If you are wondering whether and how you can leave your pet alone at home then do not worry, you are alone. Plenty of pet owners have to make the difficult choice of leaving their pets at home without supervision.
Before we discuss our reactions, we must see whether you can leave your pet at home. Once it is determined to be safe, we will move on to the safety measures you can take.
Can You Leave Your Dog At Home Alone?
Dogs are very attached. They crave love and attention, making leaving them to their devices tough. According to the RSPCA, 8 out of 10 dogs do not fare well when left alone. 7 million dogs suffer from separation anxiety, a condition that can be debilitating.
Generally, it is fine to leave your dog alone for four hours. That is the maximum for most dogs. After four hours, they may start feeling abandoned. They may panic and experience the physical symptoms of anxiety.
So, as long as you have to make a run to the grocery store or your place of work, as long as it is short you can leave your dog alone with no worry. If you expect to take a few extra hours, it is best to call in help. Hire a dog sitter or get your friends or family to look after your dog.
10 Things To Do If Your Dog Is Alone At Home
You need to follow ten rules whether you own a purebred German Shepherd or a Whippet Chihuahua mix if you want to leave your dog alone at home. These are as follows:
Create A Safe Space
Even though your home is a safe space, it is necessary to ensure that it is completely safe for your dog when they are on its own. Consider locking certain rooms, like the kitchen or the store.
Doing this will help ensure your dog remains in a space where it can easily move about without the fear of any accident that may occur. Ensure you give your dog enough space so they do not feel confined.
Do Crate Training
Using a crate is handy in such situations. You may feel you are imprisoning your dog at first. However, the enclosed space may make your dog feel safe and keep the anxiety at bay.
Start crate training your dog early on. Slowly increase the time spent inside the crate. To make the crate comfortable, make sure it is the appropriate size. Add blankets, cushions, and your dog’s favorite toys to make it feel like home.
With a crate, you can be assured that your dog will stay in place and not get hurt. A crate is a wonderful tool that you can use to help make your dog feel safe.
Install Cameras
Relating to the first rule, when you demarcate the space for your dog, it also makes monitoring them easier. It is possible to get good cameras at affordable prices nowadays. These cameras can be installed anywhere around the house and connected to your cellphone. This way you can always watch your fog even when you are out of the home.
Get Someone To Check-up On Your Dog
While you can view your dog remotely, nothing beats in-person check-ins. If you leave your dog alone at home for an extended period, get someone to assist you in caring for your dog.
Ask a friend, a family member, a neighbor, or anyone you trust to visit your dog. They can offer some much-needed human company and may help feed your dog.
Hiring a dog sitter for a couple of hours is expensive. So, get a volunteer to spare an hour and check in with your dog.
Hide Away All Dangerous Tools Or Chemicals
Typically, there are a lot of useful tools or chemicals around the house that can potentially be dangerous. These include but are not limited to power tools, cleaning supplies, drain openers, etc.
Even if you have barricaded a zone within the house where your dog can move around, you can never be too careful. Any toxins or tools that may be harmful need to be locked away.
Ensure Your Dog Has Clean Water
Before you leave your dog alone at home, be sure to fill their water bowl. They must have easy access to plenty of clean drinking water. It is good to remain hydrated.
Plus, it is a gesture that will indicate you care for them. This will help release some of the anxiety of being alone.
Keep Your Dog Well Fed
The same goes for food. Give your dog food and make sure you give them some extra as well. This is also a good time for a treat.
Food will keep them happy and distracted for some time, at least. Reward your dog with a treat when you leave and when you return. Giving pleasure when you leave will ease the anxiety. When you return, a treat will help reinforce your dog’s patience when they were left alone and waited for you.
Leave Inconspicuously
Yes, your dog will eventually figure out your absence but there is no need to make a big deal. Do not make your dog feel like you are leaving them. Just casually walk out of the house. Doing so will buy you some time. Your dog will not notice at first that they are completely alone.
The same goes for when you return. Just act normal as if you were right there so your dog does not think it is a big deal. Your dog can sense your emotions, so do not make them nervous or anxious. Act calm so your dog can remain calm.
Make Your Dog’s Space Comfortable
The area your dog will be in should be optimized for its comfort. Aside from keeping food and drink nearby, it is necessary to have their bed, blankets, and favorite toys near.
Things they find comfort in will make them feel relaxed. Get interactive toys so your dog can be kept busy for some time. Just make sure there are no toys that pose a choking hazard.
Miscellaneous Safety Measures
Cover any electrical sockets and remove trash cans so your dog may not get into any kind of accident. Remove any dangerous food items, like chocolates, that harm dogs.
Before you leave, ensure your dog is not wearing a collar or tag. While a collar is necessary when your dog goes outside, it can be a hazard inside the house. Collars can get stuck or caught up in places.
Remove any rooms or wires that may be lying about as they pose a threat. Your dog may become entangled and find it impossible to get free.
Keeping Your Dog Safe Inside The House
We like to think of our house as a safe space. While that is true, it is not a good idea to underestimate the potential threat within our homes.
This is especially true for dogs, specifically when they are left alone. Being alone already causes your dog to become anxious and nervous. This combined with a lack of monitoring is not a good combination.
You can never be too careful. Not everyone can afford a dog sitter so follow the rules mentioned above so you can safely leave your dog alone at home for a few hours.
Hassan Iqbal
M Hassan Iqbal is a skilled digital marketer with 2 years of experience in SEO and content writing. He occasionally writes blogs for Dynamologic Solutions, creating engaging content that attracts traffic and delivers value.
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