Is Your Dog Safe When Home Alone? 5 Tips

It’s been a very long day, the last thing an owner needs when walking in the house is to find a huge mess. Garbage strewn across the floor, pillows emptied, a favorite pair of shoes obliterated. What would be worse is coming home and finding the dog unconscious from something he got into. Below are five easy tips to keep dogs safe while they’re home alone.

Set Limits

To crate or not to crate, that is a tricky question. Some owners would prefer to crate their dogs. They say that crating not only provides security from their dogs getting into anything, but also gives them a safe haven to relax. Opponents to the crate would prefer their dogs have free roam of the house. Whichever an owner chooses, there needs to be boundaries set for the dog, shut doors to off limit rooms or secure them behind a closed door or a locked baby gate.

Before Leaving

Take the dog on a fast paced walk. Owners should wear out their dogs before going out; make sure they are good and tired. If the dogs have been well exercised the chances of them getting into anything that could harm them will drop. A frozen Kong filled with peanut butter will keep a chewer occupied for a couple hours at least. If they are tired and occupied they may not cry as much. For more severe cases of separation anxiety contact a certified professional dog trainer.

Take Precaution

Dogs are smart. Bored dogs are smarter. Avoid the nosiness of a dog by being one step ahead of them. Child proof the cupboards to keep them from getting into the cleaning supplies or food they know are in there. Either one could be harmful to a dog if consumed. Some dogs know how to work doorknobs to get into forbidden rooms. Knob protectors will come in handy for the paws that can’t quite squeeze hard enough to turn.

Helpful Hint

Certain breeds like to dig in the garbage. Better to do it when the humans are away, not as much yelling. Switch out an uncovered can with a covered one and place a heavy object in the bottom such as a small cinderblock before putting a bag in. By weighting down the can, it makes the garbage harder to knock over and rummage through.

Final Note

If the dog is a chewer, make sure all electrical cords up out of reach. A chewer is a chewer, doesn’t matter the material a dog will gnaw on it until they find something better to gnaw on. A live electrical cord could cause serious injury to a dog looking to exercise their jaw muscles. Give the dog appropriate chew toys that won’t fall apart while the owner is out.

Whether it is a new puppy or a seasoned adult, there comes a time when a dog will be left alone. With a few quick adjustments, owners will have peace of mind knowing their dogs are safe and happy.

Featured Dog- Yoda

Owner could not keep the dog. She is super friendly and playful. Yoda is learning her basic commands and already is doing well walking on a leash and knows sit. Loves being with people and playing with toys. She is full of energy and will need a home where she can get plenty of exercise.

Other available dogs

Lucky – pit bull. He is a strong boy but loves playing with toys and being with people

Nala- boxer ? blend NALA IS DEAF. She is a good girl. Loves being with people and playing with toys.

Missy- German shepherd- PARTIALLY BLIND She loves people but not other dogs. She needs medication twice a day.

Hansel-Terrier blend. No other dogs or small children. He needs a quiet calm home.

Featured cat- Elsie

Elsie is white with black markings. She has a heart shaped black marking on her left chest and on her nose. She was found as a stray but had been very well cared for. Very friendly and easily handled. Comes when called.

Other available cats

Laverne and Shirley- bonded sisters. They were abandoned in an apartment. They did go to a home for awhile but were too inquisitive for the owner. They are calm girls. They love being together whether watching out the window or taking naps. Beautiful coloration and soft baby fine fur.

 

Other available cats

Paris- special diet. Does not like to be held.

 

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 8:00 am until 4 pm Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), Saturday 11am-1pm , Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call – Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximate.

The animals submitted to the media may have changed so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com

Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl  and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER