Pets are a big part of your life, but it’s normal to leave them home alone sometimes. Pets usually handle alone time well as long as they have plenty of things to keep them comfortable and entertained while you’re gone. However, it’s important not to leave your pet at home for too long for a few reasons.
In this article, we are going to discuss several reasons why you shouldn’t leave your pet home alone for too long.
1. Bathroom Accidents
Pets need to go to the bathroom the same way that people do. Depending on the type of pet you have, they may use something like a litter box or go to the bathroom in a crate or cage. However, many pets need to be let outside to go to the bathroom.
If you leave your pet alone for too long, they may go to the bathroom somewhere in your home when they can no longer hold it.
For example, most adult dogs need to go to the bathroom every 4-6 hours. Any longer than that could result in them going to the bathroom in your home or developing a urinary tract infection.
Even if your pet is in a crate, they may lay or step where they went to the bathroom and require extensive clean-up when you get home.
2. Boredom Leads To Destruction
Animals require stimulation throughout the day to satisfy their physical and emotional needs. They thrive on the time you spend playing with them or taking them for walks, so it’s important to give them this important activity.
When you leave your pet home alone for a long time, they might get bored and look for ways to entertain themselves.
Sometimes the outlet they choose for this boredom can be destructive to your home or other property. This could include chewing things like furniture, clothing, toys, and more.
3. Separation Anxiety
Your relationship with your pet is the most important relationship in their life. You are the center of their world. You take care of their basic needs, give them attention, play with them, and more.
Pets develop such trust in you as a constant in their life. When you give them a reason to question that, it can be damaging for your pet’s emotional health and your relationship with them.
Because your pet’s world centers so much around your presence, it’s common for them to develop separation anxiety when you leave. They may feel depressed or stressed when you leave, which could cause them to withdraw from you or be destructive while you are gone.
4. Potential To Eat Inedible Or Poisonous Things
Your pet relies on you to make sure it is fed regularly and has access to fresh water. When mealtime comes and you aren’t home to feed them, this could create some issues.
Your pet may look around your home for other things to snack on to fill their belly while they wait for you, and they usually don’t choose things that are edible. If they eat something they shouldn’t, they might end up with something as mild as an upset stomach or potentially dangerous side effects from something poisonous.
