How Long Can Pomeranians Be Left Alone?

Want to know how long a Pomeranian can be left alone? 

Perfect! You’ve come to the right place.

Pomeranians may have an independent streak and robust personalities allowing them to be left longer than most other breeds. 

But too long or too young will increase the risk of unwanted accidents or emotional damage. 

image of pomeranian in funny yellow smiley face costume

In this DigDoggy.com guide, you’ll learn:

  • The max amount of time you can leave a Pomeranian alone 
  • Potential dangers of leaving this breed alone 
  • Tips for keeping your dog safe when out 

And much more! 

What's In This Guide?

      How Long Can Pomeranians Be Left Alone?

      Pomeranians are fiercely independent as soon as they become adults. Many of these dogs can enjoy their own company without issues, but how long is too long?

      Below is a guide with the ages and times of how long you can safely leave your Pom.

      Pomeranian Puppies

      Young puppies should never be left alone regardless of the breed, especially those aged five months and below.

      At this point, your Pom has yet to learn how to eliminate in the right place and your presence is vital so that he can be praised and rewarded.

      Age Max. Time Left Alone
      8 to 10 weeks 1 hour
      2 to 3 weeks 2 hours
      6 to 11 months 4 hours

      If you have to leave your puppy the entire day for work, you only have two options: hire a nanny or enroll him in doggie daycare.

      Adults

      A healthy adult Pom can be left alone for six hours.

      Age Max. Time Left Alone
      12 months + 6 to 8 hours

      A well-trained canine is self-aware regarding when and where he should eliminate, but you should never leave your dog alone longer than he can control his bladder.

      Seniors 

      Six hours is the maximum time allowed to leave a senior Pom, given that your pooch is free of illnesses that require immediate human intervention.

      Age Max. Time Left Alone
      7 years 6 hours
      9 years 4 hours
      10 – 12 years 2 hours

      Aside from age, your dog’s health condition will determine how long your Pomeranian can be left alone. You may need to reduce the hours as your pooch ages.

      What Should You Know About Leaving A Pomeranian Alone?

      You might assume feeding toy breeds is a cinch, but that is not always the case.

      The Pomeranian is susceptible to hypoglycemia and the risk is even greater for puppies. Tiny dogs like the Pom don’t have adequate fat reserves to compensate when their sugar levels drop.

      To minimize the risk of a hypoglycemic episode happening, it is crucial that you feed your pooch little and often. Now the question, how do you do that when you are away?

      I suggest using a dog food dispenser with portion control and a built-in programmable timer.

      As for the exact amount of food to be given, the vet is your guy. The quantity shall be based upon your dog’s age, weight, metabolism, and activity level. 

      Typically, the recommended daily amount for an adult Pomeranian is between ¼ to ½ cup of high-quality kibble.

      What Are The Signs That Your Pomeranian Cannot Be Left Alone?

      The Pomeranian is among those breeds that are content with snacking, walking around the house, and looking at birds out the window while waiting for you to be back home.

      Unfortunately, this is not always the case for all Poms.

      There is a high percentage of adopted Poms experiencing separation anxiety and this is more than just your pooch missing you.

      Indicators that your Pomeranian has separation anxiety include: 

      • Overreaction to your routine
      • Excessive licking
      • Destructive chewing
      • Nervously pacing back and forth
      • Uncontrolled urination or defecation

      Each Pom is different. Symptoms usually manifest as soon as dogs see their owners getting ready to leave while others are fine for one or two hours before the fear kicks in.

      Senior Poms may also face separation anxiety due to their health conditions. Impaired sight and hearing loss, both of which are common problems with age, also amplify their separation anxiety.

      What Affects The Length Of Time You Can Leave A Pomeranian? 

      Age

      Puppies cannot hold their tiny bladder for too long and when nature calls, their owners should be there to provide the necessary training.

      The good news is that Pomeranians are incredibly smart. On average, it only takes two months for a Pomeranian pup to become fully housetrained.

      But if you really have to leave your pup, then it is imperative that you avail yourself of pet care services. Someone should train your Pom and provide early socialization.

      Presence of Other Dogs

      Having a canine playmate comes with a boatload of benefits for your Pomeranian. While the allowed time to leave an adult Pom is six hours, you can stretch this out a bit more if he has a playmate.

      The greatest advantage to having another pooch is that it reduces separation anxiety as the two doggos will keep each other company and provide each other with emotional support.

      Ideally, you should stick with a canine playmate that is of a similar size to your Pomeranian.

      How Does Leaving A Pomeranian Compare With Leaving Other Breeds Alone?

      If you are considering pairing up with your Pom with another pooch, you might want to refer to this table. “Alone but not lonely” seems to be the mantra of the majority of these pooches. 

      Dog Breed Max. Time Left Alone Dominant Traits
      Chow Chow 8 to 9 hours Independent, aloof, quiet
      Chihuahua 8 to 9 hours Independent, courageous, quick
      Pomeranian 6 to 8 hours Willful, active, alert
      Maltese 6 to 8 hours Easygoing, fearless, gentle
      Whippet 7 to 8 hours Passive, patient, gentle
      Miniature Schnauzer 7 to 8 hours Fearless, alert, spirited
      French Bulldog 3 to 4 hours Alert, patient, easygoing
      Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 3 to 4 hours Adaptable, patient, graceful

      Final Thoughts On How Long Can Pomeranians Be Left Alone 

      We cannot be with our beloved pets 100% of the time despite wanting to do so. Fortunately, the Pomeranian is a dog breed suitable for someone who works all day.

      An adult Pomeranian can be left alone for six to eight hours, provided that you have prepared for the day. Puppies, on the other hand, should never be left to their own devices.

      These mischievous furballs are also prone to fatal accidents.

      Don’t leave your dog for more than the maximum hours. Bear in mind; dogs are pack animals. Water and food can run out. Waste will accumulate in your pooch’s designated area.

      Lara Writes

      Lara Writes

      Lara, a.k.a Alpha Mama, is a great dancer and belter singer, although the world tells her otherwise. However, her greatest pleasure is working with animals. If the Alpha Mama is not being delusional, she manages to create informative articles and clear-cut buying guides. She also likes to share her personal experiences that may ignite your soul or possibly change your life!

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      Lara Writes

      Lara Writes

      Lara, a.k.a Alpha Mama, is a great dancer and belter singer, although the world tells her otherwise. However, her greatest pleasure is working with animals. If the Alpha Mama is not being delusional, she manages to create informative articles and clear-cut buying guides. She also likes to share her personal experiences that may ignite your soul or possibly change your life!

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