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Verify: Should you leave your TV on for your pets?

Does it actually help or are you just wasting electricity?

We all love our pets, which can make it hard to leave them at home alone.

Some say leaving the TV or radio on helps them stay distracted and occupied ... but does it?

There was even a children's movie -- "The Secret Life of Pets" -- all about what our pets might be doing when we leave the home.

But is there a way to help keep them from going stir crazy?

Dr. Lisa Wright, a veterinarian and co-owner of the Animal Hospital in Sandy Springs, helped us Verify this question.

"It can create a distraction," Wright said. "So if you have an animal that's really anxious if they hear dogs barking in the neighborhood or hear trucks passing by, it helps drown out those sounds and create a more calming environment."

Wright said even if your pet may not sit in front of the TV and watch, the noise can make him or her feel more comfortable, which can also help them not make a mess of your home.

"If you're thinking about what types of music ... some music is better for certain pets than others," Wright said. "So try different things. Some animals like classical, some like reggae. If you're going to pick a TV show, I think cooking is a really good one. There's a lot of talking in the background and not a lot of shouting or doorbells that are going off."

From Dr Wright's perspective, we can verify that keeping a TV or radio on for your pet can help calm or occupy them while you're away. Besides.., what can it hurt?

If you'd like something you've seen, heard or read verified simply send an email to verify@kare11.com.

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