Sharing your life with a furry friend is incredibly rewarding, but how do you ensure their happiness while you are at work or away? Here, our Thornton vets discuss how long you can leave your dog at home alone, ways to keep them happy and why pet boarding may be a good choice.
Leaving a Dog at Home Alone While at Work
Dogs are a companion animal and live up to that by being there for pets and cuddles throughout the day. But you can't be with them 24/7, so how long can you leave your dog alone? What do they do when you are gone? Read on for the answers to those questions and helpful advice about what to do while you are gone.
How long can you leave a dog at home alone?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions; it depends on your dog's age, breed, and overall personality. Young puppies under six months old should not be left alone for more than two or three hours because of their bladder control and the risk of separation anxiety. When you do leave your young puppy alone, it's best to keep them safe in a crate or puppy-proof room where they can't break anything or get into too much trouble.
As your puppy ages, you can gradually increase the time you leave them alone. Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for four to six hours a day. But, many dogs are good at adapting to being alone for 8-9 hours while you are at work if they have enough space to move around comfortably.
The Basset Hound, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, and Pugs are typically the best breeds for being left alone for long periods.
What will your dog do while you are away?
Many dogs will spend the day napping and playing with their favorite toys, eagerly awaiting your return. They likely know your routine and may use your fading scent in the house to monitor when to expect you back home.
How to Help Your Dog Have a Good Day While You Are Gone
Most dogs will tolerate being at home alone for extended periods, but that doesn't mean they prefer it. Dogs are pack animals and need companionship from their owners to be happy and comfortable. Here are some things you can do to help your dog when you are not home:
Give Them Entertainment
Before you leave, ensure your pup has a toy to keep them busy and occupied while you are away, such as their favorite stuffed animal or a puzzle toy that will give them a fun challenge.
Use Technology to Check In
Today's technology allows you to keep in touch with your dog even when you are far away. Pet cameras let you talk to your canine companion, soothe your pooch with your calming voice, or even monitor their behavior so you can reward them with lots of yummy treats.
Make Them Feel Safe
Offer your dog security or safety by swaddling them in a jacket or keeping them in their crate with enough space to move around and play. While your dog may initially seem unsure, they will quickly warm up to it.
Choose Dog Boarding or Doggy Daycare
At Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, deciding where to leave your dog while traveling or away from home can be difficult. Whether you are heading out on vacation for a few weeks or off on a business trip for a few days, you will need to find appropriate care for your dog.
Doing a little research into the options for pet care while you are on vacation and what features each service offers can help to make your decision easier.
Dog Boarding in Thornton
If you can't bring your dog on vacation, today's pet boarding facilities offer a range of services, with clean kennels and lots of love and attention.
Services range from pet spas and doggie summer camps to medical boarding for pups who need extra love and attention, with price points that range from extravagant to affordable.
Our pet boarding facility at Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital treats your furry friends to the best of everything. From our large canine suites to our luxurious kitty condos, we have comfortable places for guests of all sizes. Each boarding suite is furnished with comfortable bedding and is kept clean and sanitary to ensure our guest’s health and comfort. Each pet receives the highest level of care, fun, and adventure that we can provide throughout their vacation.
Our staff is trained to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in each boarding suite, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for our guests. Finally, we offer a variety of activities to keep our guests entertained and engaged during their stay. From interactive toys and scratching posts to spacious play areas, we strive to provide a stimulating environment for our furry friends.
Amenities at Dog Boarding Facilities
Price is typically a good indicator of the level of service provided at a given dog boarding facility. If your pooch will be treated to luxurious hotel-like spaces with comfy sofas to lounge on and a TV to watch, you will pay more than you would to board your pet at a standard facility with roomy crates and fenced dog runs.
If you plan on being away for a little longer, you may want to consider signing your dog up for a fun camp. Dog camps across the country offer loads of time for your dog to explore the outdoors and added facilities for swimming and playing with other dogs.
What will your dog get with boarding facilities?
Standard care at most pet boarding facilities will include:
- A clean, roomy kennel for your pup to sleep in
- Exercise time outdoors before breakfast so your dog can stretch their legs
- Breakfast served in the kennel
- Outdoor playtime in the afternoon to burn some energy
- Dinner served in the kennel
- Evening bathroom break
What are the other dog boarding services?
If you are looking for something a bit more special than a standard boarding facility, many facilities also offer the following services:
- Specialized veterinary care
- Training
- Grooming
- Shuttle services to and from the facility
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.