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Stay at home dogs

This last year I have been a stay at home mom taking care of my children and two dogs. It is now time for me to head back to the work force and I am so nervous to leave my two dogs in the house all by themselves. I would be gone three times per week for approximately 10hrs at a time. Is this too long to keep dogs closed up in the house? Is it inhumane? I've been thinking of even hiring a dog walker but it can get very expensive. My husband thinks I'm crazy and that the dogs will be fine... please help me! Am I being a little paranoid?

•   Allison Williams, DVM says:

  January 05th, 2009 at 11:14 PM

  10 hours is a long time to have them hold it but plenty of dogs have learned to do it.  You can purchase a dog play pen to keep them in so they can roam but are confined at the same time. It may be beneficial for you to put the play pen up to a back door and install a doggie door so that they can go in and out.  That way you don't have to worry about letting them go potty.  If you want them to roam you can take the chance and see how they do.  If they have a history of chewing things in the house though, I wouldn't take the chance. 

  Tell your husband that a dog walker is a wonderful idea.  Some pets that are left to hold their bladder that long are prone to bladder infections (urinary tract infections) - maybe you can find a teenager in the neighborhood to do it for some extra spending cash!

  Anyhow - the dog door may be the best thing for you if the yard is fenced.

  Please let me know if I was able to help you.  - Allison Williams, DVM

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