How Long Should You Leave Your Dog Home Alone

If it was up to me, my furry friend and I would never be separated. Thankfully, I work from home, so she's usually curled on my lap. However, there are times when I have to leave the home without her. Unfortunately, she enjoys causing a ruckus wherever she goes, so I can’t in good conscience take her to most public places. 

While my dog thinks it’s absolutely evil to leave her by her lonesome for more than 10 minutes, experts say it's fine for a canine companion to be alone for about 6 to 8 hours. However, 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. 

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Before you leave the house, ensure your canine companion has enough food and water. You may want to consider purchasing eco-friendly puppy pads, just in case your furry friend has an accident. 

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Now, your pup may suffer from separation anxiety, which may make leaving them all that much harder. Fortunately, there are several ways to make your furry friend feel more at ease as you exit your home. A good way to combat your dog’s separation anxiety is to tire them out with a long walk or a rousing game of fetch. 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, stressed-induced behavior like chewing cable cords or scratching door frames. Your dog also may feel calmer if you leave a clothing item, like a sweatshirt, that you just wore in their bed. This way, Fido can breathe in your scent, even when you’re gone for the day. 

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Some pup parents have also found that medication helps lessen their dogs’ anxiety.  While pet owners may be wary of putting their dogs on antidepressants, they can actually do the trick. If your vet thinks it's the best decision for your dog, you should go for it. CBD may also be a good option for those seeking treatment for their anxious pooch. Proponents of cannabidiol believe the plant can benefit your dog’s mental health. As of late CBD has been all the rage, meaning you won’t have a hard time finding cannabidiol-infused treats up to your dog’s liking. Just talk to your vet before you give your dog any CBD products!

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