When You’re Away, Pets Will Play

Pet owners may wish they could cuddle their furry companions all day, but someone’s got to work to bring home the kibble. These tips should help keep your four-legged charges happy while they’re alone.

LET THEM SWEAT

Most cats and some dogs are happy to sleep all day, but puppies and some energetic breeds were born to run. Help your pooch burn off energy with a 30- to 60-minute walkbefore you leave.

CHAT THEM UP

You can supervise your furry friend via an indoor security camera. You can also video chat over Skype (seriously!) by setting up an account for your pet, enabling the autoanswer feature and leaving your home computer on.

PLAY MIND GAMES

Even a docile pet can gnaw out of boredom or separation anxiety. Put biscuits in a Kong or other feeding toy that a dog needs to chew, bang or spin just the right way to access the treats. Indoor cats will enjoy toys that tap into their wild instincts, such as a noisy crinkle ball.

CONTAIN THE DAMAGE

Nature calls for young dogs every half hour. To contain accidents, keep him or her in a small area, such as a laundry room, with access to food, water, toys and a corner covered with newspapers.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Place a perch where your dog or cat can look out the window. If you have an enclosed yard that is safe for your pet to roam, install a pet door so they can come and go as they please.

TRACK THEM

GPS collars that text you if your pet leaves a designated safe zone are important for animals with outdoor access. Most also track activity, so you can tell how much exercise your dog gets during the day.