Can I leave my dog alone for 2 days?

I agree, I think a dog is much better off in their own environment than in a boarding kennel. I found that with my own – even though it was a top-tier kennel, he didn't handle it very well. It's a safe option, though. Ideally, the dog stays at home and you have someone either house-sit or drop by for a few hours a day to take them for walks, feed them, and keep them company... I’m still convinced that getting a neighbour to help is perfectly doable for just two days. Especially as people are usually much less intimidated by a Yorkie than if I were asking them to pop in and see Ookipa! :-) Is there anyone from this forum in your neck of the woods?

Actually, it mostly depends on the dog. I can easily imagine two Huskies being left alone for two days even without a neighbour popping in, but a Yorkie on its own? I’m not so sure. Let’s just say that for a Yorkie that isn’t used to being left for very long, going two days without seeing a soul could be a bit of an issue... but as long as someone pops in at least once a day, no one’s going to die—dog or human—regardless of the breed really.

Isn't leaving a 12-year-old dog in boarding kennels with no familiar bearings more stressful for a dog of that age than being at home in her own surroundings? I’d have thought so, anyway.

Hi there, We can't tell you that this is risk-free. The dog might get really stressed out... or they might not care less. They might have everything they need... or they could knock over their water bowl, have nothing left to drink, and end up overheating. They might find the time drags and start barking non-stop, which will really wind up the neighbours. It would have been better to have someone house-sit or use a boarding kennel, mainly for safety reasons. However, if you really have no other choice and this is a one-off, I think you should: Sort out the water situation: you can get water fountains (but they aren't cheap, and you mentioned you can't). As for food: leaving out two days' worth of dry food doesn't seem like a good idea to me. Honestly, if you live in a flat or on a housing estate, I can't imagine you can't at least ask a neighbour to pop in once or twice a day to spend some time with your dog. Neighbourly favours are a "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" kind of thing; I know where I live we all help each other out with everything. I’m there for all the local dogs, and I know I could count on the neighbours if I needed to. Or what about your friends who have dogs? Even if they can't look after her at their place, could you not give them the keys so they can at least take her out for an hour a day? (If not, that’s not really my idea of what friends are for.)

"You said: 'I’ve looked online and only found boarding kennels but I think they’re a bit pricey.' I just wanted to say that when you’ve had a pet since they were a puppy, you have a duty to do everything for them... feed them, love them, look after them... and obviously, pay for them to be looked after, regardless of the price. I don’t think the cost of a kennel for 2 days is more important than your dog’s life. She’s been with you for 12 years and she’s elderly, so if you can’t leave her with family or friends, you should have her looked after by a competent professional." A "hello" wouldn't go amiss to start with, because you can love animals and still be respectful and polite. Secondly, keep your lectures to yourself. Let’s be clear: we don’t know each other; you don’t know my life or my situation. Of course my dog comes first, and she always does, but I’m struggling to find someone to watch her right now and there’s no way I’m paying £50 for three days, especially as I’m having some financial issues, though that’s none of your business. It doesn't mean she isn't fed, watered, and kept up to date with her jabs and worming... And believe me, if I couldn’t look after her anymore, I’d rehome her, because there’s no way I’d let her be unhappy. That’s exactly why I’m asking if she can stay on her own for two days with everything she needs for her well-being. If I didn’t give a toss, I’d just leave her without asking; use a bit of common sense. First of all, respect works both ways! I didn’t say anything mean and I didn’t insult you, so calm down! A dog cannot be left alone for two days, full stop! And you’re right about one thing... I have much more respect for animals than for people like you who judge people just for giving their point of view without knowing them...

You said: "I've looked online and only found boarding kennels but I find them quite expensive"; I just wanted to tell you that when you’ve had a pet since they were a puppy, you have a duty to do everything for them... to feed them, love them, look after them... and obviously, pay to have them looked after regardless of the price. I don’t think the cost of a kennel for 2 days is more important than your dog’s life. She’s been with you for 12 years, she’s old, so if you can’t leave her with family or friends, have her looked after by someone competent and professional. Hello to you too, because you can love animals and still be respectful and polite. Secondly, keep your moral lectures to yourself. Let’s be clear: we don’t know each other, and you don't know my life or my finances. Of course my dog comes first, she always does, but I’m having trouble finding someone to watch her and there’s no way I’m paying around £50 for 3 days, especially as I’m having some money troubles at the moment, but that’s none of your business. That doesn't mean she isn't fed, watered, vaccinated and wormed regularly... And believe me, if I could no longer look after her, I would rehome her, as there is no way I’d let her be unhappy. That’s exactly why I’m asking if she can stay alone with everything she needs for her well-being for 2 days. If I didn't give a damn, I’d just leave her without asking, use your common sense. First of all, respect works both ways! I didn’t say anything mean, and I didn’t insult you, so calm down! A dog cannot be left alone for two days, full stop! And you’re right about one thing... I have far more respect for animals than for people like you who judge without knowing the person, just because they’ve shared their point of view...