Dog owners are being told they should make an effort to prevent their pet getting bored while they are away on holiday.
Bored and stressed dogs can cause damage to property and themselves. Photo: 123RF
Dog behaviourist Simon Goodall said he has heard of dogs eating through walls or jumping through closed windows when left at home alone for too long.
"[We've seen] dogs rip apart crates, beds, you name it."
"If a dog's got enough stress and anxiety - and boredom involved - they can just get stuck in pretty quickly."
He said dogs can also howl and bark, annoying neighbours.
Mr Goodall said if dogs are used to being around people all the time, the best thing for them is to go to the kennels.
He said if instead they are used to being left at home while their owners are at work, then having someone walk the dog while they are on holiday should be enough, as long as the walk is outside the property.
Mr Goodall said it's also a good idea to rotate the toys made available for dogs to play with if they are left at home.