For many pet owners, the decision of whether or not to keep their dog outside can be a difficult one. While certain breeds may be more suited to living outdoors, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and rewards of doing so. Keeping a dog outdoors can be beneficial in some situations, such as providing additional space and exercise. However, there are also potential risks, such as exposure to extreme temperatures and dangerous wildlife. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to keep a dog outdoors needs to be made with thoughtful consideration of the pet’s safety and wellbeing. In this blog post, we will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of keeping a dog outside and offer some best practices for doing so. We will also examine the various considerations for pet owners who are debating whether or not to keep their pup outdoors.
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As soon as you reach for their leashes or open the back door, dogs begin to exhibit an unmistakable twinkle in their eyes. That’s because they are aware that they will soon be taking advantage of the fresh air and sunshine. Dogs, after all, have an endless supply of interesting smells to track down when they’re outside, squirrels to chase, sunny patches to relax in, and, of course, stinky mud puddles to roll around in.
Despite the fact that dogs enjoy being outside, it’s best to bring them inside before bed to spend time with your family. But if it’s hot or cold outside, you might be wondering how long you can leave your dog outside without risking harm. The solution is a little trickier than you might think and depends on the requirements, health, and breed of your particular dog. Here, we look at how to know when to bring your dog inside after a day of outdoor play.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and their breed can influence how long you can leave them outside without fear. While smaller, single-coated, and hairless dogs can spend more time outside on sunny days but not in the cold, larger dogs with thick coats may enjoy outdoor romps for longer periods in chilly temperatures.
While small puppies can spend a few hours outside in temperatures between 60oF and 90oF, Dr. Wooten.
Due to their thick double coats, medium to large dog breeds like the Siberian Husky, Samoyed, Malamute, Newfoundland, and Bernese Mountain Dog can withstand extremely cold temperatures. As a result, they can spend up to an hour outdoors in temperatures below 32 °F, according to Dr Wooten. As long as they are acclimated, healthy arctic breeds can remain outside in the cold for an unlimited amount of time.
“The long guard hairs that form the outer layer of fur protect against snow or ice and can even shed water; the soft undercoat lies close to the skin and keeps a dog warm and dry,” says Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, Lead Trainer & Behavior Specialist for Dog Savvy Los Angeles. While these double-coated dogs shed their undercoats in the summer to stay cooler, don’t leave them out for long in very warm temperatures above 90ºF.
Livestock-guarding breeds, who are typically medium to large in size can stay out for longer spans of time when the weather is temperate, between 60ºF and 90ºF, especially if they have a job to keep them busy, recommends dog trainer Danielle Mühlenberg of Pawleaks.
If you’re keeping a dog outside
Meeting a dog’s complex physical, social, and behavioral needs can be difficult, if not impossible, for dogs who live outside.
We comprehend that dog owners frequently think about letting their dogs out because of behavioral issues that might appear to prevent them from staying inside. For instance, a dog might be destructive or challenging to housebreak. You should consult your veterinarian in these circumstances to rule out any potential health issues. They may refer your dog to a behavioural expert.
To solve any problems you might be having with your dog, we advise you to first take a look at these options. However, if you do decide to keep a dog outside, always exercise caution and be aware of potential hazards that could harm your dog.
Here are some things you need to consider:
Never leave your dog alone for a long enough period of time to cause them to become depressed or lonely. Excessive barking, howling, or whining, as well as panting, hiding, and/or aggressive behavior, are all indications that a dog is in distress.
Think About Basic Human Needs. Dogs Need Them Too!
Humans have three basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Keeping a dog outside, depending on how long they are kept outside, could potentially deprive them of all these basic needs, which are actually quite similar to those of your dog. Even though you might believe that a dog should naturally live outside, keep in mind that an outdoor shelter most likely won’t come close to matching the safety of keeping your dog inside.
FAQ
Is it okay to leave your dog outside?
Many pet owners believe their dogs would rather play outside by themselves, but that isn’t always the case. The short answer is no; never leave your dog unattended outside.
How long is it safe to leave a dog outside?
While small puppies can spend a few hours outside in temperatures between 60oF and 90oF, Dr. Wooten.