Quick answers
Most experts recommend leaving a dog alone for no more than 4-6 hours at a time. However, factors like the dog’s age, health, and personality as well as weather conditions should be considered. Puppies under 6 months old and senior dogs should not be left alone for more than 2-3 hours. Leaving a dog alone for longer than 8-10 hours per day is not recommended.
Ideal alone time for adult dogs
The ideal amount of time to leave an adult dog alone depends on many factors:
Age
– Puppies under 6 months old: No more than 2-3 hours
– Adults (1-7 years old): 4-6 hours
– Senior dogs (8 years+): No more than 4 hours
Health
– Dogs with medical issues like incontinence, anxiety, or mobility problems may need more frequent bathroom breaks or companionship. Limit alone time to 2-3 hours.
Personality
– Timid, anxious, or high energy dogs may become distressed when left alone for over 4 hours.
– Independent, confident dogs over 1 year old can often handle 6 hours alone.
House training status
– Partially house trained dogs should only be left for 2-3 hours until fully trained.
– Fully house trained adult dogs can hold their bladders for up to 8 hours, but 4-6 is ideal.
Weather
– In very hot or cold weather, do not leave dogs alone for more than 4 hours at a time.
– Check that the temperature indoors will remain comfortable when leaving dogs alone.
Preparing to leave a dog alone
Before leaving your dog alone during the day, be sure to:
Meet their needs
– Take them for a long walk so they can relieve themselves.
– Feed them their daily meals and water before you go.
– Give them interactive toys stuffed with treats to keep them engaged.
Dog-proof your home
– Put away anything that could be chewed or swallowed.
– Make sure all trash cans are secured.
– Keep medications and toxic household items locked away.
Provide comforts
– Leave familiar bedding and toys for mental stimulation.
– Leave the radio or TV on for background noise.
– Make sure they have access to fresh water.
Signs a dog is distressed from being left alone
Dogs display both behavioral and physical symptoms when struggling with separation anxiety or loneliness:
Behavioral signs
– Excessive barking, whining or howling
– Destructive behavior like chewing or digging
– Inappropriate urination or defecation
– Pacing, trembling, or panting
Physical signs
– Salivating or drooling excessively
– Loss of appetite
– Vomiting or diarrhea
– Depression
If you notice these signs when leaving your dog alone, consider getting a pet sitter or dog walker to check in and spend time with them during longer absences.
Tips for leaving dogs alone longer than 8 hours
While leaving dogs alone for more than 8-10 hours daily is not ideal, sometimes long work days make it unavoidable. Here are some tips for making it work:
Provide puzzle toys and activities
Give your dog mental stimulation to pass the time alone with puzzle toys, chews, or food-dispensing balls. Rotate the activities to prevent boredom.
Consider doggy daycare
Take your dog to daycare 1-2 days per week for playtime and socialization.
Hire a dog walker
Hire a trusted dog walker or pet sitter to let your dog out midday for exercise and bathroom breaks.
Setup a camera
Install a pet camera you can check in on so you can monitor your dog and make sure they are okay.
Tire them out first
Be sure to exercise your dog vigorously before and after long days alone to meet their physical and mental needs.
Leave in a confined safe space
Use baby gates to block off a room or pen area with water, beds, and potty pads to prevent household destruction.
The risks of leaving a dog alone too long
When dogs are left alone for exceedingly long periods of time, they can develop behavioral and medical issues:
Separation anxiety
Being left alone repeatedly for over 8-10 hours can cause separation anxiety. Dogs may panic, vocalize, pace, and destroy property.
Bladder problems
Dogs forced to “hold it” for over 8 hours frequently can develop incontinence or bladder infections.
Gastrointestinal issues
Stress and changes in eating/drinking routine can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other GI problems.
Obesity
With limited exercise and activity, dogs left for long work days are prone to weight gain and obesity.
Boredom and frustration
Under-stimulated dogs often show signs of boredom like chewing, digging, barking, and hyperactivity.
Depression
Dogs are social animals. If left alone frequently, they can become lonely, depressed, and anxious.
The benefits of doggie daycare
For pet parents who work long hours, doggie daycare can be an excellent option for keeping dogs mentally stimulated and properly exercised. Benefits include:
Socialization
Dogs get to interact with other dogs and people, preventing isolation.
Physical activity
Dogs are able to play vigorously and use up their energy.
Mental stimulation
Group play, training sessions, and puzzle toys provide mental enrichment.
Consistency
Dogs enjoy the structure and routine of attending daycare on set days.
Supervision
Daycare staff can monitor dogs closely and identify any potential health issues.
Lower stress
Dogs experience less anxiety and stress when not left completely alone for long periods.
Be sure to find a reputable daycare with attentive staff and safe facilities when entrusting your dog to their care. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from other pet parents.
Deciding when to get a dog walker
Hiring a dog walker to provide midday exercise, bathroom breaks, and companionship is ideal for dogs left alone 4-8 hours on a regular basis. Consider getting a dog walker if:
Your dog is alone over 6 hours daily
Most adult dogs need a bathroom break and activity at least once during a 6-8 hour period alone.
Your dog displays distress when you leave
A midday walk with a caring dog walker can help ease separation anxiety.
Your dog has a lot of energy
High energy dogs require more exercise and stimulation than the average dog.
Your dog is young or a senior
Puppies and senior dogs have limited bladder control and greater needs for supervision.
You have an active large breed dog
Big dogs like retrievers and shepherds need ample exercise to stay fit and prevent boredom.
Your dog has behavioral issues
Some destructive behaviors can improve with a dog walker providing midday activity.
Selecting a trustworthy dog walker
Take the following steps when searching for the ideal dog walker:
Ask dog-owning friends for referrals
Personal recommendations from other pet parents in your area can help you find a reliable professional.
Check online reviews
Search for ratings and feedback on local dog walking businesses to evaluate quality of service.
Confirm they are insured and bonded
This provides financial protection in case of any injuries or accidents during your dog’s walk.
Ask about their training methods
Make sure they use positive reinforcement techniques only. Avoid any harsh punishments.
Request a meet and greet first
Observe how your dog responds and interacts with the walker before hiring them long-term.
Establish a schedule
Be clear on what days and times you want your dog walked weekly. Get a written contract.
Using pet cameras to check on dogs
Pet cameras with video and sound allow owners to monitor their dogs remotely using an app on their smartphones. Benefits include:
Visible into your home
View real time video footage of your home and track your dog’s activities and behaviors.
Two-way communication
Cameras with microphones and speakers allow you to talk to your dog and soothe any anxiety.
Barking and noise alerts
Get notifications if your dog is vocalizing excessively or if noises indicate distress.
Highlight reels
Save and view video highlights to see funny or interesting events of your dog’s day.
Peace of mind
Check that your dog seems comfortable and content when you are away from home.
Home security
Pet cameras can double as visual deterrents against intruders when your dog is home alone.
Be sure your WiFi connection and camera bandwidth is fast enough to transmit quality video and audio. Think about camera placement to best see your dog’s favorite hangout spots.
Getting another dog for companionship
While dogs are social animals, simply getting a second dog may not solve problems for a dog struggling with being left alone. Things to keep in mind:
Consider your first dog’s temperament
Adding a second dog works best if your resident dog is well-socialized, trained, and not overly anxious.
Choose age and sex carefully
Dogs do best together when they are opposite sexes and have at least a two year age gap.
Expect an adjustment period
It can take weeks or months for two dogs to become comfortable companions. Be patient.
Try test runs first
Arrange play dates with friend’s dogs or do a foster trial to see if adding a dog helps before adopting.
Be ready to keep dogs separate
If the dogs do not get along, be prepared to separate them when alone using crates, pens, or closed doors.
Address problem behaviors first
If your resident dog has severe separation anxiety, treat the underlying issue first before getting a second dog.
While it can work very well in some situations, simply adding a second dog does not fix all problems for dogs struggling when left alone. Get guidance from your veterinarian or trainer to determine if it could be helpful for your individual dog’s situation.
Teaching your dog to be independent
You can help minimize separation distress and teach your dog greater independence when left alone by:
Establishing a routine
Structure their schedule around regular feeding times, potty breaks, and daily exercise. Follow the same routine before you leave.
Practicing short departures
Gradually increase the duration you are gone from 5 minutes up to a few hours over several weeks.
Providing interactive toys
Rotate puzzles, chews, and food-stuffed toys to provide mental stimulation alone.
Exercising before departures
Be sure your dog is adequately exercised and pottied immediately before you leave each day.
Ignoring excited greetings
Wait until your dog is calm after returning home to acknowledge them to minimize anxiety.
Using calming supplements
Pheromone diffusers, thundershirts, or calming chews may take the edge off for anxious dogs.
Seeking training guidance
For severe separation anxiety, consult a vet about medications or get help from a certified trainer.
With time, patience, and consistency, you can help train your dog to become more independent and relaxed about being left alone during work hours. But be sure not to exceed their physical and emotional limits.
Conclusion
Deciding how long to leave your dog alone requires weighing many factors including age, health, temperament, and household safety. While 4-6 hours is ideal for most adult dogs, alternatives like doggie daycare, dog walkers, and pet cameras can provide solutions for pet parents who work long hours. With proper preparation and training, dogs can learn to handle time alone, but should not be left for over 8-10 hours daily on a regular basis. Be attuned to your individual dog’s needs, limits, and any signs of distress when making decisions about their care to keep them healthy and happy.
