Welcome to the Powell Veterinary Clinic Newsletter.  We plan to cover a different topic each month. Can you add other ideas or anecdotes to the information we've collected about this month's topic? If so, send us an email.

Dogs and other pets are often alone at home for long periods while their humans are at work. While videotapes of some pets show them sleeping most of the day, others are cruising the house looking for Things to Do. Since a dog’s idea of fun might include pulling down the drapes and rearranging the bookshelves, (dogs don’t get bored, they get busy) it’s a good idea to provide some entertainment for your friend. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

1- In some areas a secure fenced yard and a dog door will work. The dog can get out at will to eliminate and burn off some energy. However in other areas a dog door is a security issue. A smaller, covered fenced area around the door may be an option. Barking, digging, escape, ingestion of mulch or other non-food items, and theft are a few of the issues to consider when letting your dog outside alone.

2- Dogs are very social animals. A second dog may provide great companionship, although there is no guarantee that the two will become buddies. Keep this in mind when you pick out a playmate. If you don’t want another pet, how about play dates with a friend’s dog?

3- There are many interactive toys on the market today. The most common type slowly dispenses treats or food to keep the dog’s interest.

The Kong, a tough rubber cone with a hole in the middle, is one of the most popular. Food or treats are stuffed into the hole, and the pet works to get them out. The recipes for the stuffing are limited only by your imagination. Here are a few( see others at www.kongcompany.com):

	Layer different treats and plug the hole with cheese
	Use Milkbones or other biscuits to wedge into the hole
	Mix peanut butter with dog treats and smash them into the Kong.
	Carrots, apple bits and celery appeal to some dogs.
	Wet the dog’s regular kibble, stuff the Kong,  and pop it into the freezer for a dogsicle

Toys such as the Buster Cube and the Roll-a-Treat Ball, can be filled with dry dog food. Your pet will learn to roll them to make food drop out of the small hole.

Other toys make noises, move, or have blinking lights. A huge variety of stuffed and latex toys are available too. Some of the toys should be rotated in and out of use to keep the dog’s interest high.

4- A good chew toy provides hours of enjoyment but be careful. Rawhide is a favorite; however, in some long-haired dogs it can create a grooming problem, while others may have digestive difficulties. Make sure to remove pieces as they get small enough to swallow. Even tough plastic "Nylabones" can be a problem if the dog swallows pieces. Hint: Some shallow holes drilled in the Nylabone and filled with Cheez-whiz or peanut butter can encourage picky dogs to use them. Sterilized long bones can also be stuffed with goodies.

5- Is your dog a paper shredder? Leave a couple of plain paper "balls" on the floor when you leave- the resulting slobbery pieces are easier to pick up than sofa pillow stuffing. Really.

6- Plenty of aerobic, interactive exercise while you are home helps your dog get through the long time alone. Schedule time every day for some one-on-one fun. Obedience work, dog sports such as agility and supervised free-running at the local dog park are great. Feel guilty about leaving your pet alone? Don’t make the mistake of spending every moment of home time with your dog- the contrast when you go away can be very stressful.

7- More and more kennels are offering dog daycare. Check the facility out thoroughly beforehand. Often friendly dogs are allowed to play together during daycare so make sure you understand all the policies concerning group play, immunizations and health concerns. Even one or two days a week could help.

8- Some pets seem to like having the television or radio left on. The background sound may also help mask outside noises which could encourage barking. A window with a view keeps other dogs entranced.

9- A mid-day dog walker is a great idea if you can’t come home at lunch. Neighbors could take turns.

10- How about the crate? Some dogs get into enough trouble when loose that a crate has to be considered, but a whole day in a crate can’t be much fun, and can lead to behavior problems. Even an inactive dog likes to move about the house looking for the best temperature or a patch of sun. A better alternative might be to "dog-proof" at least one room.

11- Provide several comfortable sleeping places around the house to encourage your pet to take it easy. An open dog crate may provide security. Many dogs like beds with cuddly sides. If you come home and find those tell-tale hairs on the couch, consider using a sheet to protect it rather than crabbing!

12- Some dogs, especially on the young and old sides, can’t go all day without eliminating. If a dog door isn’t an option, train them to use a dog litter box or newspaper in a specific location .

13- It may sound far-out, but we’ve known dog owners who called their pets on the phone several times a day, or and others who have built toy or treat dispensers with timers.

14- Before getting a dog consider the breed, age, and temperament relative to the amount of time it will be by itself. In some cases, a goldfish might be the best idea!