02 October 2023 , 10:47
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Leaving our beloved pets home alone for a few hours can be a real challenge on both sides. Dogs who get anxious or bored may end up howling, chewing or displaying other behaviours related to separation anxiety, while humans may feel a sense of guilt about having to part ways with their pooch for a couple of hours.
In a previous article, experts from the RSPCA and Blue Cross revealed that the - though it varies pup to pup - is up to four hours. But that’s still quite a chunk of time for your pet to entertain themselves in the house.
Now, animal charity Dogs Trust has provided their while you’re away from home, though stressed that “you should avoid leaving them for longer than they are able to cope with, as they may show separation related behaviours due to being uncomfortable on their own or bored.”
The rehoming charity’s first tip is to employ a dog walker or send them to doggy day care to ensure they’re getting exercise and a chance to use the toilet. They said: “You could employ a dog walker or send them to doggy day care – although it’s important to make sure you can afford to do this. Perhaps you have family or friends nearby that can look after them during the day – again, it’s important to consider what you will do if their circumstances change. Many offices welcome dogs – does yours? Maybe you’ll be able to take them with you.”
But a walker or daycare setting can both prove costly options, and in a cost of living crisis which has seen their pets due to increases in bills. However, there are cheaper alternatives to entertaining your dog.
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Dogs Trust added: “When leaving your dog alone, you can provide them with a range of appropriate and safe enrichment for them to choose to interact with. This might be a stuffed puzzle/toy or a snuffle mat – anything that is safe and will keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. You must still ensure that your dog is visited regularly throughout the day.”
When it comes to leaving your dog unattended with treats or toys, it can pose a risk, through, for example choking or ingesting parts of their toys. The RSPCA suggest 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.”
Some animal charities recommend getting a pet camera to check up on your dogThere 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.
Online pet care service community agreed that a ‘pet cam can be helpful and fun,’ while providing some other useful tips for entertaining your pooch. The company suggested an ‘extra cosy dog bed’, commenting: “The comfier, the more enticing it will be for daytime rest. You can also move or add beds for the novelty factor. Cave beds are great for diggers, while orthopaedic options are ideal for older pets.”
Other recommendations included closing the blinds to avoid barking, leaving the TV or radio on to help prevent them focusing on noises outside the house or leaving on a fan or white noise machine, which could also help reduce barking.
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.