Picture this.
It’s Friday afternoon. You’ve had an intense week, and you suddenly remember you’ve planned a spontaneous weekend getaway. A sigh of relief; a deserved break. But then, out of the corner of your eye, a pair of expectant eyes stares back at you. Your dog.
Your plans come to a screeching halt. You might have asked yourself, “Can I leave my dog home alone for three days?”
Admittedly, your favourite four-legged companion will whine the time away, ears perked for the slightest sound of your return.
I bet you’re wondering if it’s safe or even coherent to leave a dog alone for such a long period. Is it a question of morality, or legality, or both?
As we dip our boots into this intriguing theme, let’s start by unveiling a surprising fact. Surprisingly, researchers have found that dogs have a sense of time similar to humans. That’s right! Just like us, they can identify the difference between an hour, a day or multiple days. So, when you are away for days, your furry friend may experience a sense of loneliness and anxiety.
Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean an overnight trip would lead to a nervous breakdown. A healthy and well-adjusted dog could handle 24 hours alone if left in familiar, comfortable surroundings, although it’s not something to make a habit of. However, leaving a pet pooch for 72 hours, i.e. three days, is an entirely different ball game.
Just as humans need daily provisions and social interactions, dogs are no different. They are social animals requiring food, exercise, and companionship each day. Extended periods on their own can stir feelings of intense loneliness and even spur health-related issues.
Here’s the deal: Before considering leaving your dog alone for long periods, assess your dog’s breed, age, and health status. Puppies and elder dogs would find alone time more challenging than other dogs due to personal care needs. Puppies, who are still in the learning phase, and senior dogs who might be on medications or not as agile, definitely need constant care.
Apart from that, a vital everyday requirement, water, can pose a significant issue. Water left out for a few days can become contaminated, and automatic water dispensers could fail. Lack of adequate fresh water can quickly lead to fatal dehydration.
Add to this the issue of food. Leaving out food for a longer duration is unviable as dry food can attract pests, and wet food can spoil. Also, dogs fed ad libitum often end up overeating, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
That fur buddy of yours also needs their bathroom breaks – they aren’t cats, after all. Dogs require at least three bathroom breaks each day, and in their absence, they are forced to soil their living area leading to stress and potential illness.
Beyond basic biological needs, there’s the mental aspect we’ve got to consider. Loneliness can kick in and intensify with time, sparking an array of unfavorable behaviors like destructive activity, excessive barking, and self-harm.
Does this all sound overbearing? It doesn’t have to be. Just like every problem, there are solutions. If you often find yourself in a situation like our hypothetical scenario from earlier, here are practical, beneficial alternatives to leaving your dog home alone for an extended period:
Pet Sitter: This is a great solution especially when you want your dog to stay in their known surroundings. Professional pet sitters offer an array of services varying from a couple of visits per day to staying overnight.
Dog Boarding: This alternative provides round-the-clock care for your pooch – the perks of a vacation for them while you’re on yours!
Pet-Friendly Trips: Ever considered taking your dog along? Nowadays, numerous accommodations cater to four-legged tourists. It’s a fun option to consider!
Relative or a Trusted Friend: If you have someone who’s reliably good with dogs and who your dog trusts, this could be ideal.
Dog Daycare: Though it might not typically cover overnight stays, some do offer that service. Daycares also help with socializing as your dog comes in contact with other pets.
So yes, in conclusion, leaving your dog home alone for three days wouldn’t be the most ideal situation for your canine buddy. But with proper planning and care, you can ensure they’re looked after while you’re off regaining your zen. Remember, a happy dog equates to a happy home. Enjoy your trips, but be sure your lovable tail-wagger enjoys their time too – separation or not. After all, they’re part of the family, aren’t they?
