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8 Tips for Leaving Your Dog Home Alone for the Day

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  July 10th, 2025

Leaving your dog home alone for the day can be a tough experience, not just for your furry friend, but for you too.


While dogs are social animals and generally prefer being around their people, with the right preparation and care, most dogs can adapt to spending some time on their own.


Whether you're heading to work or running errands, these tips can help ensure your dog stays safe, happy, and comfortable while you're away.


Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Dog looking out of window - image via Canva

Table of contents

1. Make sure they get exercise before you leave

Taking your dog for a walk or engaging them in a play session before you leave helps burn off excess energy and reduces anxiety. A good workout can also encourage them to nap or relax while you're gone.

2. Create a safe, comfortable space

Set up a designated area in your home where your dog can stay while you're out. This could be a specific room or a cozy corner.


Make sure the space includes:

  • A comfy bed or blanket
  • Fresh water
  • Favorite toys or chews
  • Adequate temperature and ventilation


Remove anything dangerous or valuable that they could chew, ingest, or knock over.

Bedsure Calming Dog Bed Medium Size Dog - image via Amazon

3. Use interactive toys and puzzles

To keep your dog mentally stimulated, leave out puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or long-lasting chews. These toys give your dog something to focus on and can help reduce feelings of boredom or separation anxiety.

Dog Puzzle Toy Adjustable Treat Dispensing Ball Food Dispenser - image via Amazon

4. Keep a routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Try to leave and return around the same times each day and maintain a consistent schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime. This predictability can help your dog feel more secure, even when you’re not home.

Blink Mini 2 (Newest Model) — Home Security & Pet Camera - image via Amazon

5. Consider background noise

Some dogs are comforted by background noise. You can leave the TV on low volume or play calming music or white noise to help them feel less alone and drown out potentially startling outside noises.

6. Monitor with a pet camera

If you're curious (or worried) about how your dog is doing while you're gone, a pet camera can give you peace of mind. Many cameras now offer features like two-way audio, treat tossing, and real-time alerts.

7. Hire a dog walker or pet sitter

If you’ll be gone for a lot of hours, you should consider hiring a dog walker or asking a trusted friend or neighbor to stop by. A midday walk or some human interaction can make a huge difference in your dog’s day and prevent accidents or pent-up energy.

8. Know your dog's limits

Every dog is different. Some can handle being alone for 6–8 hours with no problem, while others may struggle after just a couple of hours. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with medical or behavioral issues typically need more frequent check-ins.

Dog on welcome mat - image via Amazon

Final thoughts

Leaving your dog home alone doesn't have to be stressful for either of you.


With the right set-up, a bit of planning, and attention to your dog’s individual needs, you can help them feel secure and content while you're away.  


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.  

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Rachel M.
Rachel M.

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Guinea pigs are popular pets for good reason - they’re social, expressive, and surprisingly vocal. If you've ever stopped to wonder what all those squeals, purrs, and clicks mean, you're not alone. Guinea pigs use sound as a primary way to communicate how they're feeling. Understanding these noises can help you care for your pet more effectively and strengthen your bond in the process.Here’s a breakdown of the most common guinea pig sounds and what they usually mean.Wheeking (Whistling or Squealing)Wheeking is one of the most recognizable guinea pig sounds. It’s a loud, high-pitched whistle or squeal, and it usually means one thing: food. Many guinea pigs start wheeking when they hear a bag rustling or the fridge door opening. It's their way of saying, "Hey, don't forget me!"

Your Work May Be Stressing Out Your Pet!

For many of us, our pets are more than just animals; they are cherished members of our families. We do everything possible to give them the best quality of life, from high-quality food and treats to regular vet check-ups and plenty of love. But what if one of the biggest stressors in your life is actually contributing to your best friend’s anxiety? A recent study suggests that your work-related stress could be taking a toll on your dog’s mental health. A new study published in Scientific Reports, led by Tanya Mitropoulos and Allison Andrukonis, reveals a fascinating, and perhaps concerning, example of the human/animal bond. Their research found that when dog owners dwell on work problems after hours, their dogs also exhibit more signs of stress.  The phenomenon is known as “work-related rumination.” The study involved 85 working dog owners. Researchers measured their job stress levels and how often they continued to think about work during their free time. Each owner was asked to complete a survey with questions about their professional life, such as: “Are you irritated by work issues?”They then assessed the owners’ perceptions of their dogs’ stress. Plus, they tracked actual behaviors associated with stress and anxiety in dogs, like whining, pacing, panting, having their tail between their legs, leaning into people, or restlessness. The findings were clear: owners with higher job stress had dogs who showed more stress-related behaviors. This connection held strong even when other sources of stress in the home were considered. Interestingly, many owners were unaware that their dogs were experiencing high stress levels; it was identified mainly through the dogs’ behaviors. So, how does this stress transfer happen? Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their owners’ moods, a concept scientists call “emotional contagion.” Dogs can pick up on human feelings through subtle cues like tone of voice, body language, and overall demeanor. A dog notices when their owner is preoccupied, irritable, or distant due to work stress. Over time, this consistent exposure to their owner’s negative emotional state can significantly impact the dog’s happiness and mental well-being. Beyond emotional contagion, the study also suggests another explanation. When owners are consumed by work problems, they may become less patient, more withdrawn, or less consistent with the daily routines that dogs thrive on, like walks, playtime, and feeding schedules. These changes in care and interaction can trigger higher stress levels. This research underscores the importance of understanding how our own emotional states and behaviors can impact our pets. “ Playing with your dog is a great way to pull your thoughts away from work,” explained study author Dr. Mitropoulos. “Plus, if your dog is stressed due to not receiving enough attention because you’re busy mulling over work issues, playing with your pet is a great way to give him the attention he needs while also pulling your mind away from work.” The takeaway is clear: consciously putting work aside when you walk through the door doesn’t just benefit your own health and peace of mind. It also plays a crucial role in prioritizing your pet's mental and emotional well-being, allowing them to truly enjoy the best quality of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Can I Help My Cat Lose Weight?

There’s a silent epidemic quietly impacting countless cats across the United States and throughout the world: pet obesity. It’s a condition that, while seemingly harmless at first glance, can seriously impact your cat’s quality of life and shorten their precious time by your side.If you’re reading this, it’s because you’ve noticed your cat is carrying a few extra pounds as of late, and you’re concerned about the possible impact on their health and well-being. This post will help you understand why your cat’s weight matters, the tangible steps you can take to help them reach a healthy weight, and when to bring your veterinarian into the conversation.Why Your Cat’s Weight MattersIt’s easy to look at a chunky kitty and think they’re simply “cuddly” or “well-fed.” However, what might seem like a bit of extra cushion could also be a sign of a serious health concern. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about a condition where your cat’s excess body weight could negatively impact their health and well-being.So, how can you tell if your cat is carrying too much weight?Beyond just the number on the scale, there are a few visual cues you can watch out for. Ideally, you should be able to feel your cat’s ribs when you gently run your hands along their side (although they should not be noticeably sticking out). Their waist should also be noticeable, tapering slightly behind the ribs when viewed from above.They might be overweight if you can’t feel their ribs or if your cat looks more like a furry loaf than a sleek cat. This is incredibly common, with the 2022 Association for Pet Obesity Prevention survey revealing that 61% of cats are overweight or obese.The Potential Health ProblemsThe consequences of carrying extra weight extend far beyond a less active lifestyle. Obesity can trigger, or significantly contribute to, many serious health problems. Experts warn that this additional weight could impact nearly every system in your cat’s body!DiabetesJust like in humans, obesity in cats significantly increases their risk of developing diabetes. Excess body fat can make a cat’s cells resistant to insulin, the key hormone needed to regulate blood sugar. This means their body struggles to use sugar for energy, leading to high blood sugar levels.If your cat is suffering from diabetes, you may notice they are drinking more, urinating more frequently, eating more, or even losing muscle mass despite eating. More severe cases of diabetes will require lifelong insulin injections to regulate your cat’s blood sugar. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications.OsteoarthritisImagine carrying a heavy backpack all day, every day. That’s essentially what an overweight cat’s joints experience. This excess weight puts immense strain on their bones, joints, and cartilage, leading to inflammation, pain, and the development of osteoarthritis. This can make it painful to jump, climb, or even walk.Signs of arthritis in cats include:Reluctance to moveDifficulty getting up or lying downReduced activity levelsStiffnessSubtle limpThis pain can significantly reduce your cat’s comfort and overall quality of life.Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or Other Urinary IssuesOverweight cats are more likely to develop uncomfortable and potentially dangerous urinary tract problems. Obesity can contribute to inflammation in the bladder, the formation of urinary stones, or even life-threatening blockages, most commonly seen in male cats. Signs to watch out for include straining to pee, frequent trips to the litter box with little or no result, accidents outside the litter box, or crying out in pain while attempting to go.Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis or Fatty Liver Syndrome)This is a particularly serious and potentially life-threatening condition unique to cats, and overweight kitties are at a much higher risk. If an overweight cat suddenly stops eating for even a short period (due to stress, illness, or even an attempt to diet too quickly), their body starts to send its fat reserves to the liver much faster. The liver becomes overwhelmed and can’t process the fat efficiently, leading to liver failure. This is why any sudden loss of appetite, especially in an overweight cat, should be addressed with a vet appointment.Cardiovascular DiseaseCarrying extra weight means your cat’s heart has to work much harder to pump blood throughout their body. This heavy workload can lead to higher blood pressure and, over time, can lead to the development of serious heart conditions, diminishing their cardiovascular health, and potentially shortening their lifespan.Respiratory Problems Just like humans, excess fat in cats can accumulate around their chest and abdomen, restricting the ability of their lungs to expand effectively. This can make breathing difficult, especially during activity or in warm temperatures. You might notice your cat snoring more, breathing heavily after minimal activity, or even showing signs of labored breathing. Reduced Quality of Life and LongevityBeyond specific diseases, an overweight cat is generally less active, less playful, and less able to engage in natural cat behaviors like grooming themselves thoroughly. They might struggle to reach certain areas, leading to matted fur, bald spots, and skin issues. You may not be surprised to hear that research consistently shows that cats who maintain a healthy weight live significantly longer, more comfortable, and more active lives than those who are overweight or obese. Anesthetic and Surgical Risks If your cat ever needs surgery or a dental procedure requiring anesthesia, their weight may pose additional risks. Excess fat can make it more challenging for vets to administer anesthesia safely and accurately, and it can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery due to altered drug metabolism and increased strain on the vital organs.

Bam Bam, the Stolen Support Dog, Reunited with Owner After 2 Months

It’s taken more than two months, but Bam Bam the service dog has been reunited with his family in Chicago. His owner, Angel Santiago, is 58 years old and legally blind, and desperately searched for his missing pooch ever since he went missing. Here are the details.

Why Is Your Cat Suddenly Biting?

Cats are known for their playful, sometimes quirky behavior, but when your normally gentle companion suddenly starts biting, it can be confusing and even concerning. Understanding why this shift happens is the first step toward addressing it. Let’s break it down.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

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