Home Alone, Not Unsafe: 5 Essential Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe While You’re Out

Photo by Sandra Seitamaa on Unsplash

They’re Home Alone — But That Doesn’t Mean They’re Safe

You locked the door, double-checked the thermostat, and left your pup a treat. But is your dog actually safe while you’re out?

Too many dog parents assume their home is a safe space just because it’s familiar. In reality, everyday items and routines can create major risks when your dog is left unsupervised.

Let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of keeping your dog safe — and chill — when they’re home alone.

1. Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone With Their Collar On

What it looks like: A dog resting peacefully on the couch… until their collar snags on the furniture and becomes a strangulation hazard.

Why it matters: Dogs can easily get caught on crates, couch cushions, cabinet handles, or even heating vents. This is especially dangerous for active dogs or crate-trained pups.

What to do instead:

1. Remove collars (especially with tags or loose hardware) before you leave.
2. Use a breakaway collar if your dog must wear one.
3. Microchip your dog for ID instead of relying solely on a tag.

2. Do a Quick Safety Sweep Before You Leave

What it looks like: A grocery bag on the floor. A chip bag left on the couch. A snack wrapper in the trash.

Why it matters: Dogs are scavengers. Plastic bags and food packaging can cause suffocation, GI blockage, or poisoning — and it takes seconds.

What to do instead:

1. Toss or secure all food-related trash.
2. Lock up snack drawers, pantries, and trash bins.
3. Scan low shelves and floors for packaging or household chemicals.

Think of it as baby-proofing, but for your four-legged food thief.

3. Don’t Leave Them Chewing Unattended

What it looks like: You toss your dog a chew to keep them busy — and walk out the door.

Why it matters: Even “safe” chews can break apart and become choking hazards. Without you there to intervene, your dog is at risk of gagging, choking, or swallowing a piece too large to digest.

What to do instead:

1. Avoid leaving new or large chews out when you’re not home.
2. Stick to enrichment toys like frozen KONGs or lick mats filled with safe spreads like our Cranberry Apple PB (yes, we’re biased).
3. Save bones or tougher treats for supervised play only.

4. Lock Doors, Windows & Limit Visual Stress

What it looks like: Your dog perched at the window, barking at every delivery driver like they owe them money.

Why it matters: Dogs that can see out often become overstimulated — and stressed. Open doors or windows? That's an escape risk waiting to happen.

What to do instead:

1. Close blinds or use frosted window clings.
2. Lock all doors and double-check sliding windows.
3. Use baby gates or dog-safe pens to create secure zones.

If your dog is a known runner, you already know the chaos of a lost pet alert. Prevention > panic.

5. Keep Them Calm With Get Zen

What it looks like: Barking, pacing, or scratching at the door as soon as you leave.

Why it matters: Separation anxiety is real — and chronic stress can lead to digestive issues, destructive behavior, and overall lower quality of life.

What to do instead:

Give your dog our Get Zen tincture 30 minutes before you leave. This powerful blend of CBD, CBG, and CBN promotes calm without sedation.

1. Designed for anxious pups, Velcro dogs, and dogs adjusting to new routines.
2. Use daily or just on high-stress days (vet visits, travel, you name it).

Safe doesn’t mean sedated — it means stress-free and supported, even when you’re gone.

Final Tips:

1. Keep a pet camera on for peace of mind (and adorable clips).
2. Leave on calming music or white noise.
3. Stick to a predictable routine whenever possible.

Your dog might be home alone — but they shouldn’t feel forgotten.

For more dog wellness tips, tricks, and tea — dig into the latest from Bark Times.