Pet Pointers: How You Know Your Dog is Safe While You're Away: (for both the day or on vacation)

Our furry friends have a habit of being a little mischievous when we're not around. Have you ever come home to the garbage can spilled across the kitchen floor? What about your favorite pair of shoes? Leaving your furry friend (whether for work or for a long vacation) can be stressful for anyone if you don't prepare properly.

I have some tips from the experts at Camp Bow Wow, North America's most trusted pet care franchise, to help ease your mind and keep your furry loved ones safe while you're away.

When you're away for the day, whether at work, running errands, or with friends, you want your dog to be safe, comfortable, and secure while you're gone!

• Make sure you allow your dog ample time to potty before you leave for the day.
• Eliminate access to any rooms or areas where you don't want your dog to spend time or where items are available that he could get into.
• Fill your water bowl with fresh, clean water before you leave.
• Offer access to safe toys (no bones, rawhides, or anything with a choking hazard).
• Interactive toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained while you're gone!
• Make sure you have a safe spot for your dog to sleep and relax while you're gone. This could be a crate, a dog bed, or a blanket that he's used to.
• A little bit of exercise before you leave can help your dog relax and enjoy a quiet night at home! This could be playing fetch in the yard or going on a walk.
• There are a variety of webcams available that can allow you to check in on your dog while you're gone. Some are even interactive and allow you to give them a treat or say hello!
• Ensure all doors and windows are secure including any gates to a yard if your dog has access.
• Leave your home at a healthy temperature for your dog: AC in the heat of the summer and heat in the winter, depending on your climate.
• You can play calming music for your dog while you're gone to help them stay relaxed.
• Get emergency tags for your dog that link to information on your dog's health, owners, and contact info in case of escape.
• Put an "in case of emergency" sign in your front window that tells any rescue worker how many pets are in the house that would need to be saved should any emergency or natural disaster occur.

When you're away for an extended period of time, whether on vacation or traveling for work, here are some tips to help ensure your dog stays safe!

• Have at least one back up dog sitter available in case your first has an emergency.
  • Let these backups know when you're going to be out of town.
• Ask your sitter to stick to your dog's routine as much as possible including timing of potty breaks, meals, and walks.
• Make sure your pet sitter has visited your home before you're gone and has had time to get to know your dog.
• Don't allow your dog 24-hour access to the outdoors to prevent escaping, boredom digging, or barking that may bother neighbors or cause concern.
• Put away any items, or close off any areas that your dog could get into including trash, toilet bowls, plants, dog food and treat bins, etc.
• Check fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other alarm systems to make sure they are all in working order.