How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?

If you’re a pup parent, you probably know that owning a dog means having a consistent routine. Your canine companion needs a specific schedule they can rely on, especially one that calls for plenty of quality time with their owner. But, this doesn’t mean you never get time for yourself to go out every once in a while and break your usual routine. You just need to be strategic about how you go out. Here are some tips to help.

Take Into Account Your Dog’s Bladder

One of the main things people worry about when leaving their pooch at home is potential “accidents” their pup could have.

• In general, your dog will have to use the bathroom about 3 to 5 times a day.
• Puppies are an exception though and will need to go potty every hour per month they are old (for example a 2-month-old puppy will need to go outside about every 2 hours)
• Adult dogs (dogs usually between 1 and 8 years old) can wait up to 8 hours, but ideally no more than 6 if possible.
• Senior dogs (usually 8 years and up) depending on their size and health can wait between 2 and 6 hours.

It’s important to remember though that every dog is unique and these are only estimates to use as a guideline.

Your Furry Friend Needs Their Exercise

Besides potty breaks, your dog also needs an adequate amount of exercise each day to stay healthy, digest meals, burn calories, and avoid boredom (that can create a destructive behavior). Once again, depending on your dog’s breed, age, and size – their minimum amount of exercise needed every day will vary. In general, though your dog needs about 60 minutes of exercise a day, which most owners split up through a walk in the morning and a walk in the evening.

If you’re planning on going out or being gone longer than usual, it’s best to give Fido more exercise than usual, so they’re not restless while you’re gone.

Mental Stimulation is Just as Important

Besides physical exercise, your furry friend needs their brain to be exercised as well. Mentally stimulating dog games will help your pooch from chewing on furniture or destroying other items in an attempt to escape boredom. Here are some different strategies to keep Fido mentally active while you’re gone –

• KONG toys filled with treats or dog-safe peanut butter will not only keep your dog focused but also reward them with yummy snacks.
• Puzzle toys are a great idea for dogs who may sometimes seem too smart for their own good.
• Safe chews they can lay down and spend hours munching around on.

Every dog is different; some will need a bit more preparation being alone than others. But that shouldn’t stop you from ever breaking your routine and getting out of the house every once in a while.