How Long Can You Leave Your Dog Alone?

When you’re a dog parent, you’re always aware of the need to get home to your fur baby when he or she is home alone. Dogs are social beings and need to feel a sense of belonging to their family or pack, but that doesn’t mean leaving them home alone is bad or dangerous. However, there are some things you should keep in mind before deciding the how long your dog can tolerate being left home alone.

Your Dog Needs to Be Let Out Regularly

According to experts, dogs generally need to go to the bathroom every three to five hours. If they are a puppy, they can only hold it for one hour per each month of age (i.e. a three month old puppy can only be expected to hold it for three hours). Adult dogs can go a little longer – up to eight hours if necessary, but usually no more than six. Senior dogs (age eight and older) need to go out every two to six hours, depending on age and health.

These are estimates which can vary depending on your dog’s size, health and regular habits. But any dog forced to hold urine for too long is at risk for a urinary tract infection, stones or crystals. Plus, it can be just plain uncomfortable and lead to accidents in the house.

Provide a potty break for your dog every four to six hours for their health and comfort. If you can’t be home to let them out, consider bringing them to dog daycare.

Your Dog Needs Exercise

Your dog needs physical activity during the day, every day. Exercise helps them:

• Burn calories
• Expend excess energy
• Stave off boredom
• Stimulate their mind
• Digest food
• Stay health

While it’s true different dog breeds and temperaments have different exercise needs, every dog needs to run around and stretch his or her legs every couple of hours at least.

In general, health dogs need about 60 minutes of moderate activity every day. If you do decide to leave your dog home alone, make sure you take them out for a brisk walk or play session before you leave. Tire them out so their alone time will be resting and not pacing the house with pent-up energy.

Your dog needs exercise mid-day and then again in the evening. If your dog acts anxious or destructive after spending time alone, it’s possible they need more frequent and intense exercise.

Your Dog Needs Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is important to keep your dog healthy, happy and well-behaved. Puppies and young dogs need more enrichment than adults, but all dogs need a certain amount of mental stimulation throughout the day. Without it, they may become bored, bark excessively and engage in destructive behaviors when left alone.

There are many ways to provide your dog with mental stimulation.

• Engage your dog in a training class or at-home session
• Go for a walk with your dog
• Give your dog a project (interactive) toy
• Invite your dog to play with a toy
• Play games with your dog
• Find a dog chew that keeps your dog occupied

All dogs are different – they have different breed characteristics, temperaments and personalities. Some can handle longer or more frequent separation periods than others.

If your work schedule means your dog will need to spend most of the day at home alone, consider bringing him or her to Canine Campus daycare. Your dog will receive the exercise, personal care, mental stimulation and loving care he or she needs and deserves.

Click here to learn more about our premier dog daycare services.