14 Things to Know Before Leaving Your Dog Home Alone

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Do you always leave your pet alone while you work?

Did you know that leaving your dog alone throughout the day might be stressful for them?

To ensure your dog is doing fine while you're gone, you need to put in the time and effort to make plans beforehand.

Here are 14 things you need to keep in mind as you get ready to leave your dog at home!

1. Exercise your dog before leaving for work.

A dog's daily routine must include any form of exercise because physical activity helps them release pent-up energy and decreases the likelihood that they may act destructively, especially when left alone while you are at work.

Exercise can decrease your dog's stress and anxiety levels, and being alone will be more bearable for them. It is best if you exercise your dog before heading off to the office to guarantee that they remain calm, healthy, and content while you're at work.

In addition, your dog will surely reap numerous health benefits from regular exercise, which include:

maintaining a healthy weight
improving bone and joints structures
and optimizing heart and lung functions.

Furthermore, regular exercise is also an excellent way to reduce your risk of developing health problems, including”

obesity
arthritis,
and cardiovascular disease.

Even more importantly, the mental stimulation that comes from exercise is crucial to a dog's general health.

Why?

Because it can affect their mood and general disposition positively. Dogs that don't get enough physical and mental exercise are more likely to be difficult to leave alone.

2. Provide toys and treats to keep them entertained.

To prevent your dog from getting bored while you're gone, leaving them with some treats and toys is a good idea. As a result of being bored, some dogs may exhibit undesirable actions like destructive chewing, digging, or barking.

To avoid these problems, stock your dog's environment with toys and goodies to keep them busy and active for a long time. Your dog will benefit from the physical and mental exercise that these toys offer.

Puzzles or treat-dispensing toys such as Kongs are a great way to get them thinking and solving problems. These puzzles can be stuffed with your dog's favorite goodies or peanut butter for a more fun and interactive play session.

Offering a safe and constructive way to satisfy their instinctual chewing drives, chew toys are also valuable tools in the fight against destructive behavior. Keeping your dog occupied with these pursuits is one way to keep them from getting into mischief while you're gone.

3. Make sure they have access to clean water.

Providing fresh water for your dog is essential, especially if you leave them alone for long periods while you work. Water is crucial for its health and well-being because it helps to:

control your dog's temperature
keep it hydrated,
and fuel other biological processes

Dehydration in extreme situations, brought on by a lack of water, can result in the following:

tiredness
loss of appetite
kidney damage
and other organ failures

To keep your dog healthy and hydrated, you should always give it access to plenty of clean water by simply leaving a small water basin inside the house or using an automatic water dispenser or fountain.

4. Provide a comfortable bed for them to rest on.

Providing soft bedding for your dog is a great way to make their time away from you more peaceful and stress-free.

How can you make it more comfortable for them?

First, make sure the bed is tailored to their size. Too small mattresses can make your dog feel confined and uncomfortable, while those too big can make them feel insecure.

You can also consider the following:

orthopedic for dogs with joint or mobility issues
heated bed for those dogs who tend to feel cold
and elevated bed for dogs cool and away from possible flea and ticks infestation.

The key to your dog's pleasant sleep while you are at work, is picking a bed tailored to their sleeping preferences.

5. Consider hiring a dog walker for midday breaks.

If your dog has to spend time alone during the day while you're at work, hiring a dog walker to give them midday breaks is a terrific choice. A dog walker can :

get your dog some exercise
provide training or other mental activities
play games with your dog
provide socialization
and keeping your dog busy.

Doing this can help your dog:

alleviate anxiety
decrease tension
help establish patterns
and prevent disruptive behavior while you are away.

6. Keep a consistent routine for feeding and potty breaks.

When leaving your dog alone for long periods, it is vital to maintain a regular schedule for feeding and bathroom breaks. A routine can be comforting to a dog with separation anxiety because it provides a sense of consistency.

Keeping your dog on a regular feeding and bowel schedule allows it to:

maintain regular bowel movements
avoid potty accidents
and keep its toilet habits in check.

If you teach your dog to pee and poop outside regularly, you can help it reduce the likelihood of accidents inside the house, even if you are away at work.

Also, ensure your dog has enough time to go potty without feeling rushed. Since you need to work, consider getting a dog walker or enlisting the help of a reliable friend or neighbor.

7. Consider getting a second dog for the company.

If you want your dog to have a friend while you're gone, acquiring a second dog is a terrific alternative. The presence of a second dog at home can provide the following:

entertainment
exercise
socializing opportunities
and help in combating separation anxiety.

While having two canine companions can be rewarding, thinking carefully before committing to one is essential.

Here are the things you need to consider:

the dog's personality
size
energy level
your lifestyle
cost of maintenance
medical expense
space
and the time you are willing to commit to your dog.

8. Leave the radio or TV on for background noise.

White noise, such as radio or TV, has been shown to alleviate loneliness in us humans by creating a sense of familiarity and company.

Will this work in dogs too?

The answer is a huge yes!

Hearing the radio or television in the background while your dog is alone can help your dog feel more at ease and relaxed. In addition, this background noise can also tone down loud noises that can cause your dog's anxiety, such as passing automobiles, people, and other animals.

But first, it's worth noting that certain dogs can become very upset or distressed by even little noise, so watch how your dog responds to the radio or television. Lower the volume or turn it off if you notice any signs of anxiety.

9. Provide plenty of positive reinforcement and affection when you're home.

If you want your dog to feel safe and secure in your home, you must spend lots of quality time with them and shower them with praise and attention while you're there. Petting, snuggling, and playing with your dog are all acts of affection that can help ease anxiety and make it feel more relaxed.

Furthermore, training and connecting with your dog can create a stronger bond between you and your dog and better socialization and obedience training.

10. Gradually increase the time they spend alone to help them adjust.

Your dog may develop more accustomed to being left alone if you gradually extend the periods that they spend alone. A dog's tolerance for isolation can be built up over time by exposing it to longer and longer durations of isolation.

Moreover, certain canines may require more time than others to acclimate, so it's crucial to be patient and understanding during this time. If your dog shows tension or anxiety, you may want to take things slowly or consult an expert dog trainer.

11. Leave familiar items, like a blanket or toy, for comfort.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you can help alleviate its symptoms by presenting them with everyday items like a blanket or toy to help generate a sense of comfort in its environment.

These things should remind them of your presence, especially for dogs experiencing worry or stress. Your dog may find solace and security in these objects' familiar smell and feel.

12. Make sure their identification tags are up-to-date.

Keeping identifying tags on your dog is a crucial security measure when it is alone. This is the first line of defense against your dog accidentally getting lost when it escaped from home.

Ensure your dog's identification tag's contact information (name, phone number, and address) is correct and up-to-date. Microchipping your dog or putting on a GPS tracker is another alternative to using a metal tag.

13. Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or coming home to avoid anxiety.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or tension when you leave, you can assist in easing their mind by not making a big deal out of your departure or return.

If you talk to or interact affectionately with your dog too much before you leave, your dog may become overly excited and worried about being alone. When you get home, try to keep the excitement to a minimum, not to heighten your dog's nervousness, and give it space to approach you on its terms.

14. If necessary, consider seeking the advice of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it may be wise to consult a vet, dog trainer, or behaviorist. A trained expert can assist in determining what's causing your dog's anxiety and design a treatment plan just for him.

You can ensure the training program is tailored to your dog's needs. Your vet may also recommend medicine for your dog's anxiousness if the symptoms are severe. Make sure to monitor your dog's progress afterward.

Summary

Dogs not accustomed to spending time alone may exhibit destructive behavior, anxiety, or tension if left alone for long periods. When left alone, untrained dogs can be destructive. Your responsibility is to help prevent these behaviors and safeguard your home and belongings by teaching your dog to be comfortable alone. Keeping these things in mind will help you and your dog adjust to the new routine of you being apart throughout the day!