Vet says anyone with dog needs to follow 'four hour' September rule

Vet says anyone with dog needs to follow 'four hour' September rule Appearing on This Morning Vet Dr Scott Miller said dog owners need to urgently be aware of the pet's reaction to change Anyone with a dog has been given a September ‘four-hour rule’ warning as the pets may be left traumatised, according to one expert. Appearing on This Morning, Vet Dr Scott Miller said it was a time for dog owners to be aware of their pet’s feelings. As people go back to work after the summer, and children are at school again, many owners need to take a special approach with their pets. Host Andi Peters said: “Vets are warning that we’re going to see a spike in separation anxiety for dogs this week as everyone returns to school and work.” Dr Miller said: “So, as much as parents might be utterly joyous at the kids returning, the dogs won’t be because they’re pack animals and they love having us around, and so what we’re seeing this week is that dogs will be sort of dropped into the despair of being left alone.” He explained that people need to take action to gradually get them ready for it, with a ‘four-hour’ rule: “What we’re saying is just get them used to that slowly over the next few days. Only leave them a maximum, say 4 hours, and make sure you give them a lovely, comfortable bed. ”You give them lots of activity and things to do in the home. Maybe turn on some music as well just to keep them company. But I think it’s just about realising that, you know, they’ve gone from all this attention to none. And that can be really disconcerting for our canine.” The RSPCA says some dogs are quite happy to be left alone for short periods, others may become distressed when separated from their owner. It says research suggests that eight out of 10 dogs find it hard to cope when left alone. It warned: “Affected animals may bark, howl, go to the toilet indoors or be destructive when left alone. It may not be obvious that your dog becomes anxious when left alone. You may be completely unaware that your dog has been suffering unless you find evidence of destructive behaviour when you return home, or receive complaints from your neighbours about your dog’s barking.” It’s recommended that all owners try to video their dog when they are left alone from time to time, just to make sure that they’re not showing a ‘hidden’ sign of distress, such as trembling, pacing about or whining. The RSPCA added: “The length of time a dog can be left alone depends on the individual dog but we advise that they are left for no longer than four hours so they have opportunities to exercise, go to the toilet, and spend time with people. Studies have found that if you gradually introduce your dog to being left alone when they come to live with you, then you’re less likely to have a problem later on.” For more advice on what to do with your dog when you need to leave it there is official RSPCA advice here.