Whether you're like me and adopted a pet during the early period of the pandemic or have had pets for years, the fact of the matter is that most of us have been working from home over the past two years—and our fur family members have certainly gotten used to it. Now that many offices are returning to the office either full time or have adopted a hybrid model, that means we’ll have to go back to leaving our pets home alone for multiple hours on end several days a week—a reality that has caused both my pets and I a good deal of anxiety. To help reduce separation anxiety for both animals and humans, I've recently been on the hunt in search of the best toys for pets home alone, and fortunately, there are plenty of interactive options to keep them distracted and keep pet owners' guilt at bay (at least, to some extent.)
While you may be fully aware of your pet's separation anxiety thanks to them unapologetically protesting your departure every time you try to leave the house, other animals exhibit less obvious signs of pet anxiety, including potty accidents, digestive issues, and even aggressive behavior. Of course, even if you’re pet doesn't have pet separation anxiety, you also don't want them to be bored all day while you're not around, which is yet another good reason to invest in some of the best toys for pets home alone. These interactive tools come in a wide range of varieties for both cats and dogs, and some are equipped with upgraded features to help soothe your separation anxiety while away (i.e. cameras and automatic treat dispensers).
Even if you’re still working remotely and get stay home with your fur babies, these interactive pet toys are also a huge help for keeping them distracted (and quiet) when you're taking important Zoom calls or just need to focus on something without interruption. Basically, if you're a caring pet parent, you're going to want to add some of the best toys for pets home alone to your current lineup regardless of your work status. After all, giving them a dedicated toy to play with beats them chewing up your favorite pair of shoes or clawing away at your brand new sofa—trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way.
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