How to Keep Your Pup Happy While You're Away
Going Somewhere?
Whether you are going on an extended vacation, weekend trip, day trip, or even just a long day at work, we all end up having to leave our furry friends at home by themselves at some point.
Many pet owners worry that their dog may be anxious, sad, bored, or lonely while they’re away. This article is intended to give some ideas of how to keep your dog happy, comfortable, and entertained while you’re away, regardless of how long that may be.
In this blog you’ll find tips, tricks, advice, and product recommendations to make the distance between you and your pup easier on both parties. You can have peace of mind while you’re away that your pup is doing just fine.
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Extended Stays:
Kennel or Dog Sitter?
In the case that you will be gone for an extended period of time, for example on vacation or a business trip, we cannot leave our furry friends to their own devices days on end. Many pet parents struggle with choosing between a pet kennel stay and a dog sitter; there are pros and cons to both options.
Dog Kennel/Boarding: Thankfully, we have many dog kennels to choose from in the Bay Area for our furry friends. Boarding your dog in the Bay Area typically cost between $30-$80 a night with the mean stay being about $50 a night. Boarding facilities have a range of amenities dependent on the location and rate.
Some are simpler with indoor rooms for play, while others are grander with large outdoor areas with toys, pools, and activities to keep your pup entertained.
Nowadays, most dog boarding facilities have live-feed cameras in which you can check on your pups at your leisure while you’re away, which can give you some much needed peace of mind. Some of the pros and cons of this option include:
Pros: Convenient and readily available with many locations and companies in the Bay Area and East Bay; employees trained to take close care of your pets and needs; socialization with other pups; can be the more cost effective option; reliable service from trusted companies.
Cons: Can worsen or cause separation anxiety in some dogs; confuses some dogs/fear of abandonment; unfamiliar people; risk of contracting illnesses from other dogs (such as kennel cough); abrupt change in routine; luxurious kennels with more amenities can be pricey.
Pet Sitter: Pet sitters can be slightly harder to find than dog boarding companies because many dog sitters work independently, and many take clients from word of mouth recommended by their original clients. However, hiring a pet sitter can have major advantages over boarding your pup, especially if you will be away for an extended period of time.
The best case scenario for you and your pup would be having a pet sitter that you already know and love, such as a family member, neighbor, or friend; this can give pets and owners alike some much needed peace of mind during times that you are separated. Having someone close to you pet sit can also be economically advantageous as the pricing would be worked out between you and that person.
The rates for pet sitting tend to be higher as they are spending extra time with your pups and many times watching over the household as well; rates in the Bay Area average between $40-$150 a night with the mean price being $60 a night. Some of the pros and cons of this option include:
Pros: Pets get to stay at home in their familiar environment; less separation anxiety; dogs maintain their routines; pet sitter may be familiar which brings comfort; house is watched over; dogs get more attention by sitter than in a boarding facility; no risk of contracting illnesses from other dogs.
Cons: Can be pricey; having an unfamiliar person in home can be stressful for you and pets; dogs may behave out of fear or territoriality if sitter is unknown.
While You’re Away
Many pet owner’s biggest concerns while they’re away from their pets at home is if their pets are bored and lonely. This articles aims to give some advice and spark ideas on how to keep your pup happy, entertained, and comfortable while you are away.
Studies have found that while some independent dogs are okay left alone for a while; many, if not most, dogs become lonely and stressed after being left alone for more than a couple of hours.
Just like us, dogs are emotional creatures and need to feel supported in order to be happy and healthy. This is why it is important that we do our best to make the most out of being away from them in any way we can.
Some signs of loneliness in dogs include:
Separation Anxiety: Destructive behavior, whining, howling, barking, shaking, potty accidents.
Repetitive Licking: Used as a coping mechanism, anxiously licking paws and body before or after leaving (and during).
Following You: When they anticipate your departure they follow you around, possibly sitting outside your door (and whining) while you get ready to go.
Reduced Appetite: Poor/no appetite before, during, and/or after your departure, not motivated by treats or food.
Avoiding Anxiety & Loneliness
Slowly introduce being alone
If your pup is not used to ever being left alone, it is a good idea to start slow, if possible, just leaving them alone for short periods of time, and overtime extending that time, so they can get used to it.
When training them this way, it is best to give ample reward and praise through treats, play, and attention when you come back; this helps your dog create positive associations when you are gone. They will know that there’s a reward in store for them when you return. This is not always possible to do, but can be very helpful!
A helpful tool can be a pet nanny-cam, that way you can check on your pup in real time while you’re away to make sure they are doing okay. This is also a great idea for extended trips in which your dogs will be pet sat at home.
Some nanny cams are simple, inexpensive, but effective, such as this swivel cam from Amazon. It comes in HD quality, has potion sensors for the swivel cam, as well as night vision.
If you’re willing to make a bigger investment, there are more advanced options such as the Furbo 360 that comes with smart alerts, emergency alerts, 360 HD camera, motion tracking, bark alert, two-way audio, and a treat toss.
Familiar Faces
The best case scenario in terms of dog sitting is usually when someone who is already familiar with your pups fills the role. This can ease your dog’s anxiety in a stressful situation; having a friend or family member around that the pups already know and trust will help them stay happy and calm while you’re away.
Having a pet sitter is advantageous in that your dogs will get special and individualized attention from the sitter, versus a boarding facility in which the ratio between employees to dogs can be concerning.
Your dogs will be able to maintain their routines including feeding times, play time, walk time, outside play, etc. which can be extremely helpful in managing their separation anxiety. As an owner, it is also nice to know that your home is being looked after while you are away.
However, it is not always possible that a friend or family member can do this, especially if you are away often. In this case, hiring a professional pet sitter will be the best option. If you are away often, it is best if you hire the same pet sitter each time if possible so your dogs can become familiar and comfortable with this person.
The rapport you build with them will also help you feel more comfortable leaving home. You can find professional pet/house sitters online through companies like Rover, Care.com, and Trusted House Sitters.com.
Another way to find referrals for a good pet sitter is by asking your veterinary office, training facility, or local dog walking company if any of their team pet sits. This way you will already be more familiar with the pet sitter and know that they are trained at taking care of dogs and understanding their needs.
Keeping Busy!
A key element to keeping your dog happy while you are away, is keeping them busy. The busier they are, the less anxiety they will feel and in turn, will be happier while you are away. Keeping your dog exercised and enriched is always necessary, but can be especially important when their schedules are off by you being away. A tired dog is typically a happy dog, and there are a plethora of ways to keep them entertained.
Robotic Toys: Some of the newest (and funnest) dog toys on the market are now becoming electronic/robotic. If you are willing to invest in a toy that can keep your pup entertained for a long period of time, then electronic toys may work great for you and your pup. Some of these include:
Robotic Ball Launchers: As the name suggests, these toys launch balls for your dog to fetch without any human interaction required. Many come with the ability to put multiple balls in for fetching, while others require your dog to learn to put the ball back in place for it to be thrown again. Dogs who love to fetch will absolutely love this toy.
Motion Activated Balls: These balls are robotic and roll on their own to entice your pup to play, without any human intervention needed. Some are affordable, while other higher-tech options are more of an investment.
Motion Activated “Bone”: Similar to the ball previously described, this motion activated bone can roll around on its own which can be exciting an entertaining for your dog while alone.
Enrichment Toys: Enrichment toys and activities are using toys that take some time to “win” or figure out, which helps happily distract your pup from any ill-content feelings and leaves them fulfilled after their accomplishment.
These toys are an excellent, and safe, way to entertain your dog for an extended period of time. Most are safe enough that they can play without supervision (unlike bones and chews) These toys include:
Snuffle Mats: Large mats typically made from felt fabric that have hideaways for treats or kibble in which your dog sniffs out.
Puzzle Toys: Toys that contain holes and hideaways for toys that your pup has to move in certain directions to access the treat.
Kong Toy: Variable sizes (dependent on your dog’s size and breed) of tough rubber toys that you can put treats, kibble, or your dogs favorite snack in which your pup must work to get out of the toy.
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Calming Aids
Another tool we can use as owners (and pet sitters) to keep our pups content while away is to use calming measures and tools. There are a few ways you can aid in your dog’s calmness including:
Calming Pheromone Plug-ins & Sprays: These products excrete a positive natural pheromone that tends to soothe and calm anxious dogs. They imitate dog appeasing pheromones (DAP), which are released by lactating dogs after their puppies are born and before they are weaned. These products are considered to be very safe and a great addition to your household with pets.
Vet Prescribed Anti-Anxiety Meds: In the case that your dog has more severe separation anxiety, it may be a good idea to consult your regular veterinary office about if anti-anxiety medication may be a good idea for your pup. Many anxious dogs are able to calm with positive reinforcement techniques, entertainment, and affection from their sitter.
However, other dogs still remain anxious, some to the point where it becomes detrimental to their health. In this circumstance, it is best you ask your Vet’s office about what they can do to help your pup.
Calming Attire: Many anxious dogs can benefit from wearable items designed to soothe them. Some of these include:
Happy Hoodies: Hoods that fit snuggly (but comfortably) around your pups head and ears; this lowers the auditory stimulation which can help relax your pup.
Thundershirt: Essentially, a compression vest for your pup, making them feel like they are being held/hugged which can also be extremely reassuring.
Positive Reassurance/Reinforcement and Love: Although, just like us, dogs can have different love languages, many dogs love to be pet, cuddled, and doted on. The best way to make sure they are receiving the love and care they need is by hiring a sitter that loves animals and is willing to treat them like their own while you are away.
This can be extremely comforting for your pup versus a more transaction encounter (for example, just making sure they get to go potty and have food/water). Ensure your sitter loves and cares dearly for them.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many ways you can navigate being away from your pup, regardless of how long you will be gone. It all depends on what you personally feel most comfortable with, as well as your dog’s individual routine and needs. For the most part, being able to have your dog stay in your home will always be the better option in terms of easing anxieties, however we know that this isn’t always possible.
When looking into doggy daycares and boarding facilities, make sure to do your due diligence in investigating how the company operates. Not all dog boarding facilities are created equal, and if your pup will be there for more than a couple of days it may be worth it to invest in a higher quality boarding facility. These facilities tend to have plenty of amenities for your pup, which will help you both feel more comfortable with the distance.
Always remember to be patient with your pup (and yourself) if going away is something new. Just as with most things in life, adjusting to new circumstances can take time!
Written by: Jessica L Hays
Community Outreach & Social Media Associate; Professional Dog Walker
References
Middleton, James. “Do Dogs Get Lonely?” James & Ella, 25 June 2024, ella.co/blog/do-dogs-get-lonely.
Small Door Vet. “Calming Pheromones for Cats and Dogs.” Small Door Veterinary, www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/wellness/pheromones-help-calm-your-pet. Accessed 16 July 2024.
