Introduction
Leaving a dog home alone for 8 hours a day and 5 days a week is a common concern for many pet owners. This article will examine whether it is legally allowed to leave a dog unsupervised for that long, potential health risks, tips for preparing before departing, establishing a routine, considering a dog walker or daycare, training considerations, how breed may factor in, and provide an overall conclusion on whether this situation is advisable.
The main goal is to comprehensively explore this topic to help owners make an informed decision about what is best for their pet’s wellbeing and safety when they are away at work or running errands throughout the day. Expect a thoughtful analysis of the pros and cons, expert recommendations, relevant statistics, and actionable suggestions pet parents can implement.
Is It Legal?
There are no federal or state laws in the U.S. that specifically prohibit leaving a dog alone for extended periods of time. However, there are laws against animal cruelty and neglect that could come into play if a dog is left alone without proper care and shelter.
For example, in some states it’s illegal to leave a dog in a car unattended if it poses a health risk. Dogs left alone without access to water, shade or proper ventilation can also fall under neglect laws [1].
Most experts recommend not leaving a healthy, adult dog alone for more than 4-6 hours at a time. Puppies, elderly or ill dogs may require more frequent care and attention. If proper precautions aren’t taken or the dog develops health issues from being left alone, the owner could face charges of neglect or cruelty.
While there aren’t specific laws about this, it’s best practice not to make it a habit to leave dogs alone for full work days without a break. Consider hiring a dog walker, taking the dog to daycare, or having a family member stop by if your schedule requires longer absences.
Health Concerns
Leaving dogs alone for extended periods can lead to several health issues. According to research, dogs left alone for over 4 hours per day are more likely to develop obesity compared to dogs left alone for under 4 hours (1). Obesity can put dogs at risk for other conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
Dogs are social animals that crave companionship. Being isolated for long stretches can cause anxiety, stress, and boredom. These feelings may manifest as behavioral issues like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or repetitive pacing (2). Severe or ongoing anxiety is detrimental to a dog’s mental health.
To keep your dog happy and healthy, it’s best to limit alone time to 4 hours or less per day. Consider hiring a dog walker, sending your dog to daycare, or recruiting a friend or neighbor to check in if you will be gone longer. Leaving stimulating toys and activities can also help stave off boredom and separation anxiety.
Tips Before Leaving
Here are some tips to help set up your dog for success before leaving them home alone for an extended period:
Exercise your dog before you go. Take them for a longer walk, play a game of fetch, or go to the dog park. This will help tire them out and make them more likely to relax while you’re gone (Source 1).
Make sure your dog has gone potty right before you leave so they don’t have accidents while you’re gone.
Provide plenty of fresh water so your dog stays hydrated.
Leave some mentally stimulating toys or puzzles with treats inside to keep your dog occupied (Source 2).
Create a comfortable area with your dog’s bed, blankets, toys etc. This will be their safe space while you’re gone.
Leave the TV or radio on at a low volume to provide some background noise.
Try leaving an article of clothing with your scent on it to provide some comfort.
Keep their regular routine before you leave – feed them, take them out, play etc. This continuity is reassuring.
Creating a Routine
It is very important to establish a consistent daily routine for your dog when you will be away for extended periods of time. Dogs thrive on predictability and having a set schedule helps them feel more secure when alone (AKC, 2022). According to the AKC, a predictable routine provides dogs with stability and a sense of control, which can help minimize anxiety and destructive behaviors (“Why Your Dog Needs a Routine at Every Stage of Life,” 2022).
Some things to include in your dog’s routine could be scheduled feedings, potty breaks, walks, play time, etc. Try to keep the timing as consistent as possible, even on weekends or days off. Having a consistent wake up time, for example 7am every morning, helps regulate their schedule. It’s also a good idea to provide enrichment activities like food puzzles, chews, or stuffed Kongs when you leave to keep them engaged. Just be sure to factor these extra calories into their daily food intake.
Starting the routine well in advance of leaving your dog alone for longer periods helps them adjust and prevents separation anxiety. Experts recommend starting routines early in puppyhood or right when adopting an adult dog. Be patient and consistent with the routine, as it may take some time for your dog to get fully accustomed.
Consider Dog Walker
One option to ensure your dog gets the required attention and exercise while you are away is to hire a dog walker. A dog walker can stop by your home mid-day to take your dog out for a walk, play fetch in your yard, or visit a dog park. Dog walkers typically charge between $15-25 for a 30 minute walk according to Care.com and HomeGuide. This allows your dog a needed bathroom and exercise break. Dog walkers can be scheduled for as little as once per week or multiple times per day depending on your dog’s needs.
When interviewing potential dog walkers, be sure to ask about their experience, if they are insured and bonded, if they have pet first aid training, and if they can provide references. You’ll want to ensure you find someone you can trust to properly care for your pet.
Using a dog walker 1-2 times per day while you are out can give you peace of mind that your dog is getting adequate exercise, socialization, and potty breaks. It also helps break up longer stretches alone at home. Just be sure to factor the dog walking fees into your budget.
Doggy Daycare
Doggy daycare can provide a great alternative for socialization and activity while you’re away at work. According to Rover’s 2022 survey, the average cost of doggy daycare ranges from $15 to $40 per day, with rates varying based on location, amenities, and the size of your dog [1]. While more expensive than leaving your dog alone, daycare offers supervised play, enrichment activities, and peace of mind that your dog’s needs are being met.
According to Lucky Dog Bark and Brew, daycare is especially beneficial for high energy dogs who require a lot of activity and attention. The socialization and mental stimulation of a daycare environment can help prevent anxiety and destructive behaviors in dogs left home alone for long work days [2]. Daycare can also help socialize puppies during the critical 4-16 week period.
When researching daycares, look for licensed facilities that screen dogs for vaccination records, temperament, and health. Cleanliness, qualified staff, webcams, and the facility’s size/capacity are also important factors. While pricier than a daily dog walker, daycare provides full supervision and socialization all workday long.
Training
Before leaving your dog home alone for extended periods, it’s important to properly train them to be comfortable by themselves. Gradually training your dog can help ease anxiety and prevent problematic behaviors like barking, chewing, or having accidents when left alone.
The ASPCA recommends starting with short departures of 10-15 minutes and slowly increasing the time over a few weeks or months (RSPCA). Provide your dog with a food puzzle or long-lasting chew to keep them occupied. Reward and praise your dog for calmly remaining in their confinement area.
Additionally, avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning, as this can reinforce separation anxiety. Maintain your normal routine as much as possible. Be patient, as training takes time, especially for excitable puppies or sensitive breeds prone to isolation distress.
Breed Considerations
Some breeds cope better than others when left alone. According to Woman’s Day, independent breeds like Basenjis, Chows, Bullmastiffs, Chihuahuas, Boston Terriers, Basset Hounds, French Bulldogs, and Lhasa Apsos tend to do well when left alone for longer periods. Purina also lists Greyhounds, Shar Peis, Miniature Schnauzers, and Basenjis as breeds that are typically fine being alone for a few hours. On the other hand, breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are quite social and may experience separation anxiety if left for long periods.
In general, smaller dogs that don’t require as much exercise can be left alone longer than high energy breeds. But every dog has an individual personality, so consider your specific pet’s temperament and needs. With proper training and preparation, even dogs that are naturally social can learn to be comfortable alone for reasonable periods.
Conclusion
In summary, it is generally not recommended to leave a dog alone for 8+ hours a day, 5 days a week. While it may be legally permissible in some areas, it can pose risks to the dog’s health, happiness, and behavior over time. With proper preparation, training, and support like dog walkers or daycare, some dogs may do okay. However, every dog is different, and breed traits, age, past experiences etc. should be considered. For most dogs, being left alone for such long workdays will likely lead to boredom, anxiety, destructive/elimination issues, or other problems. Finding an alternate solution like a dog walker, daycare, pet sitter, or bringing them to work would be ideal. If those are not possible, ensuring they get sufficient physical and mental exercise before and after work is crucial.
While occasionally leaving dogs alone for an 8 hour workday may be unavoidable, regularly doing so 5 days per week is not recommended for most dogs. There are certainly exceptions, but it is generally inadvisable unless special precautions are taken to ensure the dog’s needs are still met.