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Although a dog can spend eight hours alone at home, it is preferable that this does not happen. Remember that puppies are very social animals and that they like to have company, so it is recommended to avoid this situation if you can.
In case it's something you can't avoid, should prepare the house so that the hours that your furry friend spends alone are as pleasant as possible. Change toys every day so you don't get bored, avoid risks and take a long walk with it before leaving the house. In addition, you should spend time with him before spending the eight hours alone, so that you don't get stressed, feel depressed or take care of yourself at home.
If you want to know more about if a dog can be alone at home 8 hours, continue reading this article by PeritoAnimal.
the dog's age
Is important consider the age of the dog when leaving him alone for so many hours, since feeding and hygiene vary greatly from one puppy to an adult. Puppies eat up to four times a day, while an adult can eat twice and even once. This means that a small dog should only be alone for up to six hours to be able to feed him all his meals.
In addition, a puppy does not know where and when to relieve himself, so he has to go out with him more often than an adult. A puppy for so many hours will do his needs all over the house. A healthy adult should put up with up to eight hours without taking care of his needs if he took him for a walk before leaving the house.
a puppy is a baby and it needs constant attention, so if you're going to spend up to eight hours away from home, you have to make sure there is another person who can take care of him while you're not. A puppy cannot be home alone for eight hours.
Is your dog used to being alone?
If your puppy is very attached to you and is not used to being out of the house for so long, he is likely to suffer from separation anxiety. If so, it is recommended that you train him little by little to be alone and calm before going out for eight hours straight. If you can't, you can give your house keys someone to visit him and spend time with him.
To be calmer during all these hours alone, it is recommended to take a good walk with him before going out to release all his energy. This way, you will be tired when you get home and will want to sleep and rest.
You must take into account if the puppy will spend the eight hours alone on time or if it will be something frequent, for example due to a job. If it's something that will repeat itself in time you should train your dog well to last so many hours.
In case you have a break, you can visit him or, as we have already mentioned, give your house keys to someone you trust. Remember that your dog is a social animal and needs companionship, although he can spend eight hours alone, he will be happier and less stressful if he shares his time.
Steps to follow before leaving the house
Below, we'll give you some advice so that the dog can be alone at home for eight hours without taking risks:
- Check doors and windows carefully. Do not leave any doors or windows open. This way, you will prevent your puppy from running away or falling.
- The kitchen must always be closed. In the kitchen there are many dangers for the animal that is alone. You can find something to eat that doesn't do you any good.
- Chemicals must be well stored. All cleaning products and any toxics should be kept in a closet so the dog does not have access to them. Likewise, you should empty the mop bucket to avoid drinking this water.
- No cables in sight. The dog can bite them and render them unusable and can even electrocute themselves.
- Food and drink. Make sure you leave him with clean water and, if he wants, some food so that when he's alone he won't feel hungry.
- protect your stuff. If your dog feels annoyed, he won't hesitate to pick up any object he has within reach, he can destroy something he has a lot of affection for, he may find some things strange.
