How Long Can You Leave A Dog Alone?

Leaving your pet alone at home takes a whole new dimension, especially when you are planning to go out for a short trip. Your dog is a part of your family, but you can’t stay close to your dog 365 days and 24×7. With several family, friends, and professional responsibilities, you must leave your dog at home.

Normally, it is recommended a dog should not be left alone in the home for more than 4-6 hours. Unfortunately, it does line up with a 9-hour job or when you are planning for a short trip. Your dog needs ample access to fresh water and a place to go to the bathroom, but it does not indicate that your dog loves it.

Age is an important factor that you must think twice before planning to leave your dog home alone. Puppies not older than ten weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour. In contrast, dogs between the age of 3 to 6 months should not be left longer than their age in months. (ex: a 6-month-old puppy should not be left alone for more than 6 hours).

Dogs older than six months should not be left alone for more than 4-6 hours. Although, this time frame may change slightly depending on your dog’s breed, age, and size.

Points To Consider Before Leaving Your Dog Home Alone

You must remember that dogs are pack animals. Even if you leave your dog with toys, treats, or at a safe place, they still need a human to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Some important points/things that you must ensure before planning to leave your dog home alone are as follows;

Points to remember before leaving your dog home alone:

• Health conditions and issues
• Age
• Pee and poop breaks
• Behavior and training
• Feeding times and intervals
• Exercise
• Sleeping time
• Socialization
• Other animals in the home

How To Teach Your Dog To Stay Alone?

It’s important to limit the time your dog stays alone, although it doesn’t make sense never to leave your dog alone. It’s quite healthy for your dog to stay alone and away from you, and teaching your dog to stay comfortable alone can help you leave the house without worry.

Initially, start teaching your dog with short periods, such as 15-30 minutes, and gradually increase the schedule to show your dog that you will return. Encourage your dog to relax and sleep while you are not at home.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe When You Are Away?

As a dog owner, you must make sure that your house is completely safe for your dog when you can’t be at home.

• Keep the doors closed to the rooms you don’t want your dog to enter.
• Put food items in place which they can easily access.
• Always put in a lot of fresh water.
• Set a normal room temperature. In the summer, try leaving a fan on for your dog.
• Make sure that home products are properly cleaned and chemical free so that there will be no chance your dog will get into them.
• Don’t Leave Your Pet in the Yard Unsupervised.