More than 2.6 million dogs are left home alone every day of the working week according to a recent study of 2,000 dog owners.
Gocompare.com has found that one in four of the UK dog population are home alone while their owners are busy at work. And overworked dog owners are often too busy to offer their pet attention upon their return from the office; as many as half of dog owners surveyed admit to setting their pets out into the garden of an evening rather than taking them out for a good walk and four out of ten owners admit they don't bother walking their dog at all if they’ve had a long day at work. These neglected animals get far less stimulation and exercise than needed.
Phil Paterson-Fox, head of pet insurance at Gocompare.com, said: "This is distressing news for pets and animal lovers alike. But just because you hold down a normal job doesn't mean you don't want to have a loving pet to return home to. Unfortunately for the dogs, it does mean long term health implications; they may not be getting enough fresh air, exercise or attention.
According to the study, around 72 per cent of working dog owners said they felt guilty for leaving their dog alone in the house all day. So much so that many owners go to great lengths to make life more comfortable for their pet if they know they are going to be at work all day:
· A third of dog owners leave all the doors open in the house so their dog can wander around freely
· 27 per cent leave plenty of meals out for the dog to help themselves
· 27 per cent leave windows slightly ajar to allow fresh air into the house
· 29 per cent put plenty of toys out for entertainment
· 34 per cent of dog owners polled would ask a friend or neighbour to let the dog out for necessary toilet breaks
· 36 per cent would try to pop home for lunch if work allowed
But incredibly, eight per cent of owners would prefer to let the dog roam around the garden all day long than the house. And 13 per cent of dog owners admit they should never have bought their pooch as they simply haven't got enough time to look after it. They recognise that their pet feels lonely on occasion, and that their dog is often excited, hyperactive and seeking attention when they return from work.
Phil Paterson-Fox added: ”It is plain to see that dog owners are trying to make life easier for their pets, by taking responsible steps to ensure their well-being. But really the best way to ensure a bright and healthy future is to make sure the dog feels fit, stimulated and well loved. If a dog is displaying symptoms of loneliness or laziness, it really is time to have a rethink about the quality and standard of their care.”
Clearly, all these dog owners could do with giving a dog walking or pet sitting company like Cardiff based Walk My Dog a call!
Gocompare.com has found that one in four of the UK dog population are home alone while their owners are busy at work. And overworked dog owners are often too busy to offer their pet attention upon their return from the office; as many as half of dog owners surveyed admit to setting their pets out into the garden of an evening rather than taking them out for a good walk and four out of ten owners admit they don't bother walking their dog at all if they’ve had a long day at work. These neglected animals get far less stimulation and exercise than needed.
Phil Paterson-Fox, head of pet insurance at Gocompare.com, said: "This is distressing news for pets and animal lovers alike. But just because you hold down a normal job doesn't mean you don't want to have a loving pet to return home to. Unfortunately for the dogs, it does mean long term health implications; they may not be getting enough fresh air, exercise or attention.
According to the study, around 72 per cent of working dog owners said they felt guilty for leaving their dog alone in the house all day. So much so that many owners go to great lengths to make life more comfortable for their pet if they know they are going to be at work all day:
· A third of dog owners leave all the doors open in the house so their dog can wander around freely
· 27 per cent leave plenty of meals out for the dog to help themselves
· 27 per cent leave windows slightly ajar to allow fresh air into the house
· 29 per cent put plenty of toys out for entertainment
· 34 per cent of dog owners polled would ask a friend or neighbour to let the dog out for necessary toilet breaks
· 36 per cent would try to pop home for lunch if work allowed
But incredibly, eight per cent of owners would prefer to let the dog roam around the garden all day long than the house. And 13 per cent of dog owners admit they should never have bought their pooch as they simply haven't got enough time to look after it. They recognise that their pet feels lonely on occasion, and that their dog is often excited, hyperactive and seeking attention when they return from work.
Phil Paterson-Fox added: ”It is plain to see that dog owners are trying to make life easier for their pets, by taking responsible steps to ensure their well-being. But really the best way to ensure a bright and healthy future is to make sure the dog feels fit, stimulated and well loved. If a dog is displaying symptoms of loneliness or laziness, it really is time to have a rethink about the quality and standard of their care.”
Clearly, all these dog owners could do with giving a dog walking or pet sitting company like Cardiff based Walk My Dog a call!
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