This year marks the 15th Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog To Work Day. The day was created to celebrate canine companionship and boost adoptions. While we all know it’s fun to be able to take your dog to work instead of leaving them behind one day of the year (unless you are lucky enough to work for a company that welcomes pets year round) the day can also cause accidents, especially if you have non-dog savvy workers or a fearful pup.

15 Tips for a Successful Take Your Dog to Work Day

Always check with management and your co-workers to ensure everyone is comfortable having dogs in the office.

Bathe and groom your dog before her office debut so she is clean and odor-free, and free of any parasites such as fleas or ticks.

Only allow dogs to visit the office who are up-to-date on vaccines, and never bring your dog if he appears sick.

If your dog is aggressive or overly shy, keep him at home. Meeting new dogs and people in an unfamiliar environment can be too stressful for some dogs.

Bring with you everything your dog might need, including food, treats, bowls, toys, and a leash. And don’t forget paper towels, clean-up bags, and pet-safe disinfectant.

To keep your dog comfortable, consider bringing a crate, especially if you are routinely in and out of your office workspace.

Designate an appropriate area where dogs can relieve themselves and stress that people need to pick up after their dogs.

Avoid forcing co-workers to interact with your dog. Those who are interested will seek out you and your dog.

Monitor the amount of treats your pet eats, and educate co-workers ahead of time about what is and isn’t safe for dogs. Bring extra food or treats that your dog is used to that people can safely feed your dog.

Have an exit strategy. It’s OK to take him home at anytime if he is uncomfortable or boisterous and causing a distraction.

Remember that the point of TYDTWD – aside from having fun – is to educate people about pet adoption and helping pets in need.

If your office is closed on Friday or employees are interested in bringing other pets, consider celebrating on another day during Take Your Dog to Work Week, June 16-20, 2014. Or any other time of the year!

Ask your local shelter or rescue group to join your TYDTWD event. They can bring adoptable pets or information about local adoption opportunities and you can hold a fundraiser to benefit the guest shelter.

Take lots of pictures, and share them on your company’s website or social media pages. You could also have a photo contest or award prizes for cutest dog or best owner-dog look-a-likes.

Make everyone in the office aware of general safety tips whether they are bringing a dog or interacting with one. The following sets of tips can be passed around the office to ensure the day goes smoothly without a fright or bite in sight.

7 Rules Everyone in the Office Should Follow for Take Your Dog to Work Day

Have a great Take Your Dog to Work Day by following these rules! If you have any questions, always ask your co-worker first before say hi to their dog.

Never approach another co-worker’s dog with your dog, it may not be dog-friendly

Always ask your co-worker before you greet the dog

Always approach a dog from the side, do not stare directly at the dog’s face, and do not reach over the dog’s head

Do not approach a dog that a co-worker has left alone in their office

Do not feed a dog without permission (she may have allergies)

Avoid coming up behind a dog, it can startle him

Avoid bending over a dog. Instead, kneel by their side

If you know your dog is shy of people, tie a yellow ribbon on his leash and collar for the day, so the rest of the office will know.

If you see a yellow ribbon on a dog, the best thing to do is ignore him. Even if he comes up and sniffs you. Just because he is checking you out to see if you are a threat, does not mean they want you pet him.

12 Signs a Dog is Uncomfortable

Look for these signs and stop approaching the dog if you see any of them, even if the owner is telling you the dog is friendly. All of these are signs the dog is uncomfortable and may bite if pushed.

Whites of the eyes

Cowered, low body posture

Tail low-set and/or tucked (for breed)

Ears low or back

Piloerection (hair along back and neck raised)

High tail set (for breed) with a slow or very rapid wag

Freezing

Backing away

Hiding behind owner or furniture

Baring of teeth

Growling, barking

Lunging

Use your best judgment and err on the side of caution. If you are unsure, it’s best to just not pet the dog.

Many pet owners dismiss their pets’ bad breath as simply “normal” or something to be ignored. However, bad breath is a hallmark of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If you notice that your pet’s mouth has an odor and/or you observe discolored teeth, he or she may have developed some degree of periodontal disease. What starts as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) can quickly lead to permanent loss of gum tissue, damage to ligaments and loose or missing teeth. Periodontal disease can cause bacteria from the mouth to enter the pet’s bloodstream and circulate through the heart, liver and kidneys.

ThinkstockBanfield’s internal research team found this year that 68 percent of cats and 78 percent of dogs three and older show signs of periodontal disease. Sadly, according to the team’s data, less than half of pets diagnosed with periodontal disease receive dental cleanings. In all breeds — particularly small breeds — both professional dental cleanings and at-home care are equally essential to oral health.

At-home care can include the use of water additives, tooth brushing with specially-formulated toothpaste for pets, dental chew toys, kibble designed to clear and prevent the build-up of plaque and paying special attention to any changes your pet exhibits. As a pet owner, you should examine your pet’s mouth at least once a week to look for signs of swollen or bleeding gums (gingivitis), brown buildup on teeth (plaque/tartar) and abnormal lumps, bumps or swellings. Be sure to examine the back teeth (molars) by lifting the lip to expose the outside surfaces of the teeth. Also, observe the color of your pet’s gums. The gums should be shiny and pink — not white or dark red.

If you notice any usual signs or symptoms or changes in your pet’s mouth, consult your veterinarian to schedule an exam. He or she will examine your pet, inform you of any problem areas and make treatment recommendations. You might need to schedule a professional dental cleaning, according to your veterinarian’s recommendations for your pet’s particular breed and condition.