As a pet parent, it can be hard to leave your dog alone at home, wondering if something bad might happen to him (or the house) while you’re away. After all, Fido is just an innocent pooch. But leaving him home alone can still 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 goes over some safety tips for “home alone” dogs.
Provide Entertainment
Boredom can drive dogs to do things they wouldn’t normally do, especially when they’re alone. Chewing up sofa cushions and scratching up the carpet are some harmless, though destructive, activities a bored pooch can get into. Then there’s always the more dangerous possibilities, such as chewing up electrical cords and getting trapped under a piece of furniture.
For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to provide Fido with some form of entertainment to keep him busy, such as:
- Leave the TV on
- Interactive toys
- Chew toys
- Doggy puzzles
- 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 an hour or two. But 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 hot or cold outside, this is not only uncomfortable for him but can lead to health issues like frostbite, heat stroke, burnt paw pads, and even sunburn.
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
- Put away any hazardous objects, especially things your dog might try to eat
- Consider placing child-proof locks on your cabinets
- Get a garbage bin that has a latched lid and store it in a cupboard or restricted area
Close Your Windows
An open window makes for a prime escape route, especially if Fido spots a bird or a squirrel. So be sure to close and lock all your windows before you head out. If you have to leave your windows open for ventilation, make sure they’re secure 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. Contact us, your local animal clinic in Rialto, CA!
