National Take Your Dog to Work Day – what vets want dog owners to know

Friday 26 June marks National Take Your Dog to Work Day. The event invites dog-friendly workplaces to open their doors to four-legged colleagues for the day, encouraging staff to bring their dogs into the workplace. 

In advance of the day, PDSA, the UK’s leading vet charity is raising awareness of the potential pros and cons of bringing your dog to work.

While calm, well-adjusted dogs can have a positive, mood-boosting effect in the workplace; encouraging conversations between colleagues and creating a friendly atmosphere, even well-behaved dogs can sometimes be distracting.

Furthermore, unfamiliar environments can make some dogs feel anxious or uncomfortable and a stressed dog may react in ways they normally wouldn’t at home, therefore organisations and owners should be aware of all the repercussions before deciding to bring a dog into work.

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh explains:

“Having dogs in the workplace can offer benefits for both people and pets, but it’s important to think carefully about whether your dog will be comfortable and happy in that environment and what works well for one dog may be stressful for another.

“While you may love having your dog by your side, it’s essential to think about how they will feel. Most dogs are happiest in familiar surroundings and may find a busy office overwhelming. New noises, unfamiliar people, and changes to their routine can all be stressful. It’s also important to make sure the environment is safe and suitable, with enough space for your dog to settle comfortably without disrupting colleagues.” 

To help ensure a positive experience, PDSA advises pet owners to: 

Check your workplace policy before bringing your dog 

Speak to colleagues about any concerns, allergies or phobias 

Make sure your dog is fully toilet trained 

Check the temperature and that your office has suitable ventilation

Provide a comfortable bed, water and a quiet resting space 

Take regular breaks for walks and toilet trips 

Check the weather forecast to make sure it’s suitable to travel with your dog

Monitor your dog’s behaviour for signs of stress 

Ensure pets are up to date with vaccinations, parasite prevention, and microchipping

Check that your pet insurance covers your pet at work

Shauna concludes: “Dogs often communicate how they’re feeling through their behaviour, so it’s important to watch for signs that they may be struggling. Barking, moving around the office or needing attention may affect productivity as an unfamiliar environment can make some dogs feel uncomfortable.”

Signs to watch out for in your dog at the office include: 

Excessive panting when not hot 

Pacing or restlessness 

Hiding or trying to avoid interaction 

Excessive barking or whining 

Changes in appetite 

Tucking their tail or appearing withdrawn 

Growling or other signs of discomfort 

With the heatwave this week, Shauna adds: “With record-breaking temperatures predicted this week, it’s even more important to make sure your work environment is appropriate for your dog. Ensure your dog has access to cool, shaded areas, plenty of fresh water, good ventilation and regular opportunities to rest. We’d also recommend avoiding unnecessary travel with pets in hot weather and never leaving them in cars, where temperatures can become dangerously high within minutes. Always check the temperature outside before walking your dog and use our five-second test to check – hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.”