While dog owners love spending time with their pets, it's just not possible to be together 24 hours a day.
Work, social outings, and other commitments mean we need to leave the house, but a dog expert has now warned we may be leaving our pets alone for too long.
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation, as well as food and regular toilet breaks, the Mirror reports. Not to mention they'd simply get lonely without any company or interaction.
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Canine behaviourist Adem Fehmi, who works with Barking Heads, has now clarified how long you can actually let your dog roam unoccupied.
Adem said: "Ideally, we should look to leave our adult dogs alone no more than four hours at a time. For younger dogs, they might only manage between an hour and two hours.
"Not only will your dog likely need to go to the toilet after this length of time, dogs are social mammals and need company as well as mental and physical stimulation throughout the day."
If you're going to be out for a while, you should try to find a trusted family member or friend to keep your dog company in your absence, Adem advises. Alternatively you could use a dog walker or a pet sitter.
He continued: "The team at Barking Heads have created a useful downloadable guide which you can fill out, then hand over to your pet sitter so they know all the necessary info about your pup.
"If your dog has separation anxiety, a home sitter can be a good option. Some individual care providers might also be able to take your dog on a 1-2-1 basis at their own home if this is something your dog is able to cope with.
"Doggy day care is of course another option, which might suit some dogs over others. When deciding on a dog sitter, walker or day care facility, it is important to consider your dog's individual character, temperament and needs."
Adem said he keeps his dogs occupied while at home alone with food dispensing toys. He added: "Even though my own dogs are happy to be left alone, either together or individually, when I go out I always leave them with a food dispensing toy each with something tasty to work at inside.
"It is useful to ensure that the food you are offering in a food dispensing toy is valued by your dog. If your dog is a fussier eater, it can be helpful to save special 'high value scent' treats such as fish, meat or wet food to use.
"It is also key to choose the right food dispensing toy for your age and breed of dog. There are lots on the market and a behaviourist or a good pet shop should be able to point you in the right direction if you are unsure."
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