How Long Is Too Long To Leave Your Dog At Home?

No dog owner can be by their pet’s side 100 percent of the time. Even if you work remotely, you still need to leave the house to do errands, attend events, and so forth. This is perfectly fine, but even the most relaxed canine companions get anxious after extended periods without your presence. So how long is too long to leave your dog at home alone? Use the information below to consider what could be best for your pup.

Factors To Consider When Leaving Your Dog Home Alone

The answer is completely dependent on your dog’s age, personality, and needs. Let’s explore each of these factors in more detail.

1. Your Dog’s Age

Puppies are the least independent. They need frequent potty breaks and tons of attention, which means you usually can’t leave them alone for more than 2 to 3 hours.

Likewise, senior dogs also benefit from you being home more. They appreciate the comfort of your presence, and they might have medical needs that require your regular assistance.

Healthy adult dogs, on the other hand, can handle a fair amount of solo time. Most breeds do well with 4 to 6 hours, and many are fine for 8 to 10.

2. Your Dog’s Breed and Personality

It’s important to understand separation anxiety in dogs and how certain breeds are more subject to it. Some dog breeds are naturally more independent, while others crave constant interaction and stimulation. For instance, greyhounds and Shiba Inus do great by themselves, whereas Labrador retrievers and border collies struggle when alone. The latter breeds might resort to destructive behavior as an outlet for their anxiety if they don’t have you around.

3. Their Physical and Mental Stimulation Needs

Dogs need regular exercise and mental engagement, which are more difficult to get without you. Leaving them by themselves for extended periods without proper walks or enrichment activities can cause boredom and the aforementioned destructive behavior.

How Long Is Too Long?

So how long is too long to leave your dog at home alone? The most general answer is 6 to 8 hours. However, keep your unique dog’s needs in mind. If you know your pup is naturally anxious, try not to be gone for more than 6 hours. Likewise, even if your dog does fine with alone time, don’t push the limits of 8 to 10 hours. A good rule of thumb is to never leave for longer than you need to.

However, it’s sometimes impossible to avoid extended periods away, whether for a vacation, long event, or work trip. In these cases, consider these options:

• hiring a dog walker
• enrolling in doggy daycare
• asking a neighbor or friend for help

Keeping Your Pup Comfortable While You’re Away

Regardless of how long you leave your pup alone, you should make sure they have what they need to be safe, comfortable, and happy. Try these tips:

• Walk your dog before you leave.
• Set up plenty of food and water.
• Leave toys out.
• Use a pet cam to check in with them.
• Install an automatic pet door for bathroom trips.
• Be as consistent as possible with your schedule.

No matter how busy life gets, being mindful of your dog’s time alone will show your furry friend they’re loved and cared for.