Have you ever looked into those puppy dog eyes as you’re heading out the door and felt that twinge of guilt? I definitely have! As I grab my keys and my dog Baxter gives me that look, I often wonder if he’s gonna be lonely all day without me. If you’ve ever asked yourself “do dogs get lonely during the day?” – you’re not alone.
The short answer is yes, dogs absolutely can feel lonely when left home alone during the day. But don’t worry – I’ve got some practical solutions that have worked wonders for my fur baby that might help yours too!
Do Dogs Really Experience Loneliness?
Dogs are pack animals by nature. They’ve evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, forming deep bonds with us. According to Dr. Kathryn Dench, chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins, dogs definitely experience loneliness when home alone – though not exactly the same way we do.
Instead of feeling existential about being alone dogs express their loneliness through behaviors and body language. Their social needs are real and regular interactions with their favorite humans actually helps decrease their cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone).
Think about it – when you come home after a long day, your dog probably acts like they haven’t seen you in YEARS, not hours! There’s a reason for that excitement.
7 Signs Your Dog Might Be Lonely During the Day
How can you tell if your pup is suffering from loneliness when you’re not around? Both Dr. Dench and Dr. Alex Crow (founder of Pet Health Guru) point to these common indicators:
- Excessive barking, howling or whining – especially when you’re not home
- Destructive behaviors – like chewing furniture, digging through trash, or destroying shoes
- Depression symptoms – seeming lethargic or losing interest in activities they usually enjoy
- Shadowing you – following you from room to room when you ARE home
- Changes in appetite – either eating less than normal or eating at unusual times
- Potty accidents – even in well-trained dogs
- Excessive greeting – over-the-top excitement when you return home
My dog Baxter started showing some of these signs last year. I’d come home to find pillow stuffing all over the living room and neighbors complaining about his afternoon “concerts” (constant howling). That’s when I knew I needed to make some changes.
Which Dog Breeds Get Lonelier Than Others?
Interestingly, not all dogs experience loneliness with the same intensity. Dr. Dench explains that a dog’s breed and individual personality greatly impact their social needs.
Highly sociable breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies typically require more interaction compared to more independent breeds like Chow Chows. If you have a “velcro dog” breed that was specifically bred to work closely with humans, they’re more likely to struggle with alone time.
How Long Can Dogs Be Left Alone?
One question I get a lot from fellow dog parents is “how long is too long?” The answer varies depending on your dog’s:
- Age (puppies need more frequent breaks)
- Activity level
- Personality
- Bladder control
As a general guideline:
- Puppies under 5 months: Should not be alone more than 3-4 hours (they need frequent potty breaks!)
- Adult dogs: Most can handle 6-8 hours alone, though 4-6 hours is ideal
- Senior dogs: May need more frequent breaks, similar to puppies
My Baxter is an adult Lab mix, and I’ve found his sweet spot is about 6 hours. Anything longer and I come home to “surprises.”
7 Effective Ways to Help Your Lonely Dog
The good news is there are TONS of ways to help your pup feel less lonely when you’re away. Here are seven strategies that have worked for me and many other dog parents:
1. Hire a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
“Arranging for a pet sitter or a midday dog walker can significantly break the monotony of a long day alone,” says Dr. Dench. This gives your dog a bathroom break, some exercise, and social interaction right in the middle of the day.
I started using a dog walker who comes at noon three days a week, and the difference in Baxter’s behavior has been amazing! No more destroyed pillows!
2. Try Doggy Daycare
Doggy daycare is a fantastic option for social dogs. Your pup gets to play with other dogs all day, burn off energy, and receive attention from the staff. Many facilities even have webcams so you can check in on your furry friend throughout the day.
Just make sure to choose a reputable facility with proper supervision, safety protocols, and positive reviews.
3. Provide Engaging Toys and Puzzles
Interactive toys can keep your dog’s mind occupied when you’re gone. Some excellent options include:
- Puzzle toys that dispense treats
- Kong toys filled with frozen peanut butter
- Snuffle mats that hide treats
- Battery-operated toys that move unpredictably
- Chew toys appropriate for your dog’s chew strength
I rotate Baxter’s toys weekly so he doesn’t get bored with them. His favorite is definitely the frozen Kong – it keeps him busy for at least 30 minutes after I leave.
4. Set Up a Pet Camera
Interactive pet cameras like the Furbo or Petcube let you check in on your dog and even interact with them throughout the day. Some cameras allow you to:
- Talk to your dog
- Dispense treats remotely
- Play games
- Get alerts if your dog is barking excessively
“These devices can provide a sense of your presence and comfort your dog,” says Dr. Crow. I installed one last year, and being able to toss Baxter a treat when he’s looking sad has been a game-changer.
5. Maximize Quality Time When You’re Home
Make the most of the time you DO have with your dog. Before you leave for work, try to:
- Take them for a morning walk or run
- Play an engaging game like fetch or tug
- Practice some training (mental stimulation is tiring!)
- Give them lots of affection
A tired dog is usually a happy dog. Baxter gets a 30-minute walk every morning, and it helps him settle down when I leave.
6. Create a Comfortable Space
Design a cozy area just for your dog while you’re gone. This might include:
- A comfortable bed or crate with familiar smells
- Soft blankets they can burrow in
- Background noise like a TV or radio
- Natural light from a window with an interesting view
Some dogs feel secure in a properly introduced crate, while others prefer free range of a dog-proofed room.
7. Consider a Second Pet
For some dogs, having a canine companion can help alleviate loneliness. However, this is a big decision that shouldn’t be made lightly.
“Some dogs might thrive with another pet, while for others, it could lead to increased stress or jealousy,” Dr. Dench explains.
Consider your dog’s temperament, your living situation, and whether you’re prepared for the responsibility of another pet before making this decision.
Training Your Dog to Enjoy Alone Time
Believe it or not, dogs can actually learn to enjoy (or at least tolerate) being alone! The key is gradual desensitization:
- Start by leaving your dog alone for just a few minutes
- Give them a special treat or toy ONLY when you leave
- Return before they get anxious
- Gradually increase the time you’re gone
- Don’t make a big deal about departures or arrivals
With consistency, many dogs learn that alone time isn’t scary and can even mean special treats!
When to Worry: Separation Anxiety vs. Normal Loneliness
There’s a difference between a dog who gets a little lonely and one who has true separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a serious condition where dogs become extremely distressed when left alone.
Signs of separation anxiety include:
- Destructive behavior specifically aimed at exit points (doors/windows)
- Self-injury from escape attempts
- Excessive drooling or panting
- Refusing to eat when alone
- Elimination in the house only when left alone
- Extreme panic within minutes of your departure
If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety rather than normal loneliness, please consult with your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist. They may recommend behavior modification protocols or even medication in severe cases.
The Bottom Line: Finding Balance
The truth is, most dogs will experience some degree of loneliness when left alone during the day – it’s perfectly normal. The key is finding the right balance between your work responsibilities and your dog’s needs.
By implementing some of the strategies above, you can help ensure your furry friend stays happy and content even when you can’t be there. Remember, every dog is different, so you might need to try several approaches before finding what works best for your particular pup.
I’ve personally found that a combination of morning exercise, interactive toys, a midday dog walker, and an interactive camera has worked wonders for Baxter. The destructive behavior has stopped, and he seems genuinely content when I get home – tired but happy, not frantic.
What about you? Have you found any creative solutions for keeping your dog company during the day? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Remember, a little effort goes a long way in keeping our furry friends happy when we can’t be there. After all, they give us their whole hearts – the least we can do is make sure their days aren’t too lonely when we’re away!
Common signs of loneliness in dogs
There are several signs which could indicate loneliness in dogs, some of which you might have noticed but not given a second thought. All dogs are different, so whilst one dog might display all of the below signs, others might only show one. Some signs are obvious and others are subtle. Here are some of the most common signs to look out for.
This is one of the most obvious signs that your dog might feel lonely when left alone. You might notice that your dog displays destructive behaviour, or distressed vocalisation such as barking, whining or howling when you try to leave without them. Some dogs might even go to the toilet in the house, as a sign of anxiety.
Usually, licking can be taken as a sign that your dog loves you! However, when licking either themselves, you or other objects becomes excessive, this can mean that they might be feeling anxious. If your dog shows this behaviour just before or after you leave them at home alone, it could be a sign of separation anxiety and loneliness while you’re out.
Some dogs follow their owners around the house constantly. Some might even sit outside the bathroom door whining! Dogs with separation anxiety or loneliness issues often do this as they are scared of being left alone. There are dogs that might do this all of the time, and others only when they sense you’re about to leave.
An anxious dog is less likely to have a normal appetite. Much like we do when we feel scared or nervous, dogs can have the same feelings, putting them off their food. For example, if you leave for work every day in the morning, your dog will soon learn that routine. Unfortunately, this might lead to them refusing their breakfast due to their anxious feelings about you leaving them.
The hard part: leaving them at home
I always find it so hard leaving my dogs behind, after all, they’re a part of the family. But sadly, our dogs can’t accompany us everywhere we go, and often this means leaving them at home.
Some independent dogs cope well with being left alone. Others can find it stressful, especially when we first step out and close the door, they have this particular look that fills us with guilt. You might wonder how our dogs feel during the time they’re left at home. Do dogs experience emotions like we do? Do they feel sad when we leave them, or more specifically: do they experience loneliness?
I’ve learnt so much from my pack over the years, and understanding their behaviour has helped me care for them more than I could before. This blog will aim to provide you with information about how dogs feel emotions, particularly loneliness. I hope that passing on my own experiences and knowledge will help you to understand your dog even more. This will also enhance and strengthen the bond you already have.
Well, as it turns out, dogs are very emotional animals. A dog’s emotional range is similar to a child’s. They can ‘tell’ us how they are feeling through body language, or by displaying certain behaviours.
Many dogs display signs of anxiety and nervousness when we leave the house, and greet us with wagging tails and excitement when we return. So it can be assumed that they must be miserable when we’re gone. However, I think it’s important to note that dogs can still feel lonely even if we are present. This is especially true if they are the only dog or animal in the household.
Although this thought might be sad, don’t worry! There are signals to look out for and even more techniques that you can use to combat loneliness.
Explaining How To Fix Separation Anxiety With Your Dog
FAQ
Do dogs feel lonely?
Most would say a definite yes! However, it’s difficult to determine exactly which emotions dogs can feel. Most of us who own dogs will be adamant that our pets can feel happy, sad, excited…. even guilty, embarrassed, smug or proud! But do they feel lonely? Do those in single-dog households feel sad because of their solitary state?
Do dogs get lonely when Home Alone?
Yes, dogs experience loneliness when home alone, says Kathryn Dench, DVM, chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins. However, they don’t get lonely the same way we do. Instead, they show us they’re lonely through their body language and unique expressions. Recognize the signs below if you’re concerned that your dog may be lonely.
Do dogs get lonely if they play with other dogs?
Playing or cuddling with us decreases their cortisol levels, aka the “stress hormone.” As pack animals, dogs also need play time with other dogs to ease stress, fight boredom, and practice good social skills. So, if your dog doesn’t meet these social needs by interacting with humans and other dogs, do they get lonely?
What does it mean if a dog is lonely?
A lonely dog is a bored dog. These pups make their own fun through destructive behaviors like rooting through the garbage or eating your underwear. Depression. Your dog may act more subdued, lethargic, or lose interest in their favorite activities and games. Following you. Dogs love to play follow-the-leader with you.
Can dogs forget their loneliness?
Some dogs may be able to forget their loneliness when they have something fun to do. So, Dr. Crow suggests filling your home with interactive items like puzzle toys, battery toys, and fun toys they can play with alone. “These toys can be filled with treats or kibble, encouraging your dog to work for their reward,” he says.
How do you know if a dog is lonely?
Signs of Loneliness: A lonely dog may exhibit behaviors such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or withdrawal. They might also show signs of anxiety when left alone.
How long does 1 hour feel to a dog?
Is my dog lonely during the day?
Dogs can experience loneliness when their owners are away, as they are social animals that thrive on companionship. While they do sleep a lot–often around 12-14 hours a day–especially when left alone, this behavior can also indicate boredom or a lack of stimulation rather than just a simple need for rest.
What is the 3-3-3 rule with dogs?
The “3-3-3 Rule” for dogs is a general guideline for the adoption and adjustment period of a new rescue dog, suggesting it takes 3 days for a dog to decompress and feel somewhat safe, 3 weeks to learn and settle into the new routine, and 3 months to fully feel comfortable, bonded, and at home. This framework helps set realistic expectations for new owners, emphasizing patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help the dog build trust and confidence in its new environment.