Longer Working Hours Bad News For Pets
13 years ago
33052 views
Posted
25th May, 2011 16h22
More than 2.6 million dogs are left home alone every day of the working week, it was revealed today (Wednesday).
A quarter of the domestic UK dog population only get to snatch a few hours in the company of their owners late in the evening.
The research also indicates that 50 per cent of dog owners often find it easier to let the dog run round the back garden for a few minutes than take them out for a walk on a busy working day.
And 37 per cent of owners admit they won’t bother walking the dog at all if they have had a particularly long or tiring day.
As a result, neglected pooches get far less stimulation and exercise than needed, and don’t know when to expect their next meal.
But the study shows that rather than pet owners deliberately deserting their beloved dogs, they are simply tied up with work commitments and are unable to return home any sooner.
Phil Paterson-Fox, head of pet insurance at Gocompare.com, which conducted the poll of 2,000 dog owners, said: “This is distressing news for pets and animal lovers alike.
“But the results are completely understandable – 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 as they may not be getting enough fresh air, exercise or attention.
72 per cent of working dog owners feel terribly guilty for leaving their dog alone in the house all day long, although 63 per cent of these say it is just a case of being tied up at work.
And owners go to great lengths to make life more comfortable for their pet if they know they are going to be at work for a long day.
A third leave all the doors opens in the house so their dog can wander around freely, while 27 per cent will leave a few meals out for the dog to help themselves.
The same percentage will leave windows slightly ajar to allow fresh air into the house, and 29 per cent put plenty of toys out for entertainment.
Incredibly, eight per cent of owners would prefer to let the dog roam around the garden all day long than the house.
But a responsible 34 per cent of dog owners polled would ask a friend or neighbour to let the dog out for necessary toilet habits during the day, and wherever possible, 36 per cent would try to pop home for lunch if work allowed.
According to the research, 13 per cent of dog owners admit they should never have bought their pooch because they haven’t got enough time to look after it.
Sadly, 36 per cent of people acknowledge their dog does feel lonely on occasion and nine out of 10 owners say their pet is ridiculously excited when they return from work.
A further three quarters admit their dog is visibly hyperactive and ready for attention by the evening.
Phil continues: “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.”
More from
