I'm potentially going to be in a pickle leaving my dog

[BirthdayRainbow]

I know it's a how long is a piece of string situation but I need guidance a want to limit her upset or confusion.

My dog is rarely on her own and if I go out it's 1-2 hours. A handful of times it has been four hours and nothing untoward has happened. She's been normal and happy when I've got home and I've give her a biscuit and let her out.

I am currently waiting on a call back and may be sent to out of hours doctors. That's okay but I am worried if I'm there multiple hours but especially if I have to be admitted.

A friend has said her dog had to just get used to being left all day as her circumstances changed. She left hers in a car all day in a locked car park next to her office and also overnight once. She said she slept and would have just been asleep at home anyway. I can't believe it is okay to leave a dog alone overnight but this is why I am here. To ask people with more experience what is okay.

I may be able to have a friend take her but just in case, any advice please.

If relevant, she is seven and a golden retriever. Thank you.

I happy that I'm caring for my dog as well as I can and have no regrets.

Did you honestly think your post would help @theleafandnotthetree and that I'd suddenly change my way of caring for her?

Dogs are a way of life not an add on. Yes unless you want significant behavioural issues then you need to put their needs first within reason.

OP glad it’s nothing serious. I hope you’re on the mend soon.

Glad you don't need to go in. To put your mind at rest for the futuere wby not set up a cheap WiFi camera at home for the times you need to leave her? I think ours was about £30. Then you can see if she's settled in your absence.

Lots of people assume their dogs are fine being left because they are happy when they get back, but that doesn't mean they've not been pacing and stressed in your absence. There was a thing on TV a few years back where they set up cameras to monitor loads of dogs whose owners said they were happy to be left and lots of them were really stressed. So I think having your own camera to check is helpful and reassuring.

@Zippedydoodahday I do have a camera for her but as I'm going to be selling up and moving soon I've started packing and packed it away to make sure it came with me. Once I recall which box it is in I'll plug it back in if ever I do have to leave her. Thank you for the reminder.