26/11/2025
Leaving your dog home alone for too long can feel harmless… but inside their mind, a lot is happening.
Here’s what really goes on hour by hour:
⏱️ 1 hour
Your dog is calm and relaxed. They nap, sniff around, and feel safe knowing you’ll be back soon.
⏱️ 2 hours
They start wondering where you are. Mild vigilance kicks in ears up, checking the door.
⏱️ 3 hours
Restlessness grows. They pace a little, boredom increases, and stress hormones start to rise.
⏱️ 4 hours
Anxiety builds. The brain releases more cortisol, attention drops, and they may bark, whine, or chew to cope.
⏱️ 5 hours
Your dog begins to feel lonely. Cognitive fatigue sets in, and emotional stress impacts their overall well-being.
✨ Dogs don’t just miss you their brain goes through a full emotional journey while they wait.
Short absences are okay… but long ones shouldn’t become the norm. Your dog’s mental health matters just as much as their physical one 💙🐾
Most experts agree that 4–6 hours is the maximum a dog should be left alone on a regular basis 🐶⏱️
Here’s a simple guideline:
🔹Puppies: 1–3 hours max (they can’t hold their bladder + need social contact)
🔹Adult dogs: Ideally no more than 4 hours, and 6 hours only occasionally
🔹Senior dogs: Often 2–4 hours, depending on mobility and health
Beyond this, stress, boredom, loneliness, and even separation anxiety can start affecting their mental well-being 🐾
