As pet parents, it can be hard to leave our dogs at home alone, wondering if something bad might happen while we’re away. Fido is, after all, just an innocent pooch, and leaving him home alone can be a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure your pet’s safety when you’re away. Read on as a veterinarian shares some safety tips for “home alone” dogs.
1. Provide Entertainment
Much like with people when left alone, boredom can drive dogs to do things they wouldn’t normally do. Scratching up the carpet and chewing up sofa cushions are just a few harmless activities a bored pooch can get into. And there are always the more dangerous options too, such as getting trapped under a heavy piece of furniture or chewing on an electrical cord.
For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to provide Fido with some form of entertainment to keep him busy, such as:
Play calming music
Doggy puzzles
Chew toys
Leave the TV on
Interactive toys
A treat-dispensing toy (that’s challenging, of course)
2. Never Leave Your Dog in the Yard Unsupervised
If you’re only going to be gone for an hour or two, it can be tempting to let Fido roam the yard unattended. Unfortunately, there’s always a risk that the few hours he gets outside alone is the one time he figures out how to escape. Also, if it happens to be really cold or hot outside, it’s uncomfortable for him. This can lead to health issues like burnt paw pads, heat stroke, frostbite, and even sunburn.
3. Doggy-Proof Your Home
Doggy-proofing your home is a good way to keep Fido from getting hurt or getting into trouble. Here are a few areas to focus on:
Get covers for any exposed electrical cords and/or place them out of reach
Consider placing child-proof locks on your cabinets
Put away any hazardous objects, especially things your dog might try to eat
Get a garbage bin that has a latched lid and store it in a cupboard or restricted area
4. Close Your Windows
Even when there’s a screen in place, open windows make for prime escape routes, especially if Fido spots a bird or a squirrel outside. So be sure to close and lock all your windows before you head out. If you must leave your windows open for ventilation, make sure they can only open a few inches and that they lock in place.
Please feel free to call us for more dog safety tips or to schedule your pooch for a checkup.
