Keeping Your Dog Safe While He’s Home Alone

Written on 07/10/2013 by Brandy Arnold 

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It’s often heart-breaking to look into our pooch’s sad eyes every time we leave for work or school. Let’s face it, as much as we’d prefer staying home with our dogs instead of spending that time away, it’s almost impossible for most of us to avoid leaving our furry friends home alone for at least some of the day. Whether Fido barks, whimpers, whines, or just stares us down as we take off, our pet surely has a knack of making us feel as if we’re the most heartless human being in the world simply for having to leave the house.  The only way to feel better about this inevitable situation is to make sure that your dog is safe and happy as he spends some alone time at home.

How to Make Sure Fido is Out of Harm’s Way

1. Provide him with safe toys. Toys can help in making your pooch feel comfortable as well as in letting him kill boredom while you are away. You can try the following types of dog toys for his solo time at home: (1) rubberized toys that can hold for long hours of safe chewing, (2) flavored synthetic Nylabones which look like real bones, but won’t break up and splinter like actual thing, and (3) interactive treat toys which can help in engaging your dog’s mind while you’re gone for the day. Safe toys can definitely contribute in keeping your dog’s imagination active, discourage any destructive canine behavior, promote his dental health, and even give you peace of mind.

2. Dog-proof your home. Before you leave for work/school, find time to put away some of the most common hazards in every room in your house. These include kitchen items like sharp cooking utensils and cleaning products, poisonous detergents, sharp aluminium cans, plastic bags and discarded chicken bones which can pose suffocation and choking dangers, and glass or dishware that can shatter. Ensure that you lock the cabinets where housecleaning agents are stored, keep dishes and cutlery away from Fido’s access, and that you hide the trash cans. For the family room, dining area, and bedroom, always watch out for loose blinds, curtains, and electrical cords. In addition, check your bathroom for medications, personal care products, air fresheners, and even for open toilet seat which can pose serious hazard for Fido as well. While your dog is young or still learning appropriate behavior at home, you may opt to crate him while you’re away, or confine him to a small, safe area of the home through the use of baby gates or dog-safe barriers.

3. Keep him comfy and happy. Leave your pooch in a condition that is not only safe but also physically comfortable for him. Ensure that the internal climate of your place is neither too cold nor too hot. Don’t forget to leave lots of fresh, cool water on hand, and keep in mind that the more physically at ease your dog is, the more likely he will be content mentally. Also, try leaving your pet with something special. Do this by stuffing a couple of treats into the Kong as you give it to him when you’re on your way out of the door, or by giving him a worn article of clothing (with the understanding that it might get chewed!) that reminds him of your scent. Aside from that, you can try creating some sort of artificial company for Fido by leaving the TV or radio on. Find stations that play calm noises, as too much noise could over-stimulate him. The visuals and the noise will aid in keeping your pooch stimulated while you’re away.

Most importantly, give him lots of love and attention when you return home, and don’t leave him at home alone for longer than is appropriate for his age and size.