Leaving Your Dog Alone at Home - Here Is What Pet Owners Should Know

Whether you’ve been spending some time at home lately and need to get back into the office or you’re caring for a newborn pup, it’s important to know the right process of leaving your dog at home so that they feel safe and relaxed. 

Many dogs can become a bit anxious when left alone and this can escalate into something more serious if not dealt with properly. A dog care guide will address these concerns, including some tips on leaving dogs at home or how to keep your pets busy while you’re busy working. 

By looking at the symptoms and exploring some solutions, you and your furbaby will be settled into your new routine in no time.

How to Identify If Your Dog Is Feeling Stressed When Left Alone?

Separation anxiety in pets is a serious condition that needs to be addressed for the well-being of your dog. It goes beyond a bit of whining and barking as you leave.

Check in with neighbours to see whether your dog is barking or howling excessively when you leave your dog alone at home. This could be a sign that your dog is stressed.

You can also look for behavioural signs, such as destructive or aggressive behaviours, or a lack of interest in food and play. Understanding circling behaviour in dogs will also allow you to determine whether they are stressed.

Physiological issues could arise from a lonely dog. They may lose their appetite, be going to the toilet in the house or have diarrhea. Be sure to consult some tips to care for a sick dog if they are presenting with any of these signs to understand whether other factors are at play that could impact their well-being.

Tips for Leaving Your Furbaby Alone at Home

Whether you are leaving your dog home alone while at work or just popping to the store for five minutes, following these tips to be a better dog owner will benefit both you and your furbaby.

Provide a safe space

This often means a crate, however other dogs are comfortable with the run of the household. This just depends on what they are used to and may also be subject to how long you can leave a dog alone.

Also ensure that no dangerous foods are left available for your furbaby to access in your absence, that electrical cords are out of sight and that other hazards are removed.

Give a food toy or a food puzzle

A snuffle mat or a food puzzle will keep your furbaby entertained for some time as they hunt for treats. By filling a Kong ball with treats or offering other boredom-buster toys for them to play with, you are helping your dog deal with separation anxiety by keeping them distracted as you leave.

Consider swapping toys out every so often so that your dog does not become quickly bored with them.

Make sure the temperature is controlled

A dog in a crate during the summer months should be in an area where a cool breeze can be felt and in the winter months, the room they are in should be kept warm. 

Don’t forget water should also be available at all times.

Create a plan to keep your dog entertained 

A routine is helpful for both you and your dog so that they can learn to expect you to be home within a few hours and not stress that you have left them alone for good. 

Try to arrange for someone to come and walk your dog during the day if you are gone all day for work.

Keep some background sound on like TV or radio

There are even television stations or apps that are specifically designed for the doggy listener, designed to help relax them whilst you’re away. 

The background noise can be comforting and can alleviate stress from other startling noises occurring outside.

How Will Your Dog Behave Once You Are Home?

Leaving a puppy alone while at work can be just as hard for you as it is for them, but be careful of how you behave when returning to not give validation to their anxiety. 

We want your furbaby to learn that your leaving will always follow with your return. That this is normal.

You will be greeted with affection when you come home, which you can reciprocate, calmly. Any care guide for new dog owners will express the importance of exercising your dog, so make sure you take the time after you come home to let your dog stretch their legs and spend some of that pent-up energy by going for a run outside. 

You can play fetch in the garden, take a walk or head down to the beach or local dog park if it’s possible to spend some quality time together.

Do Not's of Leaving Your Dog Alone at Home

There are a few common mistakes that dog owners can make which can exacerbate an anxiety problem when leaving their dog alone at home. 

Do not make a huge fuss

Your furbaby can pick up on your mood and be affected by the tones in your voice, so it is important to remain calm and nonchalant as you’re leaving to impress upon them that your leaving isn’t a big deal. 

By making a lot of fuss, kissing and hugging your dog goodbye, it’s likely your furbaby’s stress levels are elevated before you even leave and they will begin associating you leaving with these feelings.

Don't forget to exercise your pet before you leave

Great for reducing the instances of toileting accidents as well, taking your dog for a walk right before you leave will burn up any pent-up energy and leave them tired.

Hopefully, your furbaby will just snooze the time away until you are back again. Remember, mental and physical activity makes for a happy pup!

Don’t leave your pet alone for very long

You shouldn’t be leaving your dog home alone for much longer than four hours maximum. If you’re away all day at work, the best thing to do would be to arrange for someone to come in and check on your dog.

Every dog is different, so it's important to learn what your dog's limits are and don’t exceed these for their emotional well-being.

Take Home Message

It’s essential to understand the impact that leaving your furbaby alone at home may have and to respond according to your dog’s individual needs. 

If you need to leave your dog alone at home whilst you go to work or you just need to head to the store, it’s important to keep your dog happy and safe.