26 September 2023 , 09:24
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If anything good came out of the pandemic, it was an unexpected silver lining for many pet owners. With stay-at-home orders and remote work arrangements, many of us found ourselves spending more time than ever with our canine companions.
Our dogs became our steadfast co-workers, our exercise partners, and our emotional support during these challenging times. However, as the world gradually returned to ‘normal’, many owners faced a new dilemma: how long can dogs be left alone after months of constantly being together?
The answer to this question varies based on a number of factors. For example, the dog’s age, how well they can hold their bladder, and how much exercise the pet needs. But for some, it will be how long they can cope without their owner at home, as many pets who found themselves in a bubble with their humans went on to suffer symptoms of separation anxiety when they returned to work.
Pet food company Royal Canin suggested: “Some dogs begin to feel anxious if there’s a sudden change in their life such as moving to a new house or family. Or if they suddenly begin to spend a lot less time with their owners than they’re used to, such as when people return to going out to work after a period of lockdown. Even the loss of another family pet can bring about separation anxiety.”
For animals in this situation, it’s recommended to build up the amount of time a dog is left alone slowly, as separation anxiety can cause dogs to act out of character, such as chewing or toileting in the house.
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The RSPCA said that this can often lead to dogs being given up for adoption, adding: “Separation-related behaviour is a common reason for dogs to be handed over to rescue organisations, but it is important to remember that dogs rehomed from rescue centres are no more likely to develop this behaviour than dogs that come from other backgrounds.”
The animal charity recommends that owners set up a pet camera or video call their dog to check in on them, whether you suspect they have separation anxiety or not. They said: “You may be completely unaware that your dog has been suffering unless you find evidence of destructive behaviour when you return home, or receive complaints from your neighbours about your dog’s barking. It is recommended that all owners try to video their dog when they are left alone from time to time, just to make sure that they are not showing a ‘hidden’ sign of distress, such as trembling, pacing about or whining.”
Phoebe and Frank with the Furbo 360 pet cameraThere are dozens of pet cameras on the market to choose from, and some are better than others, from£20 cameras where you can talk to your dog, to £200 cameras with 360 degree views and the ability to throw treats. The Mirror Choice team have previously tested a number of these devices for checking up on our pooches, and you can find out which we think is the best here.
Separation anxiety aside, the RSPCA suggests that the length of time a dog can be left alone is up to four hours. They said: “The length of time a dog can be left alone depends on the individual dog but we advise that they are left for no longer than four hours so they have opportunities to exercise, go to the toilet, and spend time with people.
“Studies have found that if you gradually introduce your dog to being left alone when they come to live with you, then you are less likely to have a problem later on.”
The Blue Cross agrees, suggesting that ‘your dog should never be left alone for more than four hours at a time’, though it very much depends on the dog, their age, breed and how they cope with being on their own in the house. The charity added: “Some may struggle being away from their owners for this long and others will be unphased.”
However, online pet service company Rover says dogs can be left longer if they’re able to hold their bladder, suggesting they could be left for ‘up to eight hours’. In which case, it would definitely be beneficial to have a camera to make regular check ins with your dog, to ensure they’re up to no good, and reassure them you’ll be home soon.
They said: “If you’re dog’s used to being left alone and does not suffer from any form of separation anxiety you should be able to leave them for up to 8 hours (max) but as we mentioned earlier, any dog forced to hold their urine for too long is at risk for urinary tract infection, stones, or crystals, plus holding urine for too long is uncomfortable, and can lead to accidents in the house.”
To find out more about the best pet cameras to keep an eye on your dogs while you're out of the house, find our top recommendations here.