I’m leaving the house. Does my dog stay or go?

CONSTANT  COMPANIONS

Taking your pet everywhere you go is such a heartwarming thought.  I always want my best friend at my side and they want to be there. 

Places that allow pets: There are pet friendly businesses that we can easily bring our dogs.  Lowe’s, Home Depot, PetsMart, Petco and many others.  Make sure you always have that poop bag in your pocket and a paper towel or two.  These little trips bring your dog social interaction and brighten his day with a new experience.

Places that do not allow pets: When we go places that don’t allow us to bring our pets inside it is really just better for you to leave your pet at home.  Does your dog freak out when you walk away?  Does he bark incessantly when you are not there?  Is it really in his best interest to be out in the parking lot alone in a car with partially open windows?

We can leave them in the car but that always brings another set of worries and potential consequences.  Is the temperature too cold or too hot. Do we leave the car running or crack open the window. Open windows gives someone the opportunity to drop items in your car that may not safe for your dog.  Maybe they have a handful of grapes and think its ok to drop a few to your dog.  We know that can be deadly.  For the crazies out there, and we know they are out there, maybe they drop some rotten food or God forbid some food that has been tainted with poison or chemicals.  Now we have a sick dog on our hands. People can reach in and grab your dog by the collar, or break a window and steal him.  People can tease your dog by pounding on the windows or yell at them causing stress to your dog and the potential of injury. We all have read the horrific stories about dog fighting rings and their bait dogs.  You just never know.

In these circumstances your pet is just better off at home. Never take the risk.

Always protect your pet.  Despite you best efforts a trip outside the home where the pet is left alone in a car could be deadly.