Leaving our furry best friend home alone, even for short periods, can be challenging, especially if they are too young, struggling with separation anxiety, or facing other conditions. Extended hours of separation can lead to boredom for our fur babies and guilt or stress for us owners as we wonder about the well-being of our canine buddy in our absence.
When you will be away, ensure your pooch’s well-being by providing sufficient food and water, exercising them beforehand, and removing any potential hazards. In addition to meeting their basic needs, consider other ways that can enhance your pet’s comfort and safety during your absence. Let’s not leave our barkers feeling abandoned, here are some ways to keep them entertained, healthy and cozy while we’re away.
Make a safe space
Leave your pupsicles in an area where they typically like to hang out – where they feel comfortable, secure and happy. Consider blocking off a part of the house where they have all their favorite toys, favorite foods, accessible water, cuddly cave bed and away from dangerous items or hazards. If your pooch is anxious about loud sounds, incorporating a white noise machine or fan can aid in reducing stress while they are in their safe space.
Free access to a window
Our canine friends also love observing the outside bustle. Enhance their experience by providing a window with an interesting view. This will keep them stay engaged and make time pass more quickly. For smaller breeds, make sure they have access to a comfortable perch with a blanket and pillow to relax on while observing the world outside.
Scatter treats in special spots throughout the house
Before heading to work, turn treat time into a game of hide and seek by concealing treats in puzzle games for your sniffers to solve, tapping into their love for sniffing out food.This not only sharpens their sense of smell but also exercises their cognitive skills as they figure out how to retrieve treats from the puzzles. Keep things varied to prevent a routine, allowing your bow-wow to spend the day excitedly searching for tasty treats. Change the hiding spots consistently to maintain interest and stave off boredom.
Stuff a toy with frozen delights
Fillable toys, particularly hollow rubber ones, are excellent for keeping pets engaged. For our till-wigglers, freeze a toy filled with their favorite treats overnight, offering hours of enjoyable licking. This not only provides a fun and patient activity for your pet but also helps keep them cool and hydrated on warm days. As the ice gradually thaws, the treats will emerge, turning it into an enjoyable game of patience for your pawed pal.
Engage the services of a dog walker
We and our beloved furry companion both dislike boredom. When you’re at work, your fuzzy buddy spends eight hours a day confined in the house with nothing to occupy its time.By hiring a dog walker, you ensure your furbaby gets a break to expend energy, breaks up its day, and maintains its regular schedule. Playing fetch, offering some affectionate petting, and engaging in a brushing session will alleviate all the stress for your pooch. An effective dog walker invests meaningful time with the pet, ensures they receive ample exercise, and possesses the ability to recognize signs indicating the need for veterinary care.
Spread out a snuffle mat or a scratcher bed
Snuffle mats, available in various charming patterns, serve as engaging toys for your tail-wagger. By scattering small, delicious treats within the mat’s crevices, they can enjoy a stimulating and entertaining experience as they use their noses to hunt for the hidden treats. This interactive activity aligns with their natural behaviors and offers both mental stimulation and enjoyment.
Using TV and music for entertainment
Using television is an alternative method to keep your debonair hound entertained, and a good place to begin is with YouTube for Dogs. Surprisingly, there are television networks, YouTube channels, and radio stations designed to keep your furry mutt entertained and relaxed. As a matter of fact, you can subscribe to DOGTV’s official streaming service, offering 24-hour television with content scientifically tailored for pet dogs.
Several studies have indicated that playing classical music for our canine companions can decrease negative behaviors linked to anxiety and stress while enhancing behaviors associated with relaxation.They experience a reduction in breathing rate and are less prone to pacing or standing. Heavy metal music on the contrary had the opposite effect whereas pop music had minimal impact.
Make use of remote controlled toys or toys that dispense treats
If your four-legged companion enjoys chasing various objects, experiment with an automated toy that jumps, wiggles, and rolls. Consider an electronic toy that syncs with a smartphone app, allowing you to control the movements remotely. Witness the amusing antics through your Nest Cam as you engage in interactive play.
Toys that dispense treats are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, offering different difficulty levels and challenges. This encourages engagement to your furry wagger by stimulating natural instincts like problem-solving, chewing, and hunting. From treat balls to puzzle toys, a diverse range of options ensures endless opportunities for entertainment.
Remember, each man’s best friend is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find the activities and toys that best suit your pooch’s preferences. Additionally, always ensure that the environment is safe and free from hazards before leaving your furry best friend home alone, but entertained.
