How Much Your Pet’s Routine Depends on the Maid (And What Happens When She Quits)

You might think that you are the world to your pet, the thing is that pets are animals of habit. They become attached to anybody who gives them care and attention all the time. To most houses, that person is the maid. It could be feeding the dog at the same time each day, going out with it in the afternoon, or even just talking to the cat as you sweep the house, but these simple ways make a routine that the pet has gotten used to.
Animals are sensitive to predictability. The maid who appears everyday, welcomes them warmly or gives them small gifts every now and then is a consolation. In time your dog will sit patiently at the door when you walk in the house and your cat will hang around the kitchen because that is where she hums as she cooks.
Routine Care: Dogs and cats are creatures of routine. This minimises anxiety and makes their metabolism stable when you feed them at the same time on a daily basis.
Play and Exercise: Pet walkers are a common practice by maids in busy urban families. In dogs particularly, this daily exercise is not a mere workout, it is also their way of exploring, socialising and venting their energy.
Accompaniment: Pets that are left unattended at home when the owners are away at work usually seek the company of the maid. Having any kind of informal communication such as a pat on the head or a word or two can be a way to ward off loneliness.
Observation and Caretaking: Maids who spend time at home pick up on minor changes--when the pet eats less, limps a little, or appears to be unusually silent. Owners may not notice these signs, but maids may be the first to notice that something has gone amiss. Pets may be disturbed by an unexpected loss of a familiar caretaker. Dogs can whine, walk around the door or refuse to eat. Cats may be shy or stressed and exhibit stressful behaviour such as over scratching furniture.
Besides emotional distress, there are pragmatic problems as well. So who walks the dog when the two owners are working? Who makes sure that meals are delivered in time? Long periods of separation may cause separation anxiety in pets who are used to spending time with their owners.
Depending on the temperament of the pet, the adjustment may take days or even a period of weeks. There are those pets who quickly adapt, and those who exhibit stress-related symptoms.
Household changes are unavoidable, and so it is prudent to equip your pet to adapt to changes. Here are a few strategies:
Share Duty: Do not allow your pet to attach an individual to core work alone. When the maid normally walks or feeds the dog, sometimes walk it yourself. This will help your pet not to be too dependent on any single caregiver.
Bring In New Personnel Gradually: In case you bring in a new person to fill a vacancy, have your pet get acquainted with them over time. Be with your pet during the initial interaction to ensure that the pet is comfortable.
Keep Schedule: This is regardless of whether the individual is the same, machine the same. Have the same schedule every day, i.e. feed, walk, and play.
Additional Comfort-Spend more time with your pet during the transition. More play time, cuddles or even short car rides will probably relieve their anxiety.
Even though maids are essential to the process, the owner remains the final guarantor of the emotional well-being of a pet. Pets do well when the connection between them and the family is strong, irrespective of who helps them in their day-to-day lives. Consider the role of the maid as facilitative rather than as a replacement.
Perhaps it is also worth noting the emotional labour maids do, which is rarely seen. To them, it can be in their job description to take care of your pet but to your pet it can be like love. That relationship should be valued.

Your house maid might be the true hero in the day-to-day life of your pet, feeding them, taking them out for a walk, or just providing them with company. But when she leaves your pet can be lost and frightened. Through awareness of the emotional connection your pet has with other employees of your family, and anticipating the changes that will inevitably occur, you can help to maintain the world of your pet as normal and as comfortable as possible.
After all, routines are important, but what pets really need is to know that they are safe and loved. And that is something that only you as the pet parent can eventually guarantee.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does the pet act when left alone?
   Some dogs may develop behavioral issues like separation anxiety that can stem from boredom, anxiety and stress by being alone at home.
2. Do dogs feel sad when owners leave?
   Some dogs may feel a pang of despair when you leave and then move on.
3. Should I feel guilty leaving my dog for vacation?
   Try not to feel guilty about leaving your dog home when you go on vacation. It's perfectly fine to want to travel without your pet. In some cases, it may not even be possible to bring them along. Yes, your dog will miss you, and you'll miss them!
4. How to prepare your dog for you leaving?
   Teach that it is OK to be Alone. Each day, allow some time for your puppy to be alone. Stay Calm When Leaving. Give Your Pet Plenty of Exercise.
5. Do dogs think we abandon them when we leave?
   They might feel confused or anxious, which can mimic feelings of abandonment. This confusion is why many pet owners worry about their dogs' well-being during their absence. While these behaviors indicate distress, they do not necessarily mean your dog believes you have abandoned them.