Why You Should Avoid Bringing Your Dog to the Office

Small dog lying on floor of an office

Do you have a dog-friendly office and are considering bringing your pup in? While it may seem like a great way to keep your pup close to you throughout the day, an office environment may not always be the best choice for your dog, especially if you plan to keep your furry family member there for the entire workday.

Here are some of the reasons why dogs don’t thrive in an office environment and a better alternative to keep them healthy and happy.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING SPACE TO ROAM

Whether you are jumping from meeting to meeting, moving around your office space, or requiring an uninterrupted work session, managing the needs of your furry friend (e.g., potty breaks, preventing barking and whining, preparing food, wanting to explore, etc.) while trying to do your job could be quite the balancing act.

Keeping your dog on a leash or in their crate in your workspace or at your feet while you work may seem like a good way to supervise them, but dogs need the opportunity to roam, play, and stretch throughout the day. Just like humans, they need an environment where they remain physically and mentally stimulated. While you may be able to go on a coffee break, grab lunch, or chat with your co-workers to help break up your day, your pup could be left feeling cramped in a space that could potentially cause stress and make them feel disconnected from some of their natural instincts to roam and explore.

When dogs stay mentally stimulated, it can help prevent boredom that could lead to unwanted behaviors (e.g., chewing, excessive barking, etc.) while alleviating anxiety and maintaining cognitive sharpness. When they stay physically stimulated, pups strengthen their muscles and joints, reduce feelings of restlessness, boost their cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight. In a busy office environment, opportunities for mental and physical stimulation can be limited, which could negatively affect their overall well-being.

POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS WORK ENVIRONMENT

From electrical cords to office supplies to the potential of fallen food, an office can be a great unknown for a curious pup who may get into something they shouldn’t. Plus, with the hustle and bustle of people walking around and an array of potentially overstimulating sounds and lights, your dog could get overwhelmed quickly, leading to heightened anxiety.

Plus, If your co-workers also bring their pets in, there’s the potential for your pup to interact with others that may not match their vibe. As a result, tense interactions could occur, leading to a stressful and potentially aggressive experience for two incompatible dogs, especially if they’re already feeling confined and stressed by new sights, sounds, and people. You also run the risk of exposing your dog to unvaccinated animals if there’s no protocol in place as to what type of animals can be brought into the office.

A SAFE, HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE

If you’re considering bringing your dog to the office because they would otherwise be left home alone for long periods, doggy daycare can be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Choosing a daycare that offers more than just basic supervision is important. Look for one that enriches your pet’s life through skills-based interactions and activities, which can help them stay mentally stimulated and physically active throughout the day.

At Dogtopia, we prioritize dogs’ well-being by providing a safe, supervised off-leash daycare environment where they can thrive. We provide separate playrooms to group dogs based on their size and personality, and our expert team is skilled in doggie body language and managing large groups of dogs so you can have peace of mind they are playing with other like-minded dogs. Our friendly team will monitor your pup, interact with them, prepare their meals and treats, organize fun brain games and agility-based activities so get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and encourage them to socialize to make new furry friends. We also evaluate all dogs before they enter our playrooms, ensuring they are up-to-date on all required vaccines further creating a safe and healthy environment for your dog to play throughout the day.

For those moments when you miss your pup and need a break from your busy day, Dogtopia daycares offer live HD webcams in each playroom. You can tune in you’re your computer or mobile device and watch your dog play, interact, and exercise in a supervised environment built just for them! We promise we’ve thought of everything when it comes to your dog’s wants and needs to create the ultimate safe and fun dog daycare experience.

Make dropping your pup off and picking them up at daycare part of your regular routine. Contact a location near you today to get started!

This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.

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