Courtesy of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society
The holiday season is upon us, which means time spent away from home for shopping and gatherings. It also often means that your dog might spend too much time alone, which is a perfect prescription for boredom and destructive behavior.
Dogs shouldn’t spend more than six to eight hours alone. Signs of doggy boredom include destroying or damaging furniture, begging for more treats, howling, fighting with furry friends, and rooting through trash cans. Dogs that seek attention and appear restless are typically bored and want something to do. Your dog might also jump on you and your guests, or bark excessively when you are home.
Like humans, dogs need physical and mental stimulation to stay fit, healthy, and happy. Physical exertion comes from walking, running, and playing. To stimulate your dog mentally, try using food and toys in creative ways. Google is filled with endless ideas. Some dogs are snoopers, and love sitting by the window to see what’s happening in the neighborhood. Consider finding a safe spot for your pup by the window, and opening it a crack for enjoying outdoor scents and sounds.
And yes, dogs love TV! You can sign on to Dog TV’s official streaming service for 24-hour scientifically developed TV programming for dogs. Studies also show that playing classical music for dogs can reduce negative behaviors associated with anxiety and stress, while increasing behaviors associated with relaxation. So, next time you need to pop out for a few hours, consider tuning in to 94.5 FM for classical music your pet can enjoy. More options to keep their minds busy include hiding snacks around the house, leaving their breakfast in a snuffle mat, hiring a dog walker, rotating their toys, putting frozen (cooked) chicken or veggie broth in a Kong toy, or placing kibble in a buster cube or treat ball.
If you want your dog to impress your holiday guests, consider teaching her a new trick, such as shaking a paw, learning the name of a favorite toy, or jumping onto a chair. One great trick to try is tidying up. First, teach your dog what “put it away” means, by getting her to pick up one of her toys, carry it to a box and drop it. Then you can progress to scattering toys around a room, and pointing to them one at a time as she picks them up and puts them away, until eventually she can do it with just the command.
Prepare for your dog’s needs this holiday season. When you anticipate spending longer times away from home, consider taking your dog to doggy daycare or dropping him off at a friend or family member’s house when possible.
The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society is comprised of more than 75 small animal hospitals and more than 225 practitioners in Erie and Niagara Counties. It exists to advance public awareness and understanding of appropriate and compassionate pet health care, veterinary services, and the veterinary profession. www.nfveterinarysociety.org.
