Dogs are social creatures, which can make it incredibly hard to say goodbye to them as you leave for work. If your dog gives you the sad eyes as you start to collect your belongings for the day, it might be time to think about ways to keep your pup busy while you’re gone. Westarbor Animal Hospital has some helpful ideas on how to keep your dog entertained while you’re at work or away:
Invest in Interactive Toys
Interactive toys help you keep your dog distracted and let him or her use their brain. Treat dispensing puzzles, light up balls, and ball launchers keep your dog focused. You can also fill a kong with peanut butter and freeze it. Your dog will love licking the frozen treat as it melts. Try out a few interactive toys while you are in the house. If your dog seems to love them, be sure to place a few in different rooms before you leave for work. If your pup gets bored while you’re gone, they can find a toy and keep themself busy until you come home.
Turn on Something Stimulating to Keep Your Dog Entertained While You’re at Work
Music and television can be great distractions from your pet. The consistent sound can make them feel like they have some company throughout the day. Classical music can even help calm down an anxious dog, and YouTube has lots of calming music for dogs. If you think your pupper prefers television, there are streaming services that cater to the canines and show programs that will definitely catch their attention.
Talk to Your Dog During the Day
There are plenty of pet cameras on the market that enable you to talk to your dog while out of the house. Not only do these cams let you check on your dog at different times of the day, but you can let your pup know you’re thinking of them by speaking right to them.
Hide Toys or Treats Around the House
Cater to your dog’s hunting instincts by hiding treats and toys around the house. Your dog’s nose will alert them that there is something fun to find. The better you hide it, the longer your pet will stay distracted by your game. If you are hiding treats, just remember that they count toward their overall calorie intake for the day. Instead of placing whole treats around the house, you might want to break apart one treat and put the pieces in a few different places.
Consider Doggy Daycare to Keep Your Dog Entertained While You’re at Work
If you think your dog is really lonely during the day, you might want to consider doggy daycare a few times a week to keep your dog entertained while you’re at work. Bringing your pet to daycare is a great way for them to see people and other dogs. This social time gives your dog the boost they need to stay distracted enough to forget how much they miss you. Doggy daycare can also ease some of your worry about leaving your dog home alone all day.
The team at Westarbor Animal Hospital knows how much you love your pets. We want to make it as easy as possible to get them the veterinary care they need. From wellness visits to surgery, we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs. Call (734) 769-5391 to learn more or to schedule your next visit.
