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Will my dog be okay if I leave them home alone for a few hours?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Does leaving a dog alone at home for a few hours affect it?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 23rd, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. Leaving a dog alone for a period time is fine for most dogs. It is a normal fact of life that we cannot be with our dogs 24/7. This is only a problem when the dog has an underlying anxiety disorder. In this case, the dog will be frantic being alone and can become destructive and even harm itself. I hope this information helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! How long a dog can be left alone is influenced by a variety of factors, including age, personality, and abg medical issues, among others. The specifics for your pet is something that can be discussed further with a consult or a discussion with your regular veterinarian.

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