Managing the myriad responsibilities of a dog owner can be quite a challenge, given the demands of work, social engagements, and personal pursuits. The most common conception is that cats are the more independent animal, but dogs can also handle some solo time at home. We’ll explore different factors to help you gauge the optimal duration your canine companion can comfortably and safely spend time at home alone.
Understand Your Dog’s Needs Before Leaving Them Alone
Not all dogs have the same needs, which means some are better suited for alone time than others. All dogs love spending time with humans, but some breeds have a higher tolerance for solitude. Some of the more energetic and intelligent dog breeds struggle to be unsupervised and will cause trouble to pass the time. Understanding the temperament of your dog can help you determine how long they can be left alone.
Age Is An Important Factor
Puppies and young dogs need a lot more attention and supervision. They’re full of energy and can develop separation anxiety if they’re left alone. Puppies also have much smaller bladders, which means they require frequent walks. We recommend crate training your puppy when they are left alone to prevent them from causing mischief and to help protect them.
We recommend easing your puppy into time alone. Start small with a 30-minute to an hour-long trip to see how your puppy handles it. We recommend leaving a puppy or younger dog alone for 2-3 hours maximum.
Adult dogs are generally house-trained and can hold their bladder for longer periods of time, but that doesn’t mean they’re good to spend a day alone. It is easier for an older dog to mentally cope with being alone, but they can also suffer from separation anxiety and boredom. Typically, an adult dog can be alone for 4-6 hours max.
As dogs age, their needs change. It’s common for senior dogs to struggle with incontinence; even if they were successfully house-trained in their youth, they might have accidents again. You might not be able to leave a senior dog alone as long as a healthy adult dog.
Tips For Success When Your Dog Is Home Alone
Many of us have 8-hour workdays, which means there will inevitably be times when our beloved pets are home alone. Luckily, there are things you can do to mitigate your dog’s stress and anxiety about being alone.
You’ll want to start by preparing your home so it’s a safe and comfortable place for your dog to be alone in. Close the doors to rooms that you don’t want your dog to get into, and make sure cleaning supplies and other harmful chemicals are secure and out of reach.
When you leave your dog home alone, make sure that the only food they can get into is the food you intend for them to eat. Keep your dog’s regular food and treats stored in a safe container that your pup can’t get into so they don’t wind up with a tummy ache. Always make sure that human food is securely stored out of reach of your dog, as some human food is extremely dangerous for pets to eat.
Doggy boredom can lead to many issues, both for your pup and for your house. Most dogs become bored because of a lack of physical or mental stimulation. Exercise is a great way to keep your dog active and keep boredom at bay: we like to say that a tired dog is very rarely a bored dog! Make sure to give your dog a lot of exercise before leaving them home alone. Keep in mind that some dog breeds need a lot more exercise than others.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. You can often accomplish both at the same time by taking your dog to new and interesting places during your adventures instead of walking the same old street every day.
You can also turn your home into a mentally stimulating environment with toys and games. It’s extremely important to put away any toys or treats that could be a choking hazard when your dog isn’t supervised; however, some toys are specifically designed to keep your dog occupied when they’re alone. Food-dispensing toys like Kongs or treat puzzles can keep your dog entertained while tiring out their brain.
Even with all these tips, some dogs can’t get through an entire workday without human interaction. If you’re able to, try to come home during a break to let your dog out and play with them. Alternatively, there are lots of great dog-sitting and doggy daycare services that you can enroll in.
A Visit to Your Jacksonville Veterinarian Can Ensure That Your Dog Is Healthy Enough to Be Left Alone
A health issue or medical condition could drastically change your dog’s routine and require special attention. Regular wellness appointments are the best way to ensure your dog is up for an extended time alone. We’ll also ensure your pet is up to date on pet shots and monthly preventatives. Be sure to ask us about special savings on food and medications as well.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a “one-harness-fits-all” solution to leaving your dog by themselves. Each dog and dog breed has unique needs that determine how long they can tolerate being alone. If you want more individualized advice, our team at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics can guide you during a wellness visit.
