Back to school 2024 is just around the corner, and for some pet parents, it may mean leaving their precious fur babies alone at home. No matter what type of dog breed you have, it can be hard to keep them calm, happy, and entertained while you’re away — their safety and well-being are crucial. That’s why our team has spent some time putting together a list of products that can make alone time more enjoyable for your pooch. Add them to your cart along with your back-to-school supplies without fail!
From a pet security camera to calming aids and treat puzzles for dogs, your pet will feel safe and content while you’re out at school. Now, you can head back to the classroom feeling a little relieved, knowing that your four-legged companion won’t fret over your absence as much.
What to Do When Your Dog Is Alone at Home?
Pretty soon, you will have to leave your furry friend and head back to school. But don’t worry because there are a few things that you can do to make things better for your dog when they are left home alone:
Walk Them Before You Leave
It’s important that your pet gets good exercise before you leave for the day. A walk is ideal, but if that isn’t possible, a good play session will work, too. This helps them to release any excess energy, which will help them remain calm and relaxed later on when you’re not around.
Create a Cozy Space
Using your dog’s favorite bed, blanket, and plush toys, create a nice, cozy place for them to rest. You can also add a playpen to create an increased sense of security.
Make Use of Calming Aids
There is a wide variety of calming products for dogs that are available in the market, such as pheromone diffusers, oils, chews, and soothing sound machines, all of which are designed to reduce anxiety in canines. They can effectively calm down your dog and create a better atmosphere.
Leave Them With Engaging Toys
Set out some toys for them — interactive toys and puzzle feeders can help keep dogs mentally stimulated. Additionally, these kinds of toys will also keep them entertained, helping eliminate boredom.
Create a Routine
When it comes to feeding, walks, and playtime, it would be best if you stick to a set routine. This will help your pet to better understand what they can expect when you’re away, helping them feel secure.
The Best Essentials for a Home-alone Dog in 2024
As you’re getting your back-to-school shopping done, we suggest that you add these dog essentials that will be of great help when you have to leave your pet alone for the day.
BEST OVERALL
PETLIBRO Automatic Dog Feeder
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
The PETLIBRO Automatic Dog Feeder is a must-have if you’re going to leave your dog alone at home — it is both convenient and will offer you peace of mind. It features a capacity of 6 liters and allows you to pre-schedule meals for up to 4 times a day. This way, your precious pooch can be fed on time even when you step out. Moreover, it also has an exciting voice recording feature that allows you to leave a message for your canine companion. Lastly, the smart design ensures that there’s no clogging of food and that the kibble is super fresh.
7 Best Automatic Dog Feeders in 2024
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BEST CALMING BED
Best Friends By Sheri Calming Donut Bed
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This Calming Donut Bed will be the perfect purchase if you have a small dog like a Pomeranian or Shih Tzu who requires comfort when they’re left home alone. It has a round, plush design along with bolsters all around to create a cozy and secure space for burrowing — this can ease their separation anxiety and promote restful sleep. Additionally, since it’s filled with high-quality, USA-made polyfill, it provides your four-legged angel with a good deal of support. Plus, the long shag fur materials on the dog bed acts as a means of calming your dog.
9 Best Dog Beds for Your Pooch
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BEST FOR ANXIETY
HonourHope Dog Heartbeat Toy for Anxiety Relief
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
The Dog Heartbeat Toy from HonourHope will be a calming companion for your pooch — it’s designed to help with anxiety in canines, especially when they are left alone at home. With a simulated heartbeat that makes your pet feel like there’s a comforting presence around, this dog toy is a great way to deal with separation anxiety, without using any kind of medication. Furthermore, it’s crafted from soft and skin-friendly fabrics, making it a safe option for your doggy. You can also wash it in the machine, making it convenient for busy pet parents.
BEST CALMING CHEWS
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid
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The NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid comes in the form of chews that are soft and tasty, formulated to help with stress and anxiety in canines. The chews contain melatonin, chamomile, ginger, and more — all of which can help soothe separation anxiety. If you’re going to be leaving your dog home alone, then this supplement can relax your pet and reduce any tension that may be brought about by your absence. What’s great is that the chews come in a resealable jar so that they stay fresh for a long time.
BEST FOR HYDRATION
PetSafe Drinkwell Dog Water Fountain
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If you’re worried about how your furry friend will stay hydrated when you’re away, then The PetSafe Drinkwell Dog Water Fountain can be of much relief! It features a generous 4.9-liter capacity, along with a built-in reservoir — your pet will always have access to fresh water without the need for frequent refilling. The adjustable stream can make it convenient for your dog, helping them consume more water and increase their hydration levels. Plus, it’s also very easy to clean, and the filter lasts for a long time.
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BEST DOG TOY
Wobble Wag Giggle Ball Interactive Dog Toy
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The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball is one of the best interactive dog toys available on the market — it will keep your dog entertained and in high spirits while you’re at school. The toy doesn’t require batteries to power its fun giggle and engages your pet’s natural curiosity for hours on end. The unique clutch-pocket design makes it easy to pick, irrespective of whether your pooch is a large or small breed — what more could you ask for in a toy?
BEST AUDIO DEVICE
Sound Oasis Pet Bluetooth Sound Machine
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The Sound Oasis Pet Bluetooth Sound Machine comes with 20 doctor-developed sounds that aid in the reduction of anxiety, soothing your pet during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when they are left home alone. If your pooch is known to suffer from separation anxiety, then this device may be the solution you’ve been looking for — add it to your back-to-school shopping list! The best part about it is the built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged by a USB cable — once charged, it can be used for 5 hours continuously. So, what do dogs do all day at home? With this sound machine, they just chill out and relax!
BEST CALMING DIFFUSER
ThunderEase Calming Diffuser Kit
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This calming pheromone diffuser kit from ThunderEase is powered by ADAPTIL and is highly recommended by vets as a solution to separation anxiety, stress barking, and obsessive chewing in dogs who are left home alone. The formulation is drug-free and mimics natural calming pheromones which create a relaxing atmosphere for your pet. If you’re worried about going back to school and leaving your precious pooch alone, then you can rest assured that this product will calm and comfort your pet, minimizing their stress as much as possible, until you can return and shower them with love.
BEST CALMING COLLAR
Sentry Calming Collar for Dogs
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If you have a dog who is going to be left alone at home, then the Sentry Calming Collar for Dogs can be a real lifesaver — it eases anxiety in canines using pheromone technology. It can be particularly useful if your fur baby fears loud noises or deals with separation anxiety — each collar releases calming pheromones for up to 30 days. Add it to your back-to-school supplies list if you worry about your pet having fear or stress barking when you’re away. The best part is that the design is as safe as it gets.
BEST DOG GATE
MidWest Homes for Pets Walk-through Pet Gate
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The Midwest Homes for Pets Tall Walk-through Steel Pet Gate is perfect for protecting your pet and keeping them within a designated safe area, especially when your canine companion is left home alone. It is 39.125 inches in height and expands from 29.5 to 38 inches wide — you also get two extra 3-inch extensions to achieve a custom fit. The gate is also chew-proof and free from lead, featuring a 19-inch walkthrough door that has a secure, spring-loaded latch. Altogether, it can provide you with some much-needed peace of mind when you’re away at school.
BEST CALMING BLANKET
Best Friends by Sheri Calming Shag Fur Pet Blanket
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Make your doggo feel extra comfortable while you’re away by getting them this Calming Shag Fur Pet Throw Blanket. Made with the softest vegan fur, this dog blanket mimics the feel of a mother’s coat, creating a warm, familiar, and secure feeling that can help reduce anxiety. Additionally, it is lightweight and has a reversible design — you can use it in the dog house, on the couch, in a crate, or even in the car! Plus, it protects your furniture and is very easy to clean — what a win-win!
BEST FOR EMERGENCIES
CloceanBrand Dog Home Alone Wallet Card & Tag
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
These wallet cards and keychain tags are a must-have for pet parents who are leaving their dog home alone while at work or school. The keychain has a compact design and comes with an emergency contact card where you can write your details and then fold it to ensure that the information is protected. It also comes with a similar card that you can keep in your wallet. If an unexpected emergency arises, first responders will see the cards and be notified that your dog is home alone and requires attention — they can use the emergency contact details to notify them. This way, you can rest assured that no matter what happens, your four-legged friend will be taken care of.
BEST DOG CAMERA
Furbo 360° Dog Camera + Nanny Bundle
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
The Furbo 360° Dog Camera + Nanny Bundle is the best way to keep your dog both safe and entertained as you head back to school in 2024. The camera features a 360° rotating lens and 1080 HD live feed so that you can view your pet no matter where they are in the room. You also can enjoy features such as treat tossing, two-way audio, and advanced barking alerts. If there are any security breaches, you’ll be notified with real-time alerts, reassuring you of your pet’s safety and well-being. What better way to address your fur baby’s separation anxiety and keep them entertained?
BEST DOG PUZZLE
PETSTA Dog Puzzle Toy
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This puzzle toy from PETSTA is ideal for providing mental stimulation for dogs home alone. It has a treat-dispensing design and interactive features such as a squeak button and 3 difficulty levels which makes it engaging and encourages problem-solving in canines. Additionally, with a 16-hole dispenser and an anti-slip base, it can keep dogs entertained while also slowing down the eating process — perfect for when pets are alone! Our editor claims that this is one of the best treat puzzles for dogs — your dog won’t feel bored when you’re away!
BEST OIL
Charlie & Buddy Pet Hemp Oil
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Charlie & Buddy’s Pet Hemp Oil is an effective treatment that can help with anxiety, stress, and separation issues. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in relieving chronic pains and arthritis, offering comfort when your pets are home alone. Moreover, it improves the mood and quality of sleep, so your pet can be calm while you’re away. Lastly, the blend of omega fatty acids and vitamin E is beneficial for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes.
How We Chose the Best Essentials for Dogs Who Are Left Alone
When our team went about choosing the best essentials for dogs who are left alone, they focused on products that offered comfort and mental stimulation among other factors. Every product was shortlisted after checking its ability to keep dogs comfortable, safe, and entertained, especially in cases where they would be entirely alone.
FAQ
What should I leave my dog home alone with?
There are so many things that you can leave your dog with to help them feel better when they are alone at home. From calming beds and blankets to soothing sound machines and pheromone diffusers, every product on our list will help relieve separation anxiety. So don’t forget to pick them up when you’re doing your back-to-school shopping.
How do I keep my dog entertained when left alone?
By leaving your dog with interactive toys and puzzles, you can keep your dog entertained for hours. Additionally, a dog camera with two-way audio support can keep them entertained and comforted.
Can a dog be left alone for 8 hours?
Yes, a dog can be left alone for 8 hours; however, you must leave them with sufficient food and water, toys to keep them entertained, calming aids, and a cozy place to rest. Also, don’t forget to get them some exercise before you leave.
