As pet parents, it can be hard to leave Fido at home alone, wondering if something bad might happen while you’re away. Considering your dog is just an innocent pooch, leaving him home alone can be a recipe for disaster under the right circumstances. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure your pet’s safety when you’re away. In this post, a veterinarian lists some safety tips for “home alone” dogs.
Provide Entertainment
Boredom can drive dogs to do things they don’t usually do, especially when they’re alone. Chewing up sofa cushions and scratching up the carpet are just a few harmless activities Fido can get into. There are also the more dangerous possibilities, such as chewing on electrical cords or being trapped under a heavy piece of furniture.
For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to provide your dog with some form of entertainment to keep him busy, such as:
- Doggy puzzles
- Leave the TV on
- Chew toys
- Interactive toys
- Play calming music
- A treat-dispensing toy (that’s challenging, of course)
Never Leave Your Dog in the Yard Unsupervised
It can be tempting to let Fido roam the yard when you’ll only be gone for a little while. Unfortunately, there’s always the risk that the few hours he gets outside alone is the one time he figures out how to escape. And if it happens to be really cold or hot outside, this is not only uncomfortable for him but can lead to health issues like sunburn, heat stroke, frostbite, or burnt paw pads.
Doggy-Proof Your Home
A doggy-proofed home is a good way to keep Fido from getting into hurt or getting into trouble. Here are a few areas to focus on:
- Get a garbage bin that has a latched lid and store it in a cupboard or restricted area
- 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
Close Your Windows
Open windows make for prime escape routes, especially if Fido spots a squirrel or a bird outside. Before you head out, be sure to close and lock all your windows. If you have to leave your windows open for ventilation, make sure they’re secured and can only open a few inches.
Please don’t hesitate to call us for more dog safety tips or to schedule your pooch for a checkup.
!Social Media Icons