How Long Can You Leave a Dog Home Alone?

No matter how much you love your dog, you simply cannot spend all of your time at home with them because you have a busy life full of obligations and tasks to complete. How long, then, can you leave a dog home by themselves?

‘

It really depends on your dog’s age, breed, and general personality; there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Due to their bladder control issues and potential for separation anxiety, puppies younger than six months old should not be left alone for longer than two or three hours. It’s ideal to keep your young puppy safe in a crate or puppy-proof room where they can’t ruin anything or cause too much trouble when you do leave them alone.

The amount of time you spend apart from your puppy increases steadily as they become older. For four to six hours each day, adult dogs can usually be left alone. However, if given adequate room to roam around, many dogs can adjust to spending 8 to 9 hours by themselves while you are at work.

What Will My Dog Do While I’m Away?

If your dog has a laid-back attitude, it will probably take a long, peaceful nap while you’re away or use your absence as an excuse to climb up on the sofa and relax.

‘

Sadly, if your dog has separation anxiety, they could use their nervous energy to destroy things or destroy furniture. If your dog does have this issue, consider letting them go for brief periods of time and steadily prolonging your absence. When a dog is able to tolerate four hours of isolation, it should be able to manage 8 hours on its own.

The Basset Hound, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, and Pugs are some of the breeds that are best at being left alone for long periods.

What Can I Do With My Dog While I am at Work?

Even though some dogs don’t mind being by themselves for a short while during the day, others do. As pack animals, dogs require their owners’ company in order to be happy and at ease. When you’re not home, you can do the following to help your dog:

Get Off To a Good Start

Before you leave the house, always be sure that your pup has had plenty of exercises! A tired dog is typically a well-behaved dog. The number of exercise dogs need each day varies widely so be sure to ask your vet or breeder for advice on getting your dog the right amount of exercise to keep them fit, healthy, happy, and out of mischief.

Provide Your Pup With Entertainment

Make sure your dog has a toy before you go that will keep them interested and busy while you are gone. For example, a puzzle toy can provide them a fun challenge, or it could be their favorite stuffed animal.

Communicate With Them Via Tech

Thanks to technology, you can communicate with your dog even while you’re not at home. With the help of pet cameras, you can communicate with your dog and use your soothing voice to calm them down. You can also monitor their behavior and give them tons of delicious treats.

Help Them Feel Safe

Wrapping your dog in a jacket or putting them in a crate with enough room to roam about and play can give them a sense of security or safety. Although your dog may be reluctant at first, it could end up saving your life.

Doggy Day Care

You can take your dog to a dog daycare center if they don’t appreciate being left alone or if you will be gone for more than eight hours. When you are away from home, dog daycare can give your pet the attention and company they require. They provide your dog with lots of opportunity for play, exercise, and socialization!

div>

The Bottom Line

Since every dog is unique, some can tolerate longer time spent alone than others. However, every dog requires mental simulation, exercise, and periodic urination breaks. If your dog spends the majority of the day at home by himself due to your work schedule, think about hiring a sitter to come by and give them a break.