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How long is it OK to leave a dog alone?

Leaving dogs alone for extended periods of time is a common concern for many pet owners. While some dogs do well when left alone for 8-10 hours during a workday, others may experience separation anxiety and become distressed. So how long can you safely leave your dog home alone? Here is a look at the factors to consider when deciding how long to leave your dog unattended.

How long can puppies be left alone?

Puppies generally should not be left alone for more than 2-3 hours at a time. Puppies less than 3 months old have small bladders and high energy needs. They require frequent potty breaks, playtime and socialization. Leaving a young puppy alone for long periods risks pet accidents around the house and development of destructive behaviors due to boredom and excess energy. Puppies 3-6 months old may be able to last 3-4 hours alone, but still require ample attention and training at this impressionable age.

How long can adult dogs be left alone?

Adult dogs can typically hold their bladders for 8-10 hours, but each dog is different. When determining how long to leave an adult dog alone, consider the following factors:

  • Bladder control – Dogs that are housebroken with healthy bladders can be left alone for up to 8-10 hours during the day. Senior dogs and those with medical conditions may only be able to hold it for 6-8 hours.
  • Breed – Some breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers are more social and prone to separation anxiety. Leaving them alone for over 6-8 hours may result in stress and destructive behaviors. Breeds like Chihuahuas may do better for longer periods.
  • Prior training – Dogs who are crate trained and accustomed to being left alone can be left for longer durations. Dogs with little training may become anxious when left alone.
  • Exercise – Dogs that get ample exercise and playtime are more relaxed and better behaved when left alone during the day.
  • Age – Senior dogs with medical issues may only be able to last 6-8 hours alone without a potty break. Puppies should be limited to 2-4 hours alone.
  • Access – Dogs with access to a yard or indoor potty area can be left for longer than dogs restricted to a crate or room.

As a general rule, an adult dog should not go more than 8-10 hours alone during the day. Providing a midday break is best when leaving dogs alone for extended periods. If your schedule requires absences of 10+ hours per day, consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to provide exercise and potty breaks.

How long can dogs be left alone overnight?

Most healthy adult dogs can sleep through the night without needing to go outside to potty or feeling distressed from being left alone. Here are some guidelines for leaving dogs overnight:

  • Puppies under 6 months should not be left alone overnight. They need potty breaks and companionship at night.
  • Adult dogs can go 8-10 hours at night without going outside. Crate trained dogs tend to settle in better overnight when crated vs. free to roam.
  • Senior dogs may only be able to go 6-8 hours overnight before needing to relieve themselves.
  • Dogs with medical conditions or incontinence may require a middle of the night potty break.
  • Dogs should always have access to water and be left in a safe enclosed area at night.
  • Exercising and playing with dogs during the day results in better rest overnight when left alone.

If you regularly need to leave your dog overnight, consider having a friend, pet sitter or neighbor provide a potty break and check-in. This is especially important for puppies, senior dogs or dogs with health issues.

How long can dogs legally be left alone?

Laws about how long dogs can legally be left alone vary depending on where you live. Some general guidelines on dog confinement laws include:

  • No US states have specific laws about maximum hours alone for adult dogs. But if neglect is suspected, owners may face animal cruelty charges.
  • Some states require pet sitter visits for puppies under 4 months when owners are absent for over 6 hours.
  • Many states require dogs to have adequate shelter, food, water and ventilation when confined. Excessive heat or cold that causes injury can result in neglect charges.
  • While crates are legal, dogs should not be crated for more than 8-10 hours daily and require exercise and companionship.
  • Tethering dogs outside for extended periods is illegal in some states and considered inhumane when proper shelter is not provided.

While laws prohibiting dog neglect exist, no US states specify a maximum number of hours dogs can legally be left alone. But exceeding 8-10 hours daily or leaving young puppies alone overnight is widely considered unacceptable by welfare experts.

Impact of leaving dogs alone too long

Leaving dogs alone for extended periods can cause a range of behavioral and medical problems. Potential impacts include:

  • Separation anxiety – Extreme stress when left alone resulting in barking, whining, pacing, destruction, escape attempts and self-injury.
  • House soiling – Urinating and defecating in the house due to inadequate opportunities to go outside.
  • Compulsive behaviors – Stereotypical behaviors like excessive licking, tail chasing, pacing from stress.
  • Boredom and frustration – Destruction of property, digging, chewing, barking from lack of stimulation and release of pent-up energy.
  • Hunger, dehydration – Weight loss, lethargy, organ damage from lack of access to food and water.
  • Self-harm – Chewing of paws, tail, ingesting dangerous objects due to anxiety.
  • Lack of socialization – Fear, aggression, misbehavior toward people and animals due to isolation.

To avoid these risks, confine dogs for reasonable durations based on age, health status and prior training. Hire pet sitters as needed and provide interactive toys and chews when gone.

Tips for leaving dogs alone

Whenever you must leave dogs alone for 4+ hours, implement the following tips to keep them safe, secure and comfortable in your absence:

  • Provide ample outdoor potty breaks before you leave and immediately upon returning.
  • Crate train your dog and provide them with a safe, comfortable crate while you are gone.
  • Offer an appealing chew toy or food puzzle toy with hidden treats to keep them occupied
  • Leave familiar, comforting items in the crate like a worn t-shirt with your scent.
  • Keep dogs in rooms with non-toxic houseplants and with secured windows and doors.
  • Play calming music to soothe anxious dogs when left alone.
  • Set up pet cameras to check-in and monitor dogs remotely when gone.
  • Hire dog walkers or pet sitters to provide midday outdoor breaks.
  • Give dogs 15-30 minutes of rigorous exercise before leaving them alone.

Taking steps to tire out your dog both mentally and physically can make the difference between calmness and stress when they must spend many hours alone at home.

Conclusion

Most dogs should not be left alone at home for more than 8-10 hours per day. Providing interaction, exercise and regular outdoor breaks is important to meeting a dog’s needs. Puppies and senior dogs may require more frequent care when owners are away. Separation anxiety, house soiling, compulsive behaviors, hunger and property destruction are all risks when dogs are left unattended for excessively long periods. While laws prohibiting animal neglect exist, there are no federal or state laws specifying maximum confinement hours for dogs. Using crates, pet sitters, doggy day care and proper training can allow dogs to be left alone safely for reasonable periods without risk of physical or psychological harm.