How Do I Keep My Dog Entertained When Left Alone?

As much as we’d like to spend all our time with our canine companions, work and other obligations makes this all but impossible. And while it may be OK to leave Fido alone when you’re gone, boredom and even anxiety can get the best of him. When this happens, you’re likely to return home to what looks like a war zone or worse. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your furry buddy entertained when he’s alone.

Read on as a local vet talks about things you can do to keep Fido busy when you’re away from home.

1. Provide Entertainment

Boredom has a way of bringing out the worst in people and dogs, alike. Your dog is more likely to do things he normally wouldn’t do when no one is watching. Chewing up furniture and shredding carpet are just a couple things Fido may get into. And then there are the more dangerous scenarios, like chewing on electrical cords.

For these reasons, it’s always a good idea to provide Fido with some form of entertainment to keep him busy, such as:

• A treat-dispensing toy (that’s challenging, of course)
• Leave the TV on
• Play calming music
• Chew toys
• Interactive toys
• Doggy puzzles

1. Doggy-Proof Your Home

Doggy-proofing your home is a good way to keep Fido from getting hurt. 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

1. Never Leave Your Dog in the Yard Unsupervised

Letting Fido roam free in the yard while you’re away may be OK for an hour or two, but not all day while you’re at work. There’s always the risk that he will figure out how to escape if given enough time. Then there are temperature concerns depending on how hot or cold it is outside. So if you are considering this option, please don’t do it.

1. Close Your Windows

Even if Fido has all the toys and activities he could ever want, an open window may be too hard to resist when he’s home alone so be sure to shut all the windows, even if they have screens in place.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule your dog for a wellness checkup, please don’t hesitate to call us, your local vet, anytime!