Whenever you leave a dog or cat home alone so that you can go to work or run errands, your pet knows you are gone. It does not have to be stressful on your pet, or your neighbors. Occasionally an animal suffers from a medical condition called “separation anxiety”. A few simple steps will keep your pet from becoming bored, destructive, or depressed while you are away.

Leave out plenty of water.
Leave out food.
Check the temperature make sure the pet will be comfortable.
Close doors or put up gates to keep your pet in areas it is allowed.
Leave the radio on, pets like familiar sounds.
Be confident and positive toward the animals in your tone of voice.
Leave out toys that can be safely played with alone.
Leave out something that can be chewed on like a rawhide bond.
Get your pet used to you leaving and returning with short periods of time.
Be sure that your pet’s “potty” needs are taken care of.

When you return home, be sure to give your pet attention. This will make the animal very happy and will relax you from the stress of traffic and work from the day. Treat your pets well, and they will bring a lot of happiness to your life.