Stress-free ways to leave your dog at home

Working in an office can be hard on pets, particularly for pooches who love having their “hoomans” home 24/7, not to mention the constant treats and cuddles. The separation can cause anxiety in pets, but there are steps you can take – and smart home devices you can enlist – to ease your dog’s stress and keep them happy and calm while you are out of the house.

Get A Pet Camera

Home security cameras do much more than deter and identify would-be intruders. They also help to keep an eye on your pets to make sure they’re not up to no good or displaying worrying signs of anxiety.

“These are a really useful tool to help you see what’s going on. A dog with separation anxiety might just sit at the door for hours, they may not bark or destroy anything. Nobody will know about it until you see it,” says Lort Smith Animal Hospital vet Dr Harry Ellsmore.

“That’s when you need to do something about it from a welfare perspective.”

Cameras that link to your smartphone will allow you to log on and see what your dog is up to in real time. You can also get models that allow you to speak to your dog.

“Once your cameras are set up, check the view in your smartphone to see if it’s capturing the places your dog is spending their time,” advises David Lineham, The Good Guys Buyer – Tech Accessories.

“Then leave for an hour or two, so you can test it out and make any necessary adjustments to the camera position before you head out for a full day.”

Shop The Latest Security Cameras

• eufy 2K Indoor Security Camera Offers customisable detection zones, so you only receive movement notifications about areas your dog shouldn’t be, or when there’s movement where there shouldn’t be.

• Ring Outdoor Camera Pro Plug-In Pan and tilt the camera with ease from your smartphone and view a wide angle if needed. Also offers heat and motion detection.

• TP-LINK Tapo 3MP Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Camera Features two-way audio so you can speak to your doggo when you’re away.

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"Home security cameras help to keep an eye on your pets to make sure they’re not up to no good or displaying worrying signs of anxiety."

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Create Some Background Noise

Whether it’s through a radio or a TV or an audio system, keeping an element of noise within your home will provide a distraction and mask sounds that could prompt barking and anxiety.  “It makes it more difficult for your dog to be so focused on, for example, the door, waiting for the sound of the lift or the car when you come home,” Dr Ellsmore says.

If you’re going to leave music on, opt for classical.

“Classical music is proven to soothe. There’s actually CDs we use called Through a Dog’s Ear (available on Spotify) that have been written especially for dogs, to calm them,” says Serena Horg, General Manager of the Adoption Centre at Lort Smith.

“We play it after they’ve had their evening dinner. The music puts them in their sleep cycle, and they close down for the night just like that. It’s just beautiful.”

Shop Smart Speakers And Radios

• Sonos One SL: This wireless speaker can be placed in any room preferred by your canine to play music, internet radio, podcasts and audiobooks.

• Panasonic Splashproof Digital FM Radio: Play music anywhere from this portable radio. With smartphone connectivity, it can be used as a bluetooth speaker, too.

Keep Them Cool (Or Warm)

Whether it’s summer or winter, dogs need to be kept as comfortable as possible to reduce stress, and that means considering the temperature at home. Wi-Fi enabled air conditioners allow you to control the temperature remotely, so you can turn your air con/heater on or off and even check the temperature inside your home while you’re away.  “Between 18 to 27 degrees Celsius is the recommended temperature,” says Serena Horg.

Shop reverse cycle air conditioners

• Hisense C2.5kW Reverse Cycle Split System: Includes an Air Purification system which removes allergens, pollens  and bacteria so humans and pets are breathing in clean air.

• Fujitsu C2.5kW H3.2kW Reverse Cycle Split System: Features a five-star energy rating for both heating and cooling. It can detect when there’s movement in the room and adjust the temperature accordingly.

• Panasonic C2.5kW H3.2kW Reverse Cycle Split System & Air Purifier: The built-in air purifier is approved by the National Asthma Council of Australia and features fast-acting technology for quick relief on hot and cold days.

Have Someone Visit

Whether it’s your mum, dad, friend or neighbour, having someone you trust pop by is an easy way to keep your pet entertained. “It has to be someone they know and who has a relationship with them as bringing in a stranger can be very stressful for dogs,” says Lisa Varrasso, Senior Animal Welfare Officer and Dog Trainer at Lort Smith.

Create A Safe Space

A warm bed and blankets will go a long way to ensuring your dog is happy on their own at home. “Create a safe place for them so, if they’re feeling uncomfortable, they’ll naturally go there to feel safe and calm,” says vet Dr Harry Ellsmore.

Keep your dog calm and cared for with the latest heating and cooling solutions, home audio and security cameras. For expert advice, the biggest range and the best prices, visit us in-store or online.