: Safe Scratching Places
A great way to keep your kitty busy is with some appropriate scratching areas. Cats get the urge to scratch not only to dull their claws and keep them comfortable but also to scent mark their territory. Giving them plenty of acceptable places to scratch is a great way to help them get rid of energy and avoid scratching up other things they may find, like your furniture or curtains. If you’re not a fan of scratching towers or the space they take up, there are also flat hanging scratchers that fit easily over a doorknob or small hook.
#2: Help Them Hunt
Cats are natural predators, so they like to hunt for something to eat. Before you leave for the day, there are a couple of ways to set up a fake “hunt” for your cat. One way is simply to keep your cat in another room while you go around the apartment hiding treats here and there. Don’t be afraid to make it a bit of a challenge. As with dogs, providing a mental challenge for your cat is as important as keeping them physically active. Another way to turn on those predatory instincts is to use a hide-a-treat toy. A typical setup may include some small compartments where you stick a treat, cover it with a slider, and then your cat has to use their nose and/or paws to manipulate the slider until it reveals the treat.
#3: Provide Perches
If you want to tap into your cat’s independent streak, you can do it easily with some common apartment elements. Your floor plan likely features some windows, so turn those windows into your cat’s TV. If your window doesn’t have a sill that’s quite wide enough for your kitty, you can put a strategic table or shelf directly under it. Speaking of shelves, why not give your cat their own shelf to perch on? Put it up somewhere where they can still look out the window or where the sun likes to land during the day. They will enjoy surveying their “kingdom” until your return.
Do you need an apartment in Reynoldsburg that has space for you and your pet? Take a tour at Muirwood Village. Inside, you’ll find ample floor plans with top features like durable faux wood floors, vaulted ceilings, and more. Outside, you can enjoy maturely landscaped courtyards and access to nearby parks like Blacklick Woods Metro Park or Pickerington Ponds Metro Park. Call our leasing office today to learn more about our pet policy and schedule a tour: (614)-503-4076.