Leaving your dog home alone while you go on vacation can be a stressful situation for both you and your pet. As a responsible pet owner, you want to make sure your dog is properly cared for while also avoiding expensive boarding fees. But how long is too long to leave a dog home alone? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as several factors need to be considered when determining the appropriate length of time.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that an adult dog can typically be left alone for up to 8-10 hours at a time, provided they have access to enough food, water and potty breaks. However, factors like the dog’s age, health, temperament and prior training must be taken into account. Puppies and elderly dogs often require more frequent care and supervision. Leaving a dog alone for longer than 10-12 hours per day is not recommended.
Ideal Time Frames Based on Dog’s Age
When deciding how long to leave your dog home alone, their age is one of the most important considerations. Young puppies and senior dogs typically have lower thresholds for time left alone. Here are some general guidelines based on a dog’s age:
Puppies Under 6 Months
Puppies under 6 months old have very limited bladder control and need to relieve themselves frequently. They also require greater nutrition and supervision during this crucial development stage. Puppies under 6 months should never be left alone for more than 2-3 hours at a time, and even this requires pre-planning.
6-12 Months
Slightly older puppies around 6-12 months can usually last 3-4 hours alone, but may still need potty breaks more frequently than adult dogs. Their separation anxiety also peaks during this adolescent stage. Limit solo time to 4-6 hours per day for this age group.
1-3 Years
Most dogs are considered full adults by age 1-3. Healthy adult dogs with prior training can typically be left alone for up to 8-10 hours at a time, though some may need potty breaks every 4-6 hours. Aim for no more than 10 hours per day alone for this age group.
4-7 Years
Middle-aged dogs are still considered adults, and can generally be left alone for the same durations as younger adults. But consider their bladder health and activity levels when determining appropriate alone time.
8-10 Years
As dogs enter their senior years around 8-10 years old, their ability to hold their bladder diminishes and their separation anxiety may increase. Limit time alone to no more than 6-8 hours per day for this age group, with potty breaks every 4-6 hours.
11-15 Years
Elderly dogs may only be able to go 2-4 hours alone without needing a bathroom break or medication. Leaving senior dogs alone for over 6 hours is not recommended. Make arrangements for more frequent care or check-ins.
Consider the Dog’s Health
A dog’s health condition is also very important when determining appropriate alone time. Dogs with medical issues may require medication, assistance getting around, or more frequent bathroom breaks. Here are some health factors to consider:
- Urinary or bowel incontinence – May only be able to go 2-4 hours without potty breaks
- Diabetes – May require insulin injections every 12 hours
- Kidney disease – Needs increased access to water and frequent potty breaks
- Arthritis – Struggles with mobility and getting outside to relieve themselves
- Cognitive dysfunction – Increased anxiety or disorientation when left alone
If your dog has any significant medical conditions, speak to your veterinarian about an appropriate alone time limit and any special care requirements.
Consider the Dog’s Temperament
A dog’s unique personality and temperament should also guide your decision about leaving them alone. Here are some temperament factors that can impact time limits:
- Separation Anxiety – Dogs with separation anxiety may howl, destroy property, or injure themselves when left alone too long.
- High Energy – Breeds like huskies have more energy and require more stimulation. Too much alone time leads to boredom and bad behaviors.
- Timid – Shy, fearful dogs feel more anxious when left alone and benefit from shorter time frames.
- Destructive Chewers – Heavy chewers may destroy objects or hurt themselves if boredom sets in when alone.
Pay attention to your individual dog’s demeanor and reactions. If they exhibit stress when you step out, gradually build up their alone time in small increments.
Prior Crate and House Training
Dogs who are properly crate trained and house trained are able to be left alone somewhat longer than untrained dogs. The crate prevents indoor accidents and provides a safe den for the dog. Refresher training sessions are still a good idea before leaving a dog for long periods though.
Conversely, dogs lacking housetraining may only be able to go 2-4 hours maximum without having indoor bathroom accidents. Their access should be restricted to easily cleaned rooms until solidly housetrained.
Providing Adequate Food, Water & Potty Breaks
Before leaving a dog home alone for any length of time, provisions must be made to meet their basic needs:
Food
Leave access to ample food appropriate for the length of time alone. Use puzzle toys or timed feeders to regulate portions for longer stays. Make sure water bowls are filled and accessible.
Water
Dogs need constant access to fresh, clean drinking water. Use large, non-tip bowls. For long periods alone, consider a self-replenishing water source.
Potty Breaks
Dogs need regular opportunities to urinate and defecate. Before leaving, take them on a vigorous walk to empty bladders and bowels. Hire someone to provide mid-day potty breaks for longer periods alone.
Comfort
Provide soft beds, toys, background noise, and anything else that helps a dog feel relaxed in your absence.
Making Arrangements for Daily Care
If leaving a dog alone for longer than 8-10 hours per day, make arrangements for their daily care needs to be met. Options include:
- Doggy Daycare – Dog is cared for in a supervised play group setting.
- In-home Pet Sitter – Sitter comes mid-day to feed, walk, play with dog.
- Dog Walker – Service provides mid-day dog walking and potty breaks.
- Neighbor/Friend Check-ins – Trusted person stops by to check on dog.
Provide detailed instructions, emergency contacts, veterinary information, and spare keys. Test any electronic pet cameras or door locks ahead of time.
Avoiding Long Term Separation
While most healthy adult dogs can adapt to owners’ work schedules, lengthy absences of longer than 1-2 weeks at a time should be avoided if possible. Some options to prevent extended alone time include:
- Take pet on trip
- Hire full time house sitter
- Send to dog boarding facility
- Dog stays with family member
Long separations can negatively impact the bond between dog and owner. If extended alone time is unavoidable, take steps to prevent boredom and maintain routines.
Preparing the Home for a Long Absence
If it’s necessary to leave a dog home alone for an extended multi-day period, take these steps to prepare the home:
- Child-proof rooms dog has access to by removing harmful objects
- Conduct test trial runs to observe dog’s behavior when alone
- Provide stimulating toys and puzzles – Kongs, treat balls, chews
- Activate pet cameras to monitor them remotely
- Ensure ample food and water supply, maybe self-dispensing feeders
- Hire someone to provide mid-day walks, feeding, play time
- Leave familiar bedding and worn clothing with your scent
- Use calming pheromone diffusers and music to ease anxiety
The home should be safe and comfortable without being boring. Practice alone time in increments to acclimate dog.
Signs Your Dog Is Struggling with Being Alone
Watch for these signs of stress when you return home or on pet cameras that indicate your dog is not tolerating alone time well:
- Excessive barking or howling
- Chewing, destruction of property
- Urination, defecation in house
- Drooling, panting
- Aggression, escaping from yard or crate
- Depression, lethargy
- Reduced appetite
Sudden behavioral changes like these after leaving your dog alone signal they require additional training and need shorter increments alone before gradually building up duration again.
Ways to Ease Separation Anxiety When Left Alone
If your dog struggles with being left alone, here are some strategies to help ease their separation anxiety:
- Crate train dog gradually
- Exercise dog before leaving
- Provide interactive puzzle toys
- Use calming pheromone plugins
- Play calming music
- Practice short alone time sessions
- Give dog “safe zone” like crate
- Try anti-anxiety dog appeasing pheromone collars
- Consult vet about anti-anxiety medication if needed
Be patient and keep alone time very short at first, then slowly increase duration. Seek help from trainers or behaviorists for ongoing severe separation issues.
Conclusion
How long you can leave a dog home alone depends on age, health, temperament, training, and preparations made for the dog’s care and comfort. Adult dogs can typically handle 8-10 hours alone, though more time may be possible with mid-day breaks, doggy daycare, or pet sitters. Pay close attention to your individual dog’s needs. With proper precautions, most dogs can adapt to regular alone time during work hours, but lengths over 10-12 hours are not recommended. For vacations and long trips, make alternate care arrangements to avoid excessive time separated from owners.