Pets alone at home

Welcome back to school!

Because the new school term means pet owners that were on vacation for a relatively long period of time (such as teachers and older school children who could have been left home alone) have now suddenly gone back to work/school, their pets are now left home alone for the majority of the day.

Therefore, any health issues or accidents that may occur will go undetected for many hours. Some of these problems can be prevented or lessened if certain precautions are taken.

For a yard pet:

If the animal is going to be left in a kennel, ensure that

(1) the kennel is locked properly and the animal cannot escape

(2) the kennel is free from any materials that may cause injury (nails, loose galvanise)

(3) there is a fresh supply of clean drinking water, with enough to last the day and in a container the animal cannot tip over

(4) there is no food left all day for flies, rats or other animals to be attracted to it to spread disease.

(5) the kennel is free from direct excessive heat or rain

(6) the kennel has a familiar toy so ease boredom or anxiety.

If the animal is going to be left free in the yard, ensure that

(1) there is no way for the animal to escape the yard and run away or for other animals to come in and attack him/her

(2) there is an area of shelter available for him/her in the event of excessive heat or rain

(3) there is a fresh supply of clean drinking water, with enough to last the day and in a container the animal cannot tip over

(4) there is no food left all day for flies, rats or other animals to be attracted to it to spread disease

(5) there are NO chemicals or any poisonous materials in an area the animal may get access to

    

If the animal is going to be left in the house, ensure that

(1) there is a fresh supply of clean drinking water, with enough to last the day and in a container the animal cannot tip over

(2) there is no way for the animal to escape the house and run away or for other animals to come in and attack him/her

(3) there are NO chemicals or any poisonous materials in an area the animal may get access to

(4) there are no appliances plugged in that the animal may play with and hurt him/herself

(5) there are no very small objects or other inedible material the animal may want to eat and choke on within reach

(6) there are no sharp or easily breakable object within reach (eg. glass dishes)

(7) there is enough ventilation to prevent overheating (eg. a partially open window that is too small for the animal to escape, with burglar proofing to prevent access from the outside)

(8)  the kennel has a familiar toy so ease boredom or anxiety.

We have no choice but to leave our beloved pets to go to work/school everyday. Let's do our part to keep them safe while we are away and they anxiously await our reunion :)

Have a great term everyone!