Entertain Your Dog While You’re at Work

Affordable Pet HealthCare Insurance - Your Pets Deserve it
 Entertain Your Dog While You're at Work 

byTaylor Malowney

When you go off to work and leave your dog at home, what do they do all day? If you’re looking to give your pooch some intellectual stimulation, there are several easy things you can do!

Get a stuffable toy

Balls and toys that can be filled with treats will entertain your dog for hours. One fun way is to coat a dog biscuit with peanut butter and place it inside a Kong toy – a Healthy Paws toy of the week!

Turn on the TV

Dogs enjoy hearing human voices, and they may even “watch” the TV! DVDs specifically created to be virtual doggy sitters are available online that feature stimulating images like other dogs, squirrels, and more. Sometimes even just putting on music can help a dog feel less lonely.

Consider doggy daycare or a dog walker. If your pet rarely is in the company of other canines, doggy daycare can provide important socialization. Check the internet or the Yellow Pages for daycares near you. Having a dog walker stop by and take your dog for a midday walk can also be beneficial.

Play before work

Play before work Taking your dog for a walk or throwing the ball around before you leave will tire them out. Then they’ll just sleep it off for the rest of the day and be ready for round two when you come home! This time can also provide important dog-pet parent bonding time and prevent your pet from feeling neglected.

                                   Adopt another dog

A pair of pooches can provide each other with playtime even when you’re gone. However, don’t leave new dogs together until a few weeks after they've been introduced; even if they seem fine when you’re there, a fight could erupt when you’re not home. To be safe, remove all toys from the house while you’re gone to prevent possessive aggression.

Don’t be worried if you have to leave for work during the day; dogs are perfectly capable of entertaining themselves, given the right tools. Have plenty of toys around, especially those that can be stuffed with treats! Consider putting the TV or radio on to provide human voices. Playing with your dog before you leave for work can tire them out and allow them to nap peacefully all day – then you’ll be back before they know it! And of course, adopting another dog can provide a playmate for your pooch even when you're not there.


If your dog exhibits destructive behaviors, like digging, clawing, or defecating inside the house, they may be experiencing separation anxiety. Confine them to a space where they can’t destroy anything and shower them with affection when you are around. If the problem doesn't resolve itself or escalates, see a vet – there may be health issues to blame.

Get pet insurance

We may be a little biased, being a pet insurance company, but we truly believe in the peace of mind it gives pet parents. Covering most non-preexisting conditions, a pet insurance policy ensures you'll never have to make hard decisions about your pet’s health.

When the choice is between your furry family member and your finances, we all know which one we’d choose – but sometimes the choice isn't so easy. No pet parent should have to make that call, which is why we’re firm believers in the power of pet insurance.