Keeping a dog requires following a regimen. You schedule social events, work hours, and errands according to your ability to return home. If you’re anything like me, you occasionally decide against going out because you feel bad about leaving your dog at home by themselves.
Dogs appreciate their humans’ companionship, but that doesn’t imply it’s wrong or unsafe to leave them alone at home. Continue reading to find out how long you may leave your dog alone and how to give them a safe and enjoyable home environment.
Think about the bladder.
How long can my dog go without a bathroom break? This is the first question most people ask when considering leaving their dog at home alone. Experts say that dogs often need to urinate three to five times a day. However, each dog is different when it comes to the time of pee breaks, and older dogs and pups require more frequent trips.
How long until a dog has to “hold it” and take a potty break? For dogs in various life phases, the following are typical time limits:
Puppies: one hour for every month of age (a three-month-old puppy can hold off on urinating for three hours).
Adult dogs (one year and older): ideally no longer than six hours, but up to eight hours
Senior dogs eight years of age and older: two to six hours, depending on size and condition
Of fact, a dog’s size, condition, and behaviors all affect the aforementioned estimations. However, a dog who is made to retain their urine for an extended period of time may develop crystals, stones, or urinary tract infections. In addition, holding pee for extended periods of time might cause discomfort and even accidents at home.
Every four to six hours, provide a potty break for the purpose of comfort and safety. Considering that most workdays last eight to ten hours, hiring a dog walker will allow you to leave the dog alone if you are unable to return home for lunch.
Every four to six hours, provide a potty break for the purpose of comfort and safety.
Your dog requires daily physical activity in addition to potty breaks. Exercise benefits your dog regardless of their energy and fitness level:
Remain well.
Consume meals.
Engage their mental faculties.
Consume calories
Steer clear of boredom and the negative behaviors that come with it.
The amount of activity that each dog needs varies based on their age, breed, and overall health. Lower-energy breeds and older dogs can get by with far less exercise than herding and sporting dogs, which frequently require more prolonged and intense activity (source). However, every dog has to take a few laps around the house each day.
Dogs in good health generally require 60 minutes or so of moderate exercise per day, however, this need not be met continuously. Take your dog for a quick walk or play session every 20 to 30 minutes before leaving them alone at home for an extended period of time. In order for their alone time to be more pleasant, wear them out.
Then, when you return home for the evening, you can spend quality time with your dog and break up the day with a lunchtime romp (either with you or a dog walker)!
It’s probable that your dog needs more regular and vigorous exercise if they behaves in an agitated or destructive manner after spending time alone. Consult your veterinarian to find the best exercise regimen for your animal companion.
Dogs in general require 60 minutes or more per day of moderate exercise.
Additionally, mental activity counts.
In addition to how much exercise a dog needs daily and how long it can hold it, mental stimulation is crucial to maintaining your best friend’s health, happiness, and good manners. All dogs require some level of mental stimulation throughout the day, although puppies and young dogs require more enrichment than older dogs (source). Without it, when left alone, they could get bored and even destructive.
Enrichment activities, such as training sessions, thrilling walks around the neighborhood, puzzle feeders, or indoor games, keep your dog healthy and help her balance out her alone time.
To occupy your dog:
Classic Kong toys are perfect for stuffing with candy or peanut butter. For a challenge, freeze!
Our office dogs love the large version of the treat-dispensing Bob-A-Lot.
Nina Ottosson toys for puzzles are excellent for intelligent dogs (such as the one in the picture above)
Puzzle toy builders can construct their own puzzle toys.
Safe chews, such as those made from natural sources like antlers, are essential.
Provide your dog with a safe and comfortable space that includes a bed, crate, toys, and, if they are prone to separation anxiety, clothing that smells like you.
The lesson learned
Since every dog is unique, some are better suited for longer periods of time spent alone. All dogs, however, require mental stimulation, exercise, and sporadic toilet breaks. If your dog spends most of the day alone at home due to your work schedule, you might want to arrange for a reliable house sitter to visit and provide your dog with a respite.
A dog sitter or walker may provide your dog with the daytime stimulation she needs, ease your mind about your absence, and enhance the joy of your return!
Christina Sawyer is a staff writer for our website, where she covers topics related to entertainment, Animals, food, and gardening. She has a passion for exploring new trends and sharing her insights with our readers.
