We are on Christmas Vacation and have left our dog home. How long is too long to leave a dog unattended?

Ask a neighbor or friend to look in on her they should be able to see in a window or knock and hear her respond at the very least. I would never leave my dog alone more than overnight How the dog feels about it will depend largely on the dog but accidents can happen at any time. A fire or choking on a toy or food there are just too many risks to me to leave a dog alone more than a few hours. If its a rental call the landlord and give them permission to give a friend a key to check in. In the future try to have a backup to check on the dog in case you can not reach the person checking on the dog. Be redundent and have several people you can call even if you never need to. Better safe than sorry.

Unfortunately, dogs are NOT like cats, who are solitary creatures who clean themselves well, eliminate in a box and "graze" on food throughout the day. Dogs often eat all the food that is put out for them at once, and go "hungry" until they are fed again. THAT'S why you need to monitor them daily. Though your dog may not get separation anxiety from being left more than a day, their minds are like toddlers, and they can get into situations which may endanger their safety. I, too, am concerned for your dog. I hope your Dad can get back there tomorrow. I'd also question your family's choice of dog sitters. One who doesn't return calls doesn't sound very responsible. You may do best to ask your vet for a referral of someone who he can trust. Good luck!

I'd have to wonder why your sitter isn't returning the calls? Do you have anyone else with a key that can go in and check? If so, I'd ask them to look in on your pet. Who is walking the dog if the sitter isn't around? Either find someone TODAY to look after your dog or go home now. When I left for vacation I had a dog sitter live in my house, but had 4 others with keys just in case. I did not even want my dog staying alone overnight. What about an accident? Fire? Water pipe breaking? If she falls and gets hurt?

I agree with ALL the answers so far. I don't leave my animals even for 1 night. Something's also "fishy" when the sitter doesn't ans., nor return calls!!! Red FLAGS! Your hubby's intuition may be right,... I'd fly back home ASAP. Unless you do have someone to break door down to check on your dog. Always have a back-up. Hope everything's okay.

As much as you don't want to ruin your holidays,it is too long to leave the dog.Have you tried calling friends or neighbors to care for them?

Call a neighbor* or a friend* & if that isn't possible then have the police go check for you! I would be worried sick also!!

Well first off the dog may have knocked over its water bowl or dish and be out of water. The food may last since it won't gorge itself especially if it is thirsty. Is it able to go outside to the bathroom then simple ask a neighbour to watch for it to come out or to check on it by putting another bowl of water out for it and see if it drinks alot or a little or none at all. What is it doing for exercise and I hope not tearing the house apart. Most dogs need a walk daily to burn off excess energy. Four days is already too long to have left a dog unattended. You should have contracted a mature reliable dog sitter to watch or check on it. I have heard of people going to jail or at least being arrested for animal abuse for similar irresponsible or negligent behaviour towards pets so it is no wonder your husband is upset. He should have left a spare key with someone that he trusts to look in on the dog...someone that the dog likes and will not attack. I hope for both your sakes that the dog is fine. Some judges treat their pets like members of the family and some treat them better so I really hope it is okay. Dogs aren't as self sufficient as cats and even they need better care than what you have shown towards your dog.

Next time try a kennel! That's way tooooo long to leave any animal alone! Doesn't sound like very responsible pet owners!

I personally wouldn't leave my dog alone for more than 10 hours, and even that is pushing it for my comfort. They need fresh water daily. They can go a couple days without food if necessary...but not without water. I would do everything I could to call the pet sitter! And make sure you request they pay for the plane ticket since their irresponsibility resulted in your husband having to fly home early!