April 17, 2018
Apartment homes can feel a bit crowded when there are multiple people living together. Throw a few furry babies into the mix and it can feel like you are constantly stepping over one another.
These feelings aren’t just human nature – animals can feel the effects of tight living quarters as well. But it doesn’t mean your pets can’t live happy and healthy lives without a backyard.
Here are some tips and tricks for keeping those furry friends happy and healthy:
REGULAR EXERCISE
Staying active isn’t only good for your own health – regular exercise is important whether an animal is living in an apartment home or has acres of open space to burn off energy. Getting outdoors is a great way to stretch out those four furry legs.
CONSIDER THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND FLOOR YOU LIVE ON
Speaking of outdoors, keep in mind that not all neighborhoods are pet-friendly. Crowded streets with little to no grass areas typically don’t make for a pleasant outing with your pet. Get to know your neighborhood and where walking paths and parks are located to make regular exercise easy.
Living on the ground floor of an apartment community is ideal when it comes to potty trips and easy access to the outdoors. However, if you live on the upper floors of a high-rise keep training pads handy for emergencies.
SIZE DOESN’T ALWAYS MATTER
Smaller pets don’t necessarily need less exercise or open space. Different breeds of animals have varying energy levels, environments in which they thrive and health issues/needs. Consider the breed when deciding what pet would be a good fit for your lifestyle.
GIVE THEM THEIR OWN SPACE
We all need a place to escape to every now and then. This is no different for animals. Make your furry friend feel at home with an area that is like a retreat for them. Toys, plush beds/blankets/pillows and their food/water bowls are all things to keep in this area to help your pet relax and wind down.
ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE
Animals are most successful when it comes to potty training, etc. when they have a set routine. Once they learn when to expect dinner and bathroom breaks, it can help their bodies metabolize their food to fit into your busy schedule. Which means you won’t have to stand outside for 20 minutes waiting for them to do their business!
DAYCARE / PARK / WALKERS
Enlisting a little help doesn’t hurt anything either. Taking your furry friend to daycare or hiring someone to take them to the park or on a walk during the day gives them a chance to play with others and socialize. Which brings us to the next tip…
MAKE FRIENDS
Socializing your pet helps with their mental health as well as physical health. Although they will always be your faithful companion, being around other animals gives them the opportunity to play and interact with each other in ways they can’t with humans.
CREATE AN OUTSIDE ATMOSPHERE
Bringing the outdoors inside for your pets is another way to keep them happy when living primarily indoors. Leaving the curtains open during the day to let sunlight in or getting some house plants are both good ways to accomplish this. You must be cautious and first become familiar with the types of plants that are toxic to animals. Click here to read ASPCA’s list of common house plants that are toxic to pets.
