{"id":1327,"date":"2019-08-14T16:44:50","date_gmt":"2019-08-14T16:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/?p=1327"},"modified":"2019-08-14T16:44:50","modified_gmt":"2019-08-14T16:44:50","slug":"leaving-your-dog-home-alone-how-long-is-too-long","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/leaving-your-dog-home-alone-how-long-is-too-long\/","title":{"rendered":"Leaving Your Dog Home Alone: How Long Is Too Long?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There\u2019s a reason dogs are known as our best friends \u2013 they\u2019re hard-wired to want to spend time with us. And if we could be with them all day long \u2013 well, sign us up! But, if you\u2019re like most, you have obligations outside your home that take you away for all or part of the day (work, anyone?). 
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Leaving your dog home alone does not make you a bad pet owner. But is there a limit to the time you should leave your dog home alone? And are there ways we can enrich our dog\u2019s lives when we aren’t with them that can make leaving them home alone a better experience for them? 
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Animal Medical Hospital & Urgent Care<\/a> explores the hot button topic of leaving your dog home alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

House Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the main considerations when it comes to leaving your dog home alone is a practical one: How long can your dog go without a bathroom break? Of course, older dogs and puppies need to go outside<\/a> much more often than adult dogs. Adult dogs can generally go for 4 – 6 hours without a bathroom break (unless they are sick). Every dog is different, so there may be some trial and error before you know how long your dog can go.
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You\u2019ll also want to help your dog to know that being alone is safe<\/a> and okay. Your dog should be able to stay home alone for a period of time without falling apart or destroying the house. If these things are happening, you may be dealing with separation anxiety<\/a>, and behavioral training<\/a> can help. Separation anxiety rarely gets better on its own, and often gets worse with time. Give us a call<\/a> so we can get you on the right path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start With Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All dogs need exercise, and getting a doggy workout in before you leave will make him more relaxed when you leave and while you\u2019re gone. Try a 20 – 30 minute walk<\/a> before you leave for the day. 
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Consider your dog\u2019s age, breed, and fitness level, but all dogs need daily exercise. Benefits of exercise include:
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