Having a dog means having a schedule. You arrange work hours, social outings, and errands based on when you can get home. If you’re anything like me, you sometimes skip a night out because you feel guilty leaving your dog home alone.
Dogs enjoy the company of their humans, but that doesn’t mean leaving them home alone is bad or dangerous. Read on to learn how long you can leave a dog alone, and tips to make their time at home safe and enriching.
Consider the bladder
The first question most people ask about leaving their dog home alone is: how long can my dog last without a bathroom break? According to experts, dogs generally need to pee between three to five times a day. But the timing of potty breaks varies from dog to dog, and puppies and seniors need more frequent breaks.
How long can a dog “hold it” before needing a potty break? Here are common time limits for dogs of different life stages:
- Puppies: one hour per every month of age (so a three month old puppy can wait three hours to pee)
- Adult dogs age one year and up: up to eight hours, but ideally no more than six
- Senior dogs age eight and up: depending on size and health, anywhere from two to six hours
Of course, the above estimates vary depending on a dog’s size, health, and habits. But any dog forced to hold their urine for too long is at risk for urinary tract infection, stones, or crystals. Plus, holding urine for too long is just plain uncomfortable, and can lead to accidents in the house.
For safety and comfort’s sake, provide a potty break ever four to six hours. Standard work days are eight to ten hours long, so if you can’t swing home at lunch to take the dog out, hire a dog walker for worry-free care.
For safety and comfort’s sake, provide a potty break ever four to six hours
Exercise counts
Beyond potty breaks, your dog needs physical activity during the day. Whatever your dog’s energy and fitness level, exercise helps them:
- Stay healthy
- Digest meals
- Stimulate their mind
- Burn calories
- Avoid boredom (and boredom-induced destructive behaviors)
Individual exercise needs vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, and health level. Herding and sporting dogs often require more intense and lengthy activity; lower-energy breeds and older dogs can do with significantly less (source). But every dog needs to stretch its legs a couple times a day.
In general, healthy dogs need about 60 minutes of moderate activity every day, but it doesn’t have to be continuous. Before you leave your dog home alone for a length of time, spend 20-30 minutes taking them for a brisk walk or play session. Tire them out so their alone time will be more relaxing.
Then, a midday romp (with you or a dog walker) will help break up the day, and of course, spend quality time together when you’re home for the night!
If your dog acts anxious or destructive after spending time alone, it’s possible they need more frequent and intense exercise. Speak to your vet to determine an ideal fitness routine for your pet.
In general, healthy dogs need about 60 minutes of moderate activity every day
Mental activity matters, too
Beyond how long a dog can hold it, or how much exercise a dog needs each day, mental activity is important to keep your best friend healthy, happy, and well-behaved. Puppies and young dogs need more enrichment than adults, but all dogs need a certain amount of mental simulation throughout the day (source). Without it, they may become bored, and even destructive when left alone.
Whether it’s a training session, exciting neighborhood walk, puzzle feeder, or a round of indoor games, enrichment activities help keep your dog healthy, and balance out the time she spends alone.
To keep your dog busy:
- KONG toys are a classic: fill them with treats or peanut butter. Freeze for a challenge!
- The big version of the treat-dispensing Bob-A-Lot is popular with our office dogs.
- Nina Ottosson puzzle toys
are great for clever dogs (like the one in the photo above)
- DIY enthusiasts can build their own puzzle toys.
- Safe chews are a must-have, like the Nylabone or naturally-sourced antler chews.
- Create a secure, comfy zone for your dog with a crate, bed, toys, and even a shirt that smells like you (if they’re prone to separation anxiety.)
The takeaway
All dogs are different, and some can handle more alone time than others. But every dog needs periodic potty breaks, exercise, and mental simulation. If your work schedule means your dog spends most of the day home alone, consider booking a trustworthy sitter to stop by and give your dog a break.
A dog walker or sitter can give your dog the activity she needs during the day, and help you feel better about being gone—and make your homecoming all the more sweet!
Does the 6-8 hour max for adult dogs apply to overnight periods when they are sleeping?
RE: Kong toys…before you stuff your dog’s Kong with peanut butter, please consider the fact that peanut butter has 100 calories per tablespoon. Consider that the total caloric needs of an adult dog range from 20-40 calories/lb of body weight, depending on size and activity level. So a 50 pound adult dog might need 1000-1500 calories per day. If you stuff 200 calories worth of peanut butter into that Kong, and you don’t decrease the food bowl and other treats accordingly, you’ll have a fat, unhealthy dog.