7 Tips for Leaving Your Pet Home Alone
Leaving your pet at home can be worrisome, but you can rest assured that they’ll be okay with these tips. So whether you’re going on a quick errand or leaving for a full day of work, follow these guidelines to ensure your furry friend is taken care of.
From using high-quality calming supplements for dogs to arranging for someone to check in on them, keep reading for the best ways to help make your time apart go as smoothly as possible.
1) Consider Your Pet’s Toileting Needs
Believe it or not, your pet’s toileting needs are just as important as your own when planning a trip out of the house. After all, nobody wants to come home to an accident.
In addition, dogs will need to go outside to relieve themselves or risk developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) from bacteria build-up after holding it too long. If you are gone for more than a few hours, you may need to arrange for someone to let your dog out or take them for a walk.
Cats don’t need to go for walks, but they need a clean litterbox. If the litterbox is too full, your cat may start using other places in the house as a toilet, which can be challenging and gross to clean up.
2) Address Their Emotional Needs As Well
Pets are like family members — they rely on us for food, shelter, and love. And just like humans, pets have emotional needs that must be met to thrive.
So one of the most important things we can do for our furry friends is to provide them with regular play and social interaction opportunities. This is especially important for high-energy breeds or those with a lot of pent-up energy.
Pets left alone for long periods without any stimulation can become anxious, depressed, or even destructive.
In addition to regular exercise, pets also need plenty of love and attention from their owners. Those who provide their pets with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and lots of love will be rewarded with loyal and happier pets.
3) Give Your Pet a Safe, Comfortable Space
When you’re not home, your pet must have a safe, comfortable space. This could mean free-roaming access to your entire home or having a specific room they spend their time in. Either way, make sure their space is set up with everything they need — food and water, toys, a bed, and somewhere to go to the bathroom if they cannot go outside.
Finally, and most importantly, don’t leave them locked up in crates for extended periods.
Pets need exercise and stimulation, so being cooped up in a small space is uncomfortable and can also lead to behavioral problems. Instead, give your pet the gift of a happy home life by providing them with a safe and comfortable space to relax in when you’re not there.
4) Keep Dangerous or Important Items Out of Reach
When it comes to keeping your unsupervised pet safe, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
First, be aware of any items in your home that may be toxic to your pet. This includes household cleaners, certain foods, and even some plants.
If possible, keep these items out of reach or locked away. You’ll also want to be mindful of any valuables in your home.
Things like your leather couch or a family heirloom can be tempting for a curious pet, so it’s best to keep them out of reach or put them away when you’re not around. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help ensure that your pet has a safe and happy home.
5) Use Treats, Puzzle Toys, and Supplements to Your Advantage
When you have to leave your furry friend home alone, it can be hard on both of you. After all, they rely on you for companionship and love.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to make the situation easier for both of you. For example, treats and pet puzzle toys can help keep your pet occupied.
In addition, natural dog calming supplements can help to ease their anxiety. You can also consider using a white noise machine or leaving the TV on for some ambient sound.
By taking a few simple steps, you can help your pet feel more comfortable when you’re not around.
Exercise and Play Before Leaving
Before you head out for the day, consider taking some time to play with or exercise your pet.
A little bit of activity before you leave will help burn off any excess energy and may prevent them from getting into trouble while you’re gone. It’s also a great way to bond with your furry friend and ensure they get the attention they need.
There are several benefits to scheduling some playtime before leaving home. Exercise can help relieve boredom and separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
It can also help tire your pet out, making them more likely to take a nap while you’re gone. And, of course, it’s good for their health. A little bit of daily exercise will help keep them healthy and happy.
6) Make Use of Dog Walkers, Doggy Daycares, and Pet Sitters
If you’re going to be away from home for many hours, it’s best to arrange for someone to check in on your furry friend or a place you can bring them to for the day. But when friends and relatives aren’t an option, what should you do?
Dog walkers, doggy daycares, and pet sitters are all great choices to ensure your pet gets the attention they need.
Dogs generally require more frequent attention and human time than cats, but all pets will benefit from being looked in on if left alone for too long.
Even a shy dog or cat should have their water bowl refilled and be offered some food. So, if you’re going to be out and about for the entire day or just have a long shift at work, you can rest assured that your pet will be well taken care of.
7) Don’t Be Gone for Too Long
If you have to leave your pet home alone, it’s essential to not be gone for too long. Being gone for extended periods can get tough on your pet, especially if you choose to keep them confined to a restricted area for their health and safety.
In addition, your pet may start to experience anxiety or become destructive if they’re left alone for too long. If you can’t find someone to come over and check on your pet, it’s best to plan accordingly. Remember, you are your pet’s whole world, and they rely on you for so much. Your presence can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
So, before you head out on your next grocery shop, business luncheon, or date night, be sure to take all of these things into account.
Your pet will thank you for it! And if you’re looking for a bit of help in making sure your furry friend is as comfortable as possible while you’re away, consider using some cat and dog supplements to help ease anxiety and promote relaxation. This will make the time apart just a bit easier for everyone involved. Have we missed anything?
Let us know in the comments below what tips and tricks work best for you when leaving your pet home alone!
Conclusion
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