How Long Is Too Long to Leave Your Dog Alone? What to Know Before You Go

I know most pup parents would love to spend all day with their furry friends. Unfortunately, most of us have to leave the house to go to work. Even on our days off, we sometimes have to do errands, like go to the grocery store, where canine companions aren't allowed.

While my dog won't be happy to hear this, experts say it’s perfectly fine for a canine companion to be alone for about 6 to 8 hours. Insider reported that pup parents should expect a mess if they're gone longer than 8 hours, as our precious pups can’t hold their bladders for that long. 

Photo by sarandy westfall on Unsplash

Before you leave the house, you need to make sure your dog has enough food and water. You also may want to consider purchasing eco-friendly puppy pads, just in case your furry friend has an accident. 

Some dogs, unfortunately, may have separation anxiety, so leaving them is even harder. A good way to combat your dog’s separation anxiety is to tire them out with either a long walk or a rousing game of fetch. According to WebMD, you could also leave them with a puzzle filled with treats while you are away. The toy will lessen the chance that your furry friend will display destructive, stress-induced behavior, like chewing cable cords or scratching door frames.

If you realize that it's not the best idea to leave your pup alone for whatever reason, the Animal Humane Society recommends taking your furry friend to a doggy-day care or hiring a walker.