As pet parents, it can be hard to leave Fido at home alone, wondering if something bad might happen while you’re away. Fido is, after all, just an innocent pooch, and leaving him home alone can be a recipe for disaster under the right circumstances. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ensure your dog’s safety when you’re away. In this post, a veterinarian shares safety tips for “home alone” dogs.

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Boredom can drive dogs to do things they wouldn’t normally do, particularly when they’re alone, much like with people. Chewing up sofa cushions and scratching up the carpet are just a few harmless activities Fido can get into. There are always the more dangerous options too, such as getting trapped under a heavy piece of furniture or chewing on electrical cords.

To avoid mishaps, it’s always a good idea to provide Fido with some form of entertainment to keep him busy, like:

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

Never Leave Fido 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 a risk that the few hours he gets outside alone is the one time he escapes from the yard. Also, if it happens to be really hot or cold outside, this is not only uncomfortable for him but can lead to health issues like sunburn, heat stroke, burnt paw pads, and frostbite.

Doggy-Proof Your Home

Doggy-proofing your home is a good way to keep your dog from getting hurt or 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 Get a garbage bin that has a latched lid and store it in a cupboard or restricted area Put away any hazardous objects, especially things your dog might try to eat

Close Your Windows

Even if there’s a screen in place, open windows are prime escape routes, especially if Fido spots a squirrel outside. So be sure to close and lock all your windows before heading out. If you must 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.