Pet Monologues

Leaving your dog at home all day is no fun for either of you. Some mornings, it’s almost unbearable to see those eyes staring out the window when you leave for the office. But if you’re lucky, you work for one of a growing number of companies that not only allow but encourage dogs in the workplace.

If you’re bringing your canine companion to work for the first time, you’ll need to consider the needs of both your dog and your colleagues. It helps to be prepared, so you’ll want to bring these must-haves for the professional pooch.

• Dog bed: Even the cushiest corner offices have hard floors. Your dog will feel much more comfortable if you provide a cozy bed so he can lounge around while you work. If you plan to make workplace visits a regular occurrence for your pooch, you’ll want to pick up a special bed to leave at the office. With all the options available today, you’re bound to find something that suits your dog’s needs and your office décor.

• Dog bowls: While you’re hanging around the water cooler trading office gossip, your dog may be wishing he had a little water of his own. The excitement of meeting new people and visiting a new place is bound to leave your dog thirsty and hungry, so be sure to bring your own bowls for food and water. If your office is carpeted, you may want to consider a mat, as well, to keep spills and slurps at bay.

• Dog collar and leash: Even the most obedient of dogs get a little wound up in a new environment, and in your workplace, there are plenty of offices, closets, elevators, stairwells and cubicles to explore. A collar and leash will ensure that your dog stays by your side all day, even if one of your officemates brings a leftover T-bone for lunch. Still not convinced? Imagine your dog jumping up on your boss — who happens to be wearing a new designer suit. Not a pretty scene.

• Dog crate: Until your puppy is fully housetrained, a crate is an excellent idea. Puppies are both curious and friendly, and if you bring yours to work, you may spend less of your day on task and more of your day chasing him around — or cleaning up his messes. By bringing a portable crate to work, you’ll be doing yourself, your colleagues and your puppy a favor.

• Dog gate: Your adult dog may be housetrained, but he still likes to roam around, making friends and sniffing people. While your office may be fully dog-friendly, it’s common courtesy to keep your pooch in your office — and out of everyone else’s. A portable dog gate will help.

• Dog treats: Coming to the office is a big deal, and, of course, your dog will be on his best behavior all day. Be sure to bring a box of dog treats to reward him at every step of the way.

If you’re going, he’s going! What dog wouldn’t want a whole new territory to explore and sniff? Any trip is a chance to spend more time with you. Follow these tips so you and your dog can enjoy a bon voyage.

Does he have the right stuff?
It is important to be sure your dog is in the condition for travel, especially if going by air. Any dog can become stressed and uncomfortable during plane travel.

If your dog is laid back, friendly, and used to traveling in a carrier, the trip should be smooth sailing. On the other hand, a shy, aggressive, nervous dog that despises being cooped up may do best staying with a good pet sitter or at a boarding kennel.

Before embarking on any far away adventures, be sure to make a trip to the veterinarian. Several states, and many other countries, require valid documentation of vaccinations and proof of a clean bill of health. Make sure to check with the country’s consulate prior to international trips as some countries require a quarantine period.

While visiting the veterinarian prior to leaving, ask if your destination presents any risks for your dog’s health. For instance, some areas of the country have higher concentrations of diseases such as Lyme disease or heartworm infection, making preventative medicine a must before leaving.

Underexposed
If your dog’s comfort zone is your home, it is likely she will be nervous or scared around new people and busy places. Try to expose her to similar situations before the trip. For example, walk down a crowded street and introduce your pet to senior citizens, children, heavy people, thin people and handicapped people.

Left out in the cold
Call ahead to make sure wherever you are staying at your destination is pet-friendly.

Did you forget anything?
After you’ve packed all your necessities, focus on the essentials for your dog. Include all health certificates, medications, dog dishes, soap to clean bowls, a leash, a brush, flea and tick repellant, a pooper-scooper and plastic bags for easy clean-up, and of course, some treats for the road.

To make your dog feel most comfortable, bring along some familiar items that will remind him of home such as a blanket or his favorite dog toys. Do not remove your dog’s collar or ID tags at any point during travel just in case he takes off. It is always a good idea to carry current photos in the event that he does get lost.

Don’t drink the water
Your dog’s stomach is extremely sensitive, so anything foreign can cause an upset tummy. If possible, pack enough of his favorite kibble to last the duration of the trip.

If the trip is long-term, pack enough of your dog’s regular food so that you can gradually introduce a new diet without stomach upset. To do so, add a little more of new food to the regular food daily so that his stomach can properly adjust.

Tap water contains different minerals in different locations and can easily upset your dog’s stomach. Similar to food, bring enough of your dog’s usual water to last the trip, provide bottled water, or gradually expose him to new tap water by mixing it with his usual.

A quick fix
In case of an accident, bring along a first-aid kit for your pup. This kit should include any medications your dog takes or may need; a thermometer; tweezers, in case of a tick; gauze pads and bandages; scissors; adhesive tape; diarrhea medicine for dogs; and antibacterial ointment for his skin. Keep the phone number for your dog’s veterinarian on hand at all times in case of an emergency.