My Yorkie Spends 7 Hours During The Day Alone. I Feel Terrible Leaving Him So Long, But All He Does Is Sleep. When I Get Home, He's Happy And Plays For An Hour Before Going Back To His Bed. Is He Ok Or Is He Just Lazy?

Many animals are left alone for long hours unfortunately while their owners go to work. Small dogs do not need as much exercise as big ones and you're lucky he's not neurotic as otherwise he might spend his days tearing up your washing or chewing all your shoes out of boredom. If he's sleeping all day, that's good for you but not for him. I think he's utterly bored and has simply resigned himself to a dull life. He sounds as if he has a placid nature so sleeping is just an easy solution for him. I assume you leave him lots of toys to play with/chew whilst you are out? Of course he's happy to see you when you come in and he does not actually sound unhealthy but It would not hurt to have him checked out by your regular vet.

The key question is his age which you do not mention. If he's a youngish dog, he certainly shouldn't be sleeping so much but if he's 7 or 8 and over, he just might not need much movement. I still feel though that sleeping's just become a habit. Two suggestions - take him out for a walk as soon as you come home and change your clothes. It need not be a long one, even just up the road. Secondly, do you have nice neighbours who are home during the day? I bet one or more of them would adore to look in on him or take him for a short walk to break up his day a bit. You could even check your local paper for cheap dog-walkers or dog-sitters who would help you with him.

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How old is he? if he is a puppy or a really old dog i think that should be fine but maybe you should consult your local vet.

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