While many Scots own a dog, most of us in the UK have to leave our pets at home for extended periods of time. Whether we’re at work, university classes, appointments, or family events, we often end up leaving our poor pooches in the house.
But dogs have needs, and leaving them in the house for too long can have a significant impact on their health and wellbeing, reports the Express.
Award-winning dog trainer and dog behaviourist, Rachel Rodgers at Napo Pet Insurance, said people need to be “realistic” as to whether or not they are able to adequately cater to their dog’s needs.
With the unprecedented surge of working from home caused by Covid, many people who usually wouldn’t have had the time to care for a pet decided to get a dog.
But as more people are expected to return to the office full-time, people who got dogs during lockdown could be struggling to be at home often enough to look after their pet properly.
It might not be fair for you to have a dog if you’re expected to spend eight hours in the office a day, and have an hour commute each way. But there are exceptions.
“Leaving a dog home alone for 10 hours a day, with no toilet break or companionship, would not meet their needs,” Rachel told the Express.
But if you can “find a reliable dog walker to visit during the day”, then the dog will be able to stretch its legs, enjoy the outdoor air, and have a comfort break.
“Office workers have owned dogs for as long as we can remember – so no, returning to the office doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog,” said the pet expert.
But being able to afford doggy daycare isn’t always easy.
“It’s important to factor in the cost and consider your plans outside of work,” said Rachel.
“For example, if you plan to go to the gym or attend other activities for two hours after work, this could mean your dog is left alone for even longer – potentially leading to boredom or mischief.”
Rachel added: “Dogs need attention, exercise, and love, and it’s essential that owners are in a position to meet all of their needs.”
But how long exactly can a dog be left alone before you’re considered a poor pet parent?
Rachel said: “In an ideal world, dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than four hours. Like us, they need a break to go to the loo and enjoy some enrichment or entertainment.”
All dogs “deserve and need companionship, love, and affection”, which is why any returning office workers should consider dog sitters, doggy daycare, or hiring a dog walker to break up your dog’s day.
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