Research shows what pets do when they're home alone Since joining the family earlier this year, we have resorted to crating our two puppies while we're out, and when I read the new research commissioned by smart home security company Ring , I was reminded why. Subscribe now for unlimited access . Login or signup to continue reading $ 0 / $ NaN /year All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue A whopping 83 per cent of pet owners reported acts of mischief, with canine crimes outweighing felines felonies (59 and 40 per cent respectively).
The research found that when left alone, pets are lying somewhere they're not allowed (46 per cent), urinating/pooing indoors (45 per cent), scratching at furniture (42 per cent) and chewing on clothing (41 per cent). With this in mind, and the fact more than two thirds of pet owners reported feelings of anxiety when away from their pets, I had a greater appreciation for the benefits of utilising smart home tech, such as an indoor camera, to provide a reassuring window back home (not surprisingly, 79 per cent of those who use cameras said it's more for their benefit than their pets). Renowned Australian veterinarian, Dr Katrina Warren , says using tech to check in on your beloved pet gives peace of mind and the opportunity to observe their criminal and cute behaviour.
"Our pets are family, so we want to be able to check in on them," she said. "They can be adorable or mischievous, and some can suffer from separation anxiety, so we need to equip ourselves with the best tools to help keep them happy and safe." According to Ring's research, pet owners currently employ a number of strategies to minimise mischief when they have to leave pets home alone.
The most popular tactics for a workday away including giving pets plenty of toys, giving them a chew or activity to occupy them, tiring them out with play/exercise and when needed, locking them into a room or behind a gate. There is no knowing how effective these strategies are however, until you've returned home to either a mess to clean up, or nothing out of the ordinary. So this week, armed with one of Ring's pan-tilt indoor cameras, I left home with the crate doors open and the run of the main living area for our two playful pooches.
And what did they do? Possibly because it was so out of the ordinary, they curled up together on the edge of the couch closest to the front door and waited. And waited. And waited until we came home.
Granted, it wasn't for hours - however those days will come, and when they do, now we'll be ready. Indoor cameras allow pet owners to stay connected to their furry friends. Picture of Ring's pan-tilt indoor camera supplied Katrina's top tips for paw-rents For dog owners: Exercise your dog before you leave the house; a tired dog is more likely to relax and snooze when you aren't home.
Playing calming music can help your dog stay relaxed and snooze. With the help of Alexa, you can use 'Calm My Dog' - a routine that plays calming music when your dog barks. For cat owners: It's a natural instinct for cats to scratch, so provide them with a scratching post and teach them how to use it and save your furniture.
Scratching posts should be tall enough for your cat to stretch out, and sturdy so it won't topple over. Cats feel secure when they are up high, so provide a tall climbing tree to perch and snooze on during the day. Timid cats like to hide in quiet places so offer some hidey holes, such as cardboard boxes, tucked away in a peaceful, warm area of your house.
Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Linley Wilkie Senior journalist, group features and special publications I've been a lifestyle and features writer for 23 years, covering everything from fashion and beauty, to homes, parenting and travel. Having worked for Text Media, Fairfax Media and now Australian Community Media, these days I attend more kids sports games than fashion parades. I've been a lifestyle and features writer for 23 years, covering everything from fashion and beauty, to homes, parenting and travel.
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