The mental health challenges of living alone
An important distinction exists between loneliness and social isolation. Loneliness refers to an emotional state of feeling disconnected from other people, while social isolation refers to physical separation from other people. While social isolation doesn’t necessarily cause negative emotional states like loneliness, prolonged social isolation – which can transpire if you live alone – can lead to loneliness. Loneliness is a distressing and difficult emotional state that can have significant effects on mental health and can escalate into experiences of depression and even suicidal ideation.
One of the most significant ways to combat loneliness is to engage in healthy relationships – specifically ones that include in-person interaction. This obviously takes more effort for those who live alone. While interacting with friends and family outside the home is one way of compensating for the social isolation created by living alone, adding a pet to a living space is another way of creating opportunities for embodied, relational connections.
No matter how often you’re in the house, your dog will appreciate having a schedule. Whenever you come home, reward your dog with a walk or any other kind of outdoor activity. Not only is it healthy for your dog, it’s also beneficial for you to get some fresh air and exercise. You’ll be strengthening your bond with your dog at the same time.
Adopting a dog when living alone, whether permanently or temporarily, can make your days feel brighter and provide you with comfort during difficult times. Being alone can make taking care of any animal more difficult, especially a pet that needs more supervision—like a dog. Dogs require constant attention, especially as puppies. Educating yourself on how to care for a dog when you live alone is essential, whether you’re new to dog care or have had dogs your whole life.
Dogs can’t go with you everywhere. Make sure you know where to keep your dog when you leave for a trip or vacation. Leave your furry friend with a trusted friend or family member while you’re away or consider boarding your dog at a local dog hotel. Always research dog hotels and daycares before signing up, and learn how to make the boarding transition go smoothly. Solving separation anxiety can be one of the most difficult parts of tackling how to care for a dog when you live alone, since your dog has no other outlet for socialization. Train your dog to be able to handle separation before you leave for a long trip.
The age of the dog matters too, and older dogs deserve happy homes just like puppies do. Rescuing an older dog lets you skip the troublesome puppy days and instantly enjoy the lazy dog days. Many people overlook middle-aged dogs in shelters or adoption centers in favor of cute puppies. Even a dog as young as three years old can be overlooked and left in the shelter for long periods. Older dogs are just as loving as puppies are.
Familiarizing yourself with different breeds of dogs and their needs is important when deciding on a new furry friend. Specific breeds require different levels of activity—and sometimes enjoy certain types of weather in particular. Huskies, for example, love winter and snow and are very active dogs. A high-energy dog is more likely to get into trouble while you’re away at work or when they get bored. Try to get a low-energy dog that can handle being alone, like a Labrador.
Is it cruel to crate a dog while at work?
Leaving a puppy alone in crate while at work is unacceptable. As a rule of thumb, you can leave a puppy in a crate for a maximum of 5 hours straight ONLY, depending on their age. Adult dogs can handle up to 8 hours of confinement, but it shouldn’t be an everyday thing.