Simple tips to keep dogs entertained while pet owners are at work. NB: (TIPS ONLY) See your ad here As the holiday period comes to an end it is not just local residents who may be lamenting the return to work and school for another year. The end of the break can also be a difficult time of year for dogs that miss playing with their owners and must readjust to an empty household. Leading veterinarian Dr Rod Straw said idleness in domestic dogs was an overlooked issue by many pet owners. It is important for a dogs mental and physical wellbeing that they receive regular stimulation, he said. In the same way that humans need to be entertained, dogs need to be kept active and challenged or they will quickly become bored. In many cases this can lead to inappropriate behaviour, with some dogs resorting to barking, scratching and destroying objects as a source of stimulation and to attract attention, he said. While pet owners cant spend every day with their dogs, Dr Straw said there were some simple measures they could take to ease the stress and boredom of their animals. Puzzles and toys - Having a collection of fun toys and games is a great way to keep your dog occupied while you are away. There are always new toys coming on the market and owners should look to rotate toys on different days to keep dogs entertained. Chewing bones - In addition to helping dogs to keep busy, a chewing bone can also provide dental benefits by helping to control plaque. Owners should avoid giving their dogs leftover bones from roasts and instead opt for bones made from synthetic materials, which are better for their teeth. Treasure hunts - Hiding small amounts of food around the garden is a fun way to keep your dog entertained throughout the day. Morning walks - A morning walk before work can assist your dog to burn excess energy, helping them to feel more settled during the day. Evening games - Taking some time to play some games with your dog at night gives them something to look forward to at the end of the day. Food distributors - There are a variety of creative food distributors on the market, which require dogs to chew through bags or solve a puzzle to access their food. As your dog will need to play with the dispenser to reach their food, it may hold their attention for longer than other toys. Dog day care - The occasional trip to dog day care can be a great way to break up your dogs week. Do your research when choosing a dog day care centre to ensure they have good facilities and will pay your dog regular attention. Dog walkers- If you dont have time to walk your dog, or are away from home, engaging a dog walking service is a good way to ensure your dog stays in its regular exercise routine. Play dates - Organising a play date provides an opportunity for your dog to socialise with others. If possible alternate play dates on days one of you is not at work to share the workload. See your ad here Training - Undertaking some training with your dog is not just an avenue for improving behaviour, but also an excellent way to keep them active and entertained. Dr Straw said dog owners looking for new ideas or struggling to keep their dogs entertained could turn to their vets for advice. If your dog continues to seem bored despite your best efforts, a vet can be a good sounding board to discuss new ideas and potentially identify any other underlying problems they may be experiencing, he concluded
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 06:59:50 +0000
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