An Important Question for Working Dog Parents: Can Pugs Be Left Alone?

Can pugs be left alone for more than 8 hours? As an owner, you want to know what your dog feels when you’re not around.

What are the implications of separation on your dog?

Dogs can differ with how they handle separation, but as an owner, you should also know better. In this post, we would like to give you helpful advice on how to solve separation anxiety issues with pugs.

Pugs are very compassionate animals. They love being with their owners. They feel calmer when they know their owners are around in whatever shape or form. This might give you some worries in case you may have upcoming long trips. 

If you want to prepare your beloved pet to become strong and independent, then read on! You’d be surprised to know that the smallest things can make a big difference.

Signs That Your Pug Has Separation Anxiety

It can be challenging to find out if your pug has separation anxiety. Pugs and other breeds tend to exhibit these signs when they’re completely alone. You can see a glimpse of it when you’re on the verge of leaving.

  • Pugs show separation anxiety through aggressive chewing. This is a way for the dogs to soothe themselves.
  • Pugs can be restless. Dogs exhibit this through repetitive behavior or compulsive pacing.
  • Pugs will start barking or whining in an excessive manner. Dogs will still do this even if they exhaust themselves.
  • Pugs can also show signs of depression. Their depression doesn’t only happen when the owner leaves them alone. This is also reflected in the dog’s behavior even when they’re finally with their human.
  • Excessive self-licking and drooling is also a sign of separation anxiety in pugs. They may have stress and an elevated heart rate as the reason why they do this. Self-licking is also believed to be part of self-soothing.

How Long Can You Leave Your Trained Pugs?

When a pug has been house trained, they will be good on their own for 8-10 hours a day. You will be able to go to your 9-to-5 job and come in time to pet your fur baby.

Of course, you need to bear in mind that pugs also have different temperaments.

Try to consider if your pet is calm or anxious when left on their own. You can always choose to adjust the length of time that you spend away from them.

Your Pug’s Age Will Affect His Level of Separation Anxiety

Training your pet at an early age will do wonders when they grow up. When you still have a puppy, it could get messy once you leave them alone for extended periods of time. For one, puppies can’t hold their bowel movements very well.

Adult pugs are less handful when left alone. Given that you’ve already trained them since they were puppies, they will only wait for you to come home. Pugs are not as energetic as some sports dogs which is why it will be fine in chilling out all day.

Other Options When You Need to Leave Your Pet Pug Alone Longer Than Usual

You might find yourself on constant trips. This might send you to look for alternatives in caring for your pet. Check out our tested options that will reduce your dog’s separation anxiety.

Stay at Home as Much as You Can

Is it easier said than done? You can find small ways that let you spend time with your pug. It’s better when you work near home. You can, at least, make an appearance once a day. It would be a good idea to come by at lunch or if you have a break time at work.

This helps your pug see break the long wait. Take your short appearance as an opportunity to eat with your dog. You can let them out of the pet gate or check if they need to relieve themselves.

Consider Enrolling Your Pug in a Doggie Daycare

Doggie daycare services vary from one place to another. Before you pick one, make sure that the place has a clean facility and that the dogs are safe and secure in the area. If you’re worried about leaving your dog in another place, get pet insurance.

Even if you can only send your pug to the daycare once or twice a week, it can help relieve them of loneliness. Your dog can interact with other dogs, start playing, and occupy themselves while you’re not at home.

Get a Dog Sitter

This is one of the best choices that you can make. Hire someone that you can trust with your pet. May it be a family member, an old friend, a neighbor, at least you leave them with someone that you know. If you have friends that are dog lovers, then you can consider hiring them to sit for your pug.

If ever you don’t know anyone, you can always look online or through other references, such as your friend or next-door neighbor. When you do find a prospect, interview the dog sitter or ask for credentials. Know the candidate before you hire him or her. It’s also best when your pug himself likes the sitter.

Show Your Pug That You Care for Him

Armed with solid information, are you still thinking, can pugs be left alone for a long time? Yes, they can as long as you know what steps you need to take. Let your pug be the smart and confident dog that he is!

About the author

Sarah Andrews

Hi I'm Sarah, dog lover and blogger. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community.