Leaving your dog at home all day while you’re at work can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. There are a number of places where you can leave your furry friend that will make sure they’re taken care of until you get home. Here is a guide to the best options for leaving your dog at home.
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The best places to leave your dog when you go to work
Every dog requires different needs. For instance, a young dog may need to be exercised more frequently than an older dog. Where you live will also play a role in finding the best solution for your particular situation. Before deciding where to leave your dog, consider these things first:
- How many hours are you away?
- Does your dog have a toilet at home?
- Does your dog require a lot of energy?
When you’re away longer than 12 hours
Dogs can only hold their bladders for a maximum of 12 hours. If you’re going to be away for longer than that, you’ll need to find someone to take your dog out for a walk or potty break during the day. There are a few different ways you can do this:
Purchase a doggy toilet: If you are away longer than 12 hours, your dog needs a place to relieve itself. There are several doggy toilets on the market that allow your dog to do their business indoors.
Hire a professional pet sitter: A professional pet sitter will come to your home to take care of your dog while you’re away. They will usually stay for 30 minutes to an hour and take your dog out for a walk, play with them, and make sure they have food and water.
Hire a dog walker: A dog walker is someone who takes dogs out for walks during the day. They will usually walk a few different dogs at a time, so it’s important to make sure that your dog is okay with other dogs.
Friends or family: If you have a friend or family member who is willing to take your dog out for a walk during the day, that’s great! Just be sure to reimburse them for their time and effort.
Take your dog to doggy daycare: Doggy daycare is a great option if your dog needs a lot of exercise and socialization. Most doggy daycares have indoor and outdoor spaces for dogs to play, and they also have staff members who are trained in dog behavior.
When you’re away for less than 12 hours
If you’re only going to be away for a few hours, there are a few different options for where to leave your dog. Make sure all of these option are big enough for your dog to move around, and that there is plenty of ventilation:
The living room: If your dog is well-behaved, you can leave them in the living room with a toy or bone to keep them occupied. Make sure to put away any valuables or breakable items, and block off any areas that you don’t want your dog to have access to.
The kitchen: If your dog is housetrained, you can leave them in the kitchen with food and water. Make sure to put away any poisonous plants or cleaning supplies, and block off any areas that you don’t want your dog to have access to.
The Bedroom: If your dog is calm, you can leave them in the bedroom with a toy or bone to keep them occupied. Make sure to put away any valuables or breakable items, and block off any areas that you don’t want your dog to have access to.
When you have a dog with high energy needs
When you have a puppy or a dog that requires a lot of exercise, it can be tough to leave at home. With so much energy your dog most likely will tear up your place while you’re away. If this is the case, we recommend the same options as when your away for more than 12 hours. These are:
- A professional pet sitter
- A dog walker
- Doggy daycare
Hiring a professional pet sitter or dog walker is the best way to make sure your dog is getting the exercise they need. If you choose to doggy daycare, make sure to tour the facility beforehand and meet with the staff to make sure it’s a good fit for your dog.
7 Tips for leaving your dog home alone
Here are a few tips to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe while you’re away:
Leave them with a full stomach
Dogs can get anxious when they’re left alone, which can lead to them eating too fast and getting sick. To prevent this, leave your dog with a full stomach so they don’t feel the need to eat too quickly.
Walk them before you leave
A good walk before you leave will help your dog to release some energy and hopefully make them sleepy. This will help them to stay calm while you’re away. Additionally, their bladder will be emptied so you won’t have to worry about accidents.
Give them plenty of water
Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure they have plenty of water to drink while you’re gone. We recommend filling up a water bottle with their daily allotment of water and freezing it overnight. This way, they will have fresh, cold water to drink throughout the day.
Provide them with a comfy bed
Dogs feel more secure when they have their own space to sleep in. If you don’t have a dog bed, leave them with a blanket or towel that smells like you. This will comfort them while you’re away.
Leave them with some toys
Dogs get bored when they’re left alone, so make sure to leave them with a few toys to keep them entertained. Kongs are a great option because you can stuff them with food and freeze them overnight. This will give your dog something to do and keep their minds occupied.
Turn on some white noise
White noise can help to mask any outside noises that might scare or startle your dog.
Create a safe space
When you leave your dog home alone, make sure they have a safe space to stay in. This could be a crate, exercise pen, or even just a room that’s been baby-proofed. This way, you can rest assured knowing that your dog is in a safe and secure environment.
5 Tips when looking for a dog sitter/walker
Ask your friends and relatives
One of the best ways to find a good dog sitter or walker is by word of mouth. Ask your relatives, friends, and maybe even co-workers if they know anyone who can dog sit/walk. This is a great way to find someone you can trust.
Check out online review sites
There are a variety of websites that allow users to leave reviews for businesses. These can be a great resource when you’re trying to find a reputable dog sitter or walker. An easy way to find reviews of a dog walking business are Google business reviews.
Meet with the potential candidates
When you have a few potential candidates, set up a meeting with each of them. This will give you a chance to get to know them better and see if they are a good fit for your needs.
Always ask for references
Any reputable dog sitter or walker should be able to provide you with a list of references. These are people who can attest to their character and work ethic.
Trust your gut
Ultimately, you need to choose the person who you feel most comfortable with. If something feels off, it’s probably best to move on to someone else.
Conclusion
Leaving your dog at home doesn’t have to be stressful. There are plenty of options for where to leave your dog while you’re out to work. With this guide, you can find the best place for your furry friend and rest assured knowing that they’re being taken care of.
