house breaking

[LucyBR]

My dog is housebroken, I walk her during waking hours, and during the night when everyone is asleep she goes on a training pad in the bathroom, I've always been able to manage my schedule so she never stays more the 5 hours without going outside (I live in an apartment and have to walk her); however my work schedule changed since last week and I simply cannot leave work during the day to come home; I've asked here before (cant get to my old profile for some reason) on tips to train her to go inside again, but she doesn't, on the days that I work all day, she holds it for abou 9 hours. I do walk her twice before I leave for work and twice after I come home. My question is, is it ok for her not to go for 9 hours, or is it harmful for her? If it is, any tips on training her to go inside?
Thank you.

[Margot49]

Not the best of circumstances but I'd do what was suggested and maybe try to confine her to a certain area (kitchen maybe?).  Does she drink a lot of water during the day?  If it's not hot, try leaving ice cubes in the water bowl instead of water.  At least they will take a while to melt.  Your only other option may be to check into a dog walker or maybe a neighbor that could walk her?

[Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM]

You could buy potty pads and along with crate training your dog will then be able to urinate and defecate while you are goneand be comfortable as well.
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM