Is it okay to leave my heeler mix alone in an apartment for hours?

Question

We live in a apartment with our dog, and prior Mj was able to go to work with my boyfriend at the farm and run all day if she pleased, but now circumstances changed and she has to stay home while we both work. I come home on my lunches and take her for a walk and play fetch, and then we take her for another walk when we get home. But I’m scared she may be getting not enough exercise and becoming depressed. What should we do? is it okay to leave a heeler/mix in the apartment a few hours a day? Pet's info: Dog | Blue Heeler | Female | spayed | 30 lbs

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concern for MJ! Whether or not she can be left in the apartment is dependent on the dog and their behavior. Some dogs can be left loose in a house all day with no issues while others are destructive and may chew furniture/eat objects/have accidents in the house. If your dog does these things already, then leaving her out when you aren't home is not a good idea yet. If she is well behaved and doesn't have accidents/chew things then you could try leaving her out for short periods of time at first and see how she does. You can also provide her with some stimulation while you aren't home with puzzle toys, there are many available online or in pet stores https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-toys/interactive-dog-toys/dog-puzzle-toys-and-games . You can also hire dog walkers to come during the day to let your dog out/play with them if that is financially feasible for you. Many dogs spend most of their time while you are away asleep!

Is it okay to leave my heeler mix alone in an apartment for hours?

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