Can I Leave My Dog Alone for 3 Days? (Solved & Explained!)

Dogs are a part of our social life. Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended that you leave a dog alone for 3 days, but if you have very urgent business, there are things you can do to make sure your dog is comfortable while you are away.

Can You Leave Your Dog Alone for 3 Days? 

Dogs can stay alone for quite some time depending on their breed, age, and character. However, leaving any dog completely alone for 3 days can be cruel if their basic needs are not met.

While some dogs can stay at home alone for a long time, it is not recommended to leave them for more than 8 – 10 hours at a time.

Outdoor dogs are more independent and less attention-oriented than indoor dogs, but all dogs need food, water, and exercise, at a minimum. Leaving them alone for 3 days with no one to feed them, take them to the toilet, or socialize, can have a negative effect on their health.

Can My Dog Be Left Alone?

Even if you have the most educated and disciplined dog in the world, you should never forget that they can also misbehave or become anti-social if left for long periods.

That doesn’t mean you can’t leave your dog alone at all. So long as your dog is in a secure place, with access to food and water and a comfortable and dry place to rest, you can leave your dog alone safely for a few hours at a time.

If you need to be gone for a few days then arrange a relative, friend, or pet sitter to come in regularly to check on your dog and take them out for walks.

Can I leave My Puppy Alone?

To understand whether your dog can cope with being alone, you need to assess its character and age. Puppies cannot be left alone for longer than an hour. Adult dogs that have behavioral issues such as chewing, biting, or any other destructive behaviors shouldn’t be left alone at all (unless it is with the furniture you don’t really care about!)

Elderly dogs who may be sick, or have incontinence issues should also not be left alone.

What Can I Do for My Dog Before Leaving Home?

If you have to go somewhere for a few days, you can go for a long run with your dog or play catch-and-fetch games to tire them out. Aside from that, you can make a feeding plan for your dog so the pet sitter knows how to keep your dog in its usual routine.

You can organize your dogs’ living space, give them a sense of belonging, and put his favorite toys in a place where he can reach them so that he does not get bored.

Can I leave my Elderly Dog Alone?

The question of how long your elderly dog can be left alone at home differs from dog to dog. Old dogs with health conditions may need you to stay home, or if you do need to travel be sure you are only a short car ride away in case they need you.

If your dog is elderly with health conditions it may be best to hire a pet sitter who is with your dog constantly throughout your absence.

What Should I Do With My Dog When I Go on Vacation?

If you are going on vacation and you are worried about your dog being left alone at home, there are a few different options.

You can entrust your dog to a pet sitter. You can find professional pet sitters that can meet your dog’s nutritional, daily exercise, and walking needs.

Or, there is the in-home pet boarding option, you can leave your dog at a caregiver’s house and they can live as comfortably as at home under constant supervision.

Another alternative would be to leave your dog in a dog kennel that you trust. Here they spend time with many dogs and are taken care of by professionals.

What Happens to Your Dog When They Are Alone

When dogs are left alone for long periods they can begin to exhibit physical and psychological issues.

Some of these issues can manifest as restlessness syndrome, constant barking, anxiety, social misbehavior, aggressiveness, lethargy, obesity, and even depression.

Is It Dangerous To Leave My Dog Alone for 3 Days?

Yes, it is very dangerous to leave your dog alone for 3 days. Dogs left alone can harm themselves accidentally, lack of access to a hygienic place to toilet means they may eat where they poop and get sick.

Dogs don’t know how to ration food so they will probably run out pretty quickly and have no food for at least a day. Their water source is likely to dry up pretty quickly too.

Why Does My Dog Get Anxious When  Left Alone?

The main reason for this is that dogs feel that they have been abandoned. Dogs are so attached to their owners that every time you leave them, they may think that you will never come back.

If you go out every day in the morning and come in the evening at the same time, your dog is probably used to this routine. But if you take a 3-day vacation over the weekend, your dog may be afraid that they have been left behind and before to fear for their safety away from the ‘pack’.

Should I Take My Dog on A Long Walk Before Leaving Him Alone?

You should take your dog for a walk before leaving the house for long periods of time. This helps them to get rid of excess energy and likely helps them to rest better while you are away.

However, a long walk isn’t enough to sustain your dog if you are going to be gone longer than 8 – 10 hours. If you are going to be away longer than this it is recommended to ask a friend or a dog walker to walk your dog while you are away.

Are Pet Sitters Trustworthy?

Most pet sitters are 100% reliable and there are many places on the internet where pet sitters advertise their services. Whilst most of these are legitimate, but you must be careful and make sure that the site is reputable, and the pet sitter has the experience they say they have.

If you can, opt for a pet sitter who has been recommended by someone you know or at least contact a pet sitter from a site that is regulated, and sitters that have some customer reviews. Often these sites require their sitters to pass a police check before they can advertise on their platforms.