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Can 3-week-old puppies be left alone for 16 hours when traveling?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 7 lbs

I need to travel out of town for aprox. 16 hours (6 hrs. one way trip) I would like to take my two dogs with me however she has 3 week old puppies... can they be left alone for that amount of time? They would be in a secure warm area (live webcam too). Thanks! I guess I should also mention mom can’t be left behind she will bark nonstop until I get back home..

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 25th, 2018

No, these puppies cannot be left alone that long. At three weeks of age, they will still be feeding frequently and need their mother with them most of the day. I would see you can have someone stay at your house while you are gone to keep Sophie company to keep her from barking.

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