Is It Normal for Dogs to Sleep All Day When Left Alone While Their Owner Works Long Shifts?

Short answer

Why people ask this

People who work 8–12 hour shifts often notice their dog seems to sleep the entire time they’re gone. They want to know if that shut-eye is normal downtime or a sign of stress from long periods alone. Dogs can nap 12–18 hours a day depending on age and breed, so daytime sleep isn’t automatically bad. The context—walks, enrichment, bathroom breaks, and how the dog behaves before and after the shift—matters most.

When it might be safe

• An adult, low- to moderate-energy dog that gets a solid walk/play session before and after a 9–10 hour shift and settles calmly when you leave
• A well-crate-trained or mat-trained dog that treats the space as a den and rotates between naps and quiet chews
• A routine that includes at least one reliable midday potty break via walker, neighbor, or timed building service
• A dog that eats, drinks, and eliminates normally, shows relaxed body language on a pet cam, and greets you without frantic or destructive behavior
• Breeds known for laid-back temperaments (e.g., greyhounds, basset hounds) that commonly snooze when unstimulated

When it is not safe

• Puppies under ~6 months or seniors who cannot comfortably hold urine for the full length of a long shift
• A sudden increase in sleeping paired with lethargy, appetite changes, limping, or disorientation after you start longer shifts
• Destructive chewing, excessive vocalizing, pacing, or drooling captured on a camera—signs of separation-related distress, not healthy rest
• Consistently holding urine for 10–12 hours, accidents in the home, or refusal to drink while alone
• Crating beyond recommended durations (generally >6–8 hours for most adults) without a stretch/potty break

Possible risks

• Physical deconditioning, weight gain, and stiffness from long daily inactivity during extended work shifts
• Urinary tract issues or discomfort from repeatedly holding urine too long without a midday break
• Escalation of separation anxiety if the dog is distressed and left without enrichment or gradual training
• Boredom-induced behaviors (chewing, digging, excessive licking) once you return from a long day
• Missed early signs of illness when the dog’s increased sleep is attributed only to being left alone

Safer alternatives

• Schedule a dependable midday dog walker or neighbor check-in for potty, movement, and a short sniff walk
• Use doggy daycare 1–3 days per week to balance social time with at-home rest on other days
• Add pre-shift exercise plus puzzle feeders, lick mats, or long-lasting safe chews to create calm enrichment while you’re gone
• Set up a pet camera to assess whether your dog is truly resting vs. anxious, then adjust routine accordingly
• Stagger household schedules, consider partial work-from-home blocks, or arrange a lunch break visit for relief

Bottom line

Many dogs will nap most of the day when left alone during long shifts, but it’s only healthy if bathroom needs, enrichment, and exercise are met and your dog is relaxed on camera. Build in a potty/movement break, give pre- and post-shift activity, and watch for stress or health changes—those mean the current setup isn’t working.

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