A dog expert has shared how many hours you can leave your dog home alone.
Many pet-owners assume you can leave your four-legged friend alone for a full working day. However, a canine behaviourist from Barking Heads has explained this can often be far too long - as Mirror Online reports.
Adam Fehmi 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.
READ MORE: Emmerdale's Rosie Bentham declares love for co-star as she celebrates special day
"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."
The team at Barking Heads provided some advice if owners need to go out for a longer time. Mr Fehmi added: "If you don't have any trusted family members or friends to help care for and keep your dog company in your absence, using a dog walker or pet sitter can be a good option.
"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."
The expert also shared ways to keep your dog occupied while they are at home alone. Mr Fehmi added: "For me, food dispensing toys are a must.
"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."
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
Jane McDonald's four stone weight loss as star shares snack tips for cravings
Everything that's happened in the 'Wagatha' saga as verdict due today
A Place in the Sun fans make same complaint as Channel 4 show returns for new series
Coronation Street actress supported as she's second star to announce exit this week
ITV GMB's Ben Shephard steps in as Nadine Dorries snaps at Ranvir Singh
