As pet owners, we only want the best for our beloved four-legged friends - but however much we may want to take them with us wherever we go, there will of course be times when we have to leave them at home.
While popping out for a couple of hours may not pose a problem with most pets, things can be a bit trickier when it comes to dogs. Our canine companions need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy, not to mention food and regular toilet breaks, so it can be difficult to know exactly how long is too long for them to be left alone.
Luckily, a dog behaviourist has given his verdict on the maximum length of time you should be leaving your dog unattended, as well as offering advice on what you can do if you know you're going to be out for a while. Adem Fehmi, who works with Barking Heads, explained to The Mirror that your answer can depend on the age and temperament of your dog.
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"Ideally, we should look to leave our adult dogs alone no more than four hours at a time," the expert advised. "For younger dogs, they might only manage between an hour and two hours.
"Not only will your dog likely need to go to the toilet after this length of time, dogs are social mammals and need company as well as mental and physical stimulation throughout the day," he added. If you're not able to get home to see your dog more regularly, it's worth enlisting help to make sure they aren't left alone for too long.
"If you don't have any trusted family members or friends to help care for and keep your dog company in your absence, using a dog walker or pet sitter can be a good option," Adem suggested. "The team at Barking Heads have created a useful downloadable guide which you can fill out, then hand over to your pet sitter so they know all the necessary info about your pup."
If you have a pooch who suffers from separation anxiety, a home sitter could also be a suitable option. "Some individual care providers might also be able to take your dog on a 1-2-1 basis at their own home if this is something your dog is able to cope with," the expert advised.
He added: "Doggy day care is of course another option, which might suit some dogs over others. When deciding on a dog sitter, walker or day care facility, it is important to consider your dog's individual character, temperament and needs."
Even if you're leaving your pup at home for shorter periods of time, it's still worth finding ways to keep them entertained while you're gone - and there's an easy way to do this that also means they won't go hungry. "For me, food dispensing toys are a must," Adem shared.
"Even though my own dogs are happy to be left alone, either together or individually, when I go out I always leave them with a food dispensing toy each with something tasty to work at inside. There are lots on the market and a behaviourist or a good pet shop should be able to point you in the right direction if you are unsure."
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