Dr Mandy Paterson, Principal Scientist for RSPCA Queensland advises a dog should not be left along for more than 48 hours.
Some households have an easier time if there is another person in the home who has a slightly different schedule. It would appear that many dogs can adapt to being alone for 8-9 hours at a time provided they have a means to potty and have adequate room to move.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
Yes, Dogs Get Lonely
It's even more important to not leave puppies home alone all day. Puppies younger than 14 weeks of age are in a sensitive socialization period and benefit from lots of social interaction. They should be in the company of their family for significantly more time than an adult dog.
Once your dog reaches three months old, they can usually hold it for an hour for each month they've been alive. After six months, dogs can usually hold it for up to six hours. However, even adult dogs shouldn't be home alone for much longer than six to eight hours without a chance for a bathroom break.
The PDSA says dogs shouldn't be left alone on a regular basis for more than four hours. Modern Dog Magazine says crated dogs shouldn't be left home alone for more than three or four hours. PAWS Chicago, a nonprofit no-kill shelter, says five to six hours is the max for an adult dog.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 simply requires all basic needs of pets to be met, without specifying timeframes as to how long they can be left. Experts suggest 8-10 hours is the maximum amount of time you should reasonably leave a dog alone.
A lot of dogs get bored when their owners aren't around, and a good way to combat that is with interactive toys. Interactive toys are a great way to keep your pup entertained, even when they're home alone.
Dog breeds that do well alone
Basset Hound. French Bulldog. Chihuahua. Shar Pei.
It's normal to feel guilty about leaving your furry friend alone. But, as long as you're still getting their exercise in (especially before you leave) and don't make a big deal about leaving, then your canine companion should do just fine.
Before the shift, drop off your dog to a very kind friend or family member you trust while you are working then pick them up the following morning. The second option is to keep them at home alone throughout at the night in a safe place.
Each individual pup will vary, but the general rule is to only leave adult dogs alone for four consecutive hours. Dogs are social animals, often craving regular human attention and, without it, they become bored and lonely.
Leaving Your Dog for Three Days
Preparing to leave your pup during a three-day trip won't be too different from leaving for a day or two. You'll find it easiest to recruit someone to stop in a couple times a day to check on food, water, offer plenty of love and provide potty breaks.
As a general rule, your dog should never be left alone for more than four hours at a time.
If you're looking for dog breeds with low separation anxiety, consider the traditional Greyhound, Basset hound, French bulldog or Maltese. While there are no dogs without separation anxiety, these breeds are less likely to suffer from distress when you have to leave them alone.
Because they are social animals, dogs hate being left alone. In fact, the most common of dog fears is separation anxiety. There are always exceptions to the rule, but for the most part a dog wants to be with her pack, be it you, your family, another dog, a cat, or even a bird.
Yes, your dog will be okay when you go on vacation.
Dogs are resilient, and if you take the right steps to make sure he is well taken care of, then he will be just fine. If you're lucky, you have family or friends that are willing to dog-sit for you. I personally try to avoid boarding when at all possible.
Anxiety Caused by Separation
Yes, dogs can suffer from depression, and yes, it can be debilitating for them. Typically, your dog will go through a grieving period that can last anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks, depending on how long you are away.
A young dog can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if needed, but that doesn't mean that they should. The average adult dog should be allowed to relieve itself at least 3-5 times per day. That's at least once every 8 hours.
They can't be left alone for a whole day, even five to six hours are a huge deal for them. Being a social animal, dogs always want some company. When you are away for work, try blend-in your lunchtime to keep a check on them and have lunch together.