When you have a dog, there are certain challenges when it comes to caring for them. The most common example of this is keeping your dog entertained when you are not at home with them.
The reality for most dog owners is that you cannot be with them 24/7 to keep them happy. That is why it is important to find ways to entertain your dog so that they don’t miss you.
This is also important when it comes to dogs that have separation anxiety. Keep reading to find out how you can do this depending on your dog’s needs and how long you are away.
Interactive Toys
When you need to entertain your dog, the easiest way to do this is with dog toys. But when you aren’t there to play with them, a lot of toys don’t seem nearly as interesting.
The good news is that there are plenty of interactive dog toys that do your job for you. One of the best examples of this is toys that allow you to hide dog treats in them.
These are often rubber toys that have openings where the treats fall out the more your dog plays with them. Even if your dog doesn’t like to play alone, they will be tempted by the smell of the tasty treats.
If you choose this option, you want to choose healthier dog treats like Soft Baked Pumpkin Treats.
There are other kinds of interactive dog toys that you could also choose. Some toys are battery-operated so that they move on their own to keep your dog engaged.
You may need to try out a few different toys before you find something that your dog finds entertaining.
Dog TV
There are a lot of surprising ways to keep your dog entertained when there is no one at home with them. One example of this is using dog TV to provide something interactive for them to pay attention to.
Dog TV combines calming sounds, music, and videos that dogs find entertaining. This is a great way to give your dog something to focus on if they tend to feel anxious or become destructive when they are bored.
Keep in mind that this is an option that doesn’t always work depending on your dog’s temperament. Adding excessive noise to your dog’s environment may actually encourage anxiety, which is why you should always try it out when you are at home.
Hire a Sitter
If you want to entertain your dog when you are away, human entertainment is often the best option. There are a lot of great resources that allow you to hire pet sitters that come to your home to spend time with your dog.
If you have the budget for this, this is one of the best options aside from taking your dog to doggy daycare. They get to stay in their comfortable environment without having to be left alone for hours at a time each day.
You could also hire a dog walker, which is often a little cheaper than hiring a sitter. A dog walker will arrive at the same time every day to take your dog out for a walk as a form of amusement.
If you choose either of these options, you want to make sure you introduce your pet to the sitter or walker beforehand. This allows them to become comfortable with them so that they don’t have a stranger showing up out of the blue.
Add a Doggy Door
When you leave your dog home alone, there are several things you need to consider when it comes to their well-being. One basic necessity is making sure they can go potty when you are not there to let them out.
Some dogs are able to hold it until you get home to let them outside. But this isn’t always ideal since you don’t want your dog holding it in for too long as this is not healthy for them.
It also increases the risk of them having an accident when you are away if they can’t hold it any longer. That is why it is ideal to have a door with a doggie door installed so they can go outside when they need to.
Not only does this help them relieve themselves when necessary, it gives them something to do besides sit inside. Your dog can sunbathe and explore the backyard, helping to reduce any destructive tendencies they may have.
Just make sure your home is completely safe when you install a doggie door. Certain backyards may not be safe enough to do this, or you may not want your dog outside without supervision.
Comfortable Bedding
Even the most rambunctious dog enjoys taking leisurely naps throughout the day. If this is the case for your dog, one great way to take care of them when you are away is by providing places to sleep.
Make sure your dog has plenty of options when it comes to comfortable areas where they can take a nap. This may be your bed where they can enjoy your scent, or they may have their own doggy beds throughout the house.
You can also make up a bed for them with items that smell like you so that they don’t feel like they are alone.
Pet Cameras
With so much modern-day technology, there are a lot of ways to take care of your pet when you aren’t with them. Pet cameras are easy to set it up in your home to keep an eye on your dog.
These cameras allow you to see what your pet is doing as well as interact with them. You can hear them, and they can hear you, allowing you to talk to them throughout the day. Just make sure that this does not upset your dog. Some dogs may find it unsettling to hear you when you aren’t there.
Provide a Friend
One of the best ways to entertain your dog when you aren’t there is by having more than one dog. This may seem like an extreme option, but it is a great way to ensure your pet doesn’t get lonely.
Having another pet creates another presence in the home that your dog can interact with throughout the day. This not only provides someone else to play with, it provides comfort since your dog isn’t on their own.
How Long Can Dogs Be Left Alone?
When you own a dog, there are certain adjustments you need to make to your lifestyle. Incorporating your dog in most aspects of your life can be challenging but rewarding at the same time.
It is not uncommon for dog owners to leave their dogs alone for most of the day. For instance, you may work a 9 to 5 job, and your dog is alone for this timeframe.
In general, dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than nine hours. Even if all their basic needs are provided, they still need emotional support that you can’t provide if you aren’t there.
If you know you are going to be gone for a long time, have a friend check up on them. You can hire a dog sitter or have a friend or family member spend time with them.
You should never leave your dog alone overnight as this can be very scary for them.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
Dogs are very emotional creatures, and you never really know what you are signing up for. Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and struggle to be left alone during the day.
If this is something your dog struggles with, there are ways to help when you have to leave them alone. The best way to do this is to do something active with your dog before you have to leave.
You could take them on a 20-minute walk or play with them for half an hour to tire them out. Getting their excess energy out allows them to relax and fall asleep once you have left.
A lot of dogs struggle with anxiety because they have pent-up energy that doesn’t have a way of getting out. Making sure your dog gets in their exercise allows them to sleep for most of the remainder of the day.
You can also make sure your dog has items that smell like you so that they don’t feel completely alone. You should include a variety of entertainment options that will help to distract them throughout the day.
There are a lot of ways you can entertain your dog even when you aren’t at home with them. If you want to try interactive toys with treats, try out these Crunchy Peanut Butter Treats that are equally delicious and healthy for your dog!
