Dr. Mark is a veterinarian. He has over 40 years of experience working with dogs.
Some dogs can spend up to 12 hours outside at a time if they have access to water and shade.
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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.
How Long Can I Keep My Dog Outside When It’s Hot Out?
“I have a lab mix rescue dog that I got when he was about 6 weeks old. She turned a year old on March 1st. I have worked remotely since early 2020. Now they are calling us back 2 days a week. I would have to leave her outside for roughly 11–12 hours a day, two days a week, as the drive takes an hour and fifteen minutes one way with no traffic, followed by an eight-hour workday.
I have no close relatives, I can’t leave her inside for that long, and I can’t afford to board her two days a week. Although she has a lovely dog house and a small swimming pool, I am terrified to leave her outside. Today its 97˚F with a heat advisory. Were in west Tennessee. Will being outside in the heat hurt her? —JoAnn
Pay attention to its health and age:
Remember that puppies and older dogs may not be able to handle drastic temperature changes or inclement weather if you want to take them outside. If in doubt, consult your vet.
While some breeds tolerate cooler temperatures very well (e. g. Leonbergers and Bernese Mountain Dogs), others are more vulnerable. This is especially true for thin, short-haired dogs like greyhounds.
FAQ
Is it okay for my dog to be outside all day?
In the end, if you believe that leaving your dog outside all day will benefit it, then yes. But it’s also acceptable if you’d prefer your pet to stay home while you’re gone.
How long is it okay for a dog to stay outside?
While small puppies can spend a few hours outside in temperatures between 60oF and 90oF, Dr. Wooten.
Is it cruel to leave dogs outside?
While keeping a pet outside in good weather is not cruel, dogs are pack animals that benefit from companionship and proximity to their owners. Therefore, it makes sense that they will be happiest when they are with their family. A dog that is only allowed outside is socially isolated and may howl or bark out of loneliness.
Is it OK to leave dog in backyard while at work?
If left outside all day or while you’re at work, bored dogs will eventually find something to do, which is never a good idea. So hang out with your dog and prevent unwanted behavior. Never leave your dog outside unattended as even a little bit of prevention can prevent hours of changing behavior.