Can a dog be left alone for 8 hours in the UK?
Whitney Cole
2025-08-09 01:53:21
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There are millions of dogs in the U.K. and I’m pretty sure some of those owners have to work like me. Me and the gf want to get a dog but I’m out the house 7am - 17:30pm and 3/4 days a week she works from 11am- 6pm other days she goes to work when I get back home. Is there anybody in a similar situation that has a dog that is happy at home till they get back. Weekends and evenings would be filled up with long dog walks and hikes. How many here in the U.K. have a dog that stays home alone for 6-8hrs a day.
Kara Schowalter
2025-07-29 14:13:02
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However, across all age groups, 85% of UK dogs are regularly home-alone for up to five hours, with a small percentage left for more than eight hours at a time. Those who said their dog is unhappy at being left by themselves noted that the significant problems are barking and noticeable stress and anxiety on their return. Dog Trainer and Behaviourist for Agria Pet Insurance, Carolyn Menteith, is concerned that owners may not always be aware of the struggles their dog is having. Few dogs enjoy being left alone, although some learn to tolerate it. If you do regularly leave your dog, don’t just assume they are happy about it - find out for sure. Being left for long periods also leads to boredom and frustration, which bring their own behaviour issues. Once you know what your dog is really doing when left alone, you can either relax or start to look at other options such as a dog walker, doggie day-care, or having a family member or friend look after your dog. The worst thing you can do is ignore it or think your dog will just ‘get used to it’. Separation-related behaviours are problems that get worse, not better, with each exposure, but thankfully there is so much owners can do to help their dog.
Lexus Feeney
2025-07-29 12:01:06
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Experts agree that adult dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than 4 hours. At most, and only if there is enough food and water, a comfortable place to sleep and they had a long walk in the morning, dogs can be left alone and unsupervised for up to 8 hours at a time. Most adult dogs can go 8-10 hours without urinating, but this depends on their age, sex, body size, and overall health. In the UK and increasingly other countries dog owners now have obligations to provide for their pets' welfare under the Animal Welfare Act, with the PDSA clearly stating that if you leave them for more than 4 hours at a time, you are compromising their welfare. Smaller and younger dogs need to urinate more often than older larger dogs. If you find that you’ll need to be gone regularly for long stretches at a time you should consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker.
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