This expert advice will help you figure out how long you can leave a dog alone—and keep them happy while you're away
How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone at Home?
Updated on May 14, 2025
They say a house isn’t a home without a dog. If your dog could talk, they would say a house isn’t a home without you. In a paw-fect world, we would spend every moment with our beloved pooches. But even if you train your dog to have excellent manners, pups are not always allowed in public spaces or welcome at social gatherings. So we give them a snuggle, say goodbye and leave them for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. But just how long can you leave a dog alone?
Whether you have a puppy graduating from the crate or a dog with anxiety that gets stressed out when you leave, we have the info you need, straight from veterinarians and dog behavior experts. Read on to find out how long you can leave dogs home alone, based on age and other factors, as well as ways to make their solo time less stressful for everyone involved.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more pets, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
How long can you leave a dog alone?
There is no definitive answer to this question because every dog has their own needs, but the general rule is: no longer than six to eight hours. This number may be less or more depending on your dog’s age, health conditions, anxiety levels, idiosyncrasies and preferences. After all, dogs are not like cats, who have access to a litter box and can be left alone for much longer.
Once you have taken these things into account, there is still one more important factor to consider: your dog’s happiness. Dogs thrive when they are with people because they are highly social animals. In fact, several studies have shown that oxytocin, also called the “love hormone,” increases when they are with us.
In one experiment, scientists separated dogs from their owners and measured the oxytocin in dogs’ saliva. When the pets were reunited with their owners, their oxytocin levels increased by a whopping 60%! Even if you were to provide the ultimate accommodations for your dogs, leaving them alone for long periods of time may not be the best option.
“What dogs really want from you is to feel safe, loved and cared for, even when you’re not around to share belly rubs and treats,” says Trevor Smith, a certified professional dog trainer at Pupford. With that in mind, here are some guidelines to help you figure out how long you can leave your dog alone.
A puppy
The important things to remember about puppies? They have small bladders and high energy levels, which means they need more supervision.
So how long can you leave a dog home alone if they’re a puppy? “If they are younger than 12 weeks old, leaving them alone for more than two to three hours is discouraged because they need frequent bathroom breaks, socialization and consistent training,” says Nicole Savageau, VMD, a veterinarian with The Vets.
An adult dog
Most dogs over a year old can cope with being home alone for six to eight hours. “In general, dogs are pack animals and tend to like to be around their people or other dogs, so it is ideal to not leave them at home alone longer than you have to, especially if they are a single dog with no other pets at home,” says Dr. Savageau. Independent dog breeds like greyhounds, Bernese mountain dogs and Lhasa apsos, on the other hand, are OK with a little more time on their own.
A senior dog
“Senior dogs might need shorter periods alone, around four to six hours, as they may have age-related health issues, such as dementia or urinary or fecal incontinence, or require more comfort and attention,” says Dr. Savageau. At what age is a dog a “senior” dog? Oddly enough, it has more to do with their size than the candles on their birthday cake.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the longest-living dogs tend to be the smaller-sized breeds. Dogs are generally considered seniors when they reach the last 25% of the estimated life span for their breed. For example, a toy breed may live to be 16 years old, so they would become a senior around 12 years old. A large dog breed, on the other hand, may have a life span of just six years, which means they would reach senior status around 4 1/2 years of age.
An anxious dog
When it comes to anxious dogs, the time frame is very individual. “Because there are multiple types of anxiety, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to how long your dog should be left alone,” says veterinarian Charles D. McMillan, DVM, owner of GoodVets in Atlanta. Whether your woofer has separation anxiety (“Don’t leave me alone!”) or confinement anxiety (“I don’t like being in a crate!”), you’ll need to observe your dog’s behavior to find the right amount of time for your dog.
Dr. McMillan recommends pet parents record their pets when they’re out of the house and take note of the signs of dog anxiety, such as barking, whining, howling, chewing, displaying destructive behavior and peeing in the house. Also pay attention to when this behavior begins and ends.
Your vet may suggest behavior-modification techniques, products to calm your dog or medication to help. Smith also says a cozy corner can help anxious pups. “Create a zen zone with their favorite things, like their blankie or the squeaky toy that’s a real hoot.”
A newly adopted dog
Whether you adopted an older dog or brought home a puppy from the shelter, your newly adopted furry friend will need time to adjust to their new home and the people and pets living there. While there’s no definite answer to how long you can leave your new dog home alone, Dr. McMillan recommends first testing how your dog reacts to being alone by leaving the house in small increments before staying away for any extended periods of time.
It’s also a good idea to gather as much information as possible about your dog’s previous living conditions, circumstances and health, Dr. McMillan says. This will help you find out unknown health problems and clue you in on what your dog’s life has been like up until now—and how they might react to your absence. For example, if they were found roaming the streets as a stray or lived their entire life outside, being inside the house or in a crate alone for the first time could be very scary for them.
“Gradually build up their solo skills, starting with short and frequent alone-time adventures,” says Smith. Try leaving them alone for an hour to see how they do. A pet camera would come in handy for this, but you can also look for signs of stress, like torn bedding or chew marks on a crate.
What happens if you leave a dog alone for too long?
Accidents happen! Sometimes, a dog just can’t hold it in any longer. Apart from the mess you have to clean up, you may also have to address the dog’s anxiety and increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection.
Problem No. 2, says Dr. McMillan, is boredom, which often leads to destructive behavior. They may chew up household items like shoes and couches and might even nibble on baseboards, injuring themselves in the process. Boredom can also affect their quality of life and mental well-being. Dogs in this situation might become depressed and lethargic and no longer be interested in the things that once brought them joy, like playing fetch.
Expert tips for leaving your dog home alone
Leaving your dog home alone is never easy, but you will feel much less guilty and set your mind at ease when you prioritize your pup’s happiness and well-being. Here are some tips to make your dog feel like a VIP (Very Important Pooch) while you’re away.
Stick to a routine
Dogs love routine, so whenever possible, stick to a regular schedule with mealtimes, playtime and potty breaks. “Make sure to take your dog for a good walk or play session before you dash off to work,” says Smith. “A tired dog is a happy dog!”
When you leave (and return), don’t make a big fuss. “Low-key exits and entrances help reduce separation anxiety,” Smith explains.
Set up a comfy climate
“Keep your home at a comfy temperature for your dog,” says Smith. While there is no ideal temperature, some hairless and short-haired dogs may like it a little warmer than others.
That said, the indoor temperature guidelines set by the Animal Welfare Act are a good starting point. For short-haired dogs, puppies, senior dogs and sick dogs, the thermostat should not drop below 50 degrees. On the other hand, 85 degrees is the max for all dogs to avoid heat stroke. Turn on the air conditioning, provide fans or set up a spot in the basement to keep your dog from overheating.
Put out pee pads
Reusable puppy pads aren’t just for puppies with tiny bladders—they’re also handy for older and anxious dogs that may need to go more often. But you have to train your pet to use them.
When you spot the signs that your dog needs to go (whining, pacing, circling, sniffing the floor), call their name, lead them to the pee pad and encourage them to go on it. If you normally use the phrase “go potty,” say it now. When they go on the pad, offer treats and plenty of praise.
Patience and consistency are incredibly important here. It will take some time for a dog to learn it is OK to go inside, especially if they are used to going outside.
Provide a cozy crate
“If your dog likes their crate, use it as a cozy hideaway,” says Smith. Just know that you’ll be in the doghouse if your pupster is unhappy because the crate is too small or even too big, or if they are in it for too long. “You want the dog crate to be just large enough for your dog to sit, stand and turn around comfortably,” says Dr. McMillan.
Take measurements to get the perfect fit. Measure from the top of the dog’s head to the bottom of their feet, while your dog is standing, to determine height. Then measure from the nose to the tip of the tail to determine the length. Add 3 to 4 inches to each measurement to land on the ideal crate size.
Pro tip: If you have a puppy, you should buy a crate with a divider. It is more economical because you can expand the crate as your puppy grows instead of buying a larger crate later. But you will want to use that divider for the time being: If the crate is too big, your puppy won’t feel as safe and cozy as they did when they snuggled up next to their mama. And if the crate is too big, it can make potty training more difficult. A puppy may use one end of the crate as a bedroom and the other as a toilet.
Give them fun things to do
Mental stimulation is just as important as going for walks or playing fetch. And it can prevent destructive behaviors while you’re away. There are a variety of interactive puzzles, brain games and treat-dispensing devices to keep your dog happy and occupied. “Keep things fresh by rotating your dog’s toys,” says Smith. “It’s like giving them a surprise every time.”
He also suggests leaving the TV on or playing soothing music on a low volume.
What to do if you’ll be away from home longer
In general, Dr. McMillan recommends having someone visit your dog every six to eight hours for potty breaks, playtime and human contact when you are away. This can be a trusted friend or family member, or a dog walker. But, as noted above, dogs have their own needs and preferences, so you may need to work up to that long stretch of away time or book a few hours at a doggy day care.
For weekend getaways or longer vacations, consider taking your pet with you! From flying with a dog to finding a pet-friendly hotel, traveling with pets is much easier these days. If that is not a viable option for you, then you can check out dog-boarding options in your area or hire a pet sitter to visit your home two to three times a day or even stay at your home for the duration of your vacation.
About the experts
|
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece on how long you can leave a dog alone, Lisa Marie Conklin tapped her experience as a longtime journalist who covers pets. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Trevor Smith, certified professional dog trainer and certified canine fitness trainer at Pupford
- Nicole Savageau, VMD, veterinarian with The Vets and Highland’s Pet Medical Clinic in Austin
- Charles D. McMillan, DVM, is a veterinarian and the medical director and owner of GoodVets in Atlanta
- Nature: “Oxytocin increases trust in humans”
- Frontiers in Psychology: “Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioral Patterns: An Exploratory Study”
- American Veterinary Medical Association: “Caring for senior cats and dogs”
- USDA: “Temperature Requirements for Dogs”
