If you are one of the people who are having to head back into the office after spending a year or two doing remote work, one of the main challenges of living with a dog is leaving it at home while you go to work. As a dog owner, there is a lot to worry about while you are away from your furry friend. Is the dog safe? Has it had its lunch yet? Is it too bored?

These questions are probably familiar to you and could be some of the worries you have. But, there are several tips that you can implement to ensure your dog is okay back home. These will also give you peace of mind while at work.

1. Ensure Food and Water Bowls are Easily Accessible

The last thing you want to do to your dog is leave it hungry and thirsty all day. Your dog needs food and fresh water to keep it nourished throughout the day. Before you leave for work, it is advisable to clean the bowls and add fresh water and food to last the entire day.

If your dog stays in a crate, make sure the crate is big enough to accommodate food and water bowls. If your dog roams free in the house, place the bowls in a strategic place where the dog can access easily.

2. Provide a Comfortable Resting Area

At some point during the day, your dog will want to relax and rest. It is, therefore, essential to include a safe and comfortable resting area for your furry friend. These can be a crate or a day bed where the dog can rest.

However, it is crucial to dog-proof your house when dealing with a hyperactive dog. Keep cables and other chew-prone objects away from the dog's reach. If your dog is a heavy chewer, then you might want to provide a crate where you can control its movement.

3. Provide Entertainment For Your Dog

When you are away at work, ensure your dog has creative ways to keep it engaged throughout the day. Dogs need mental stimulation, and providing toys and other forms of entertainment can eliminate boredom.

One of the most common ways to keep a dog entertained is by providing toys. There is a variety to choose from, and you can find something that matches your dog's personality. For example, if your dog loves to chew, then a chew toy with squeakers or treats inside is a great option.

Other ways to keep your dog happy and entertained are:

• Leave the television on.
• Set some classical music to play while you are away.
• Leave the window curtains open so your dog can see outside.
• Leave a different toy every day.

4. Provide a Safe Bathroom Area for Your Dog

You do not want to leave your dog the option to choose where it relieves itself. On this note, you should create a specific area in the house where the dog can go to the bathroom. You can use pee pads or grass pads in one corner of your house.

If your dog is potty-trained, then you should ensure it is familiar with the bathroom area. This could be in a crate, near your bathroom, or an area where the dog spends the most time.

5. Exercise your Dog Before you Leave

Exercise is essential to keep your dog active and healthy. In this case, it comes in handy to tire out your dog before you leave home. You can do this by taking an early morning walk, jog, or play with your dog.

The dog will likely pass out once you are back in the house. In such a case, you leave the house without causing panic and anxiety in your dog.

6. Install a Dog Monitor

While all the other tips can help keep your dog happy and safe, you can never be 100 percent certain that your dog is okay back home. This why a dog monitor is important to help you keep track of your dog from anywhere.

Most pet cams are designed to connect to an app that allows you to see your dog from your smartphone. Some cams have unique features like dispensing treats, two-way communication, etc. Depending on the features you need, you can choose the most suitable dog monitors for your space.

Bottom Line

Leaving a dog at home alone while at work is challenging for pet owners. Whether you are a new dog parent or worried about your dog spending hours alone, this article can be helpful.

The idea is to find what works best for you, your space, and the dog. With the tips above, you can create a safe, comfortable, and entertaining space for your dog.