Its important to protect your dog from the elements, such as wind, rain, snow, and even sunshine. Different types of weather bring different considerations on how to keep your dog safe. The length of time you can leave your dog outside greatly relies on the weather. In extreme cold or hot conditions, your dog should be able to seek refuge in your home to balance out the outside temperature. There is nothing wrong with letting an active dog play in the snow for a while if he is able to come in and warm up. Similarly, a dog who enjoys sunbathing should have plenty of access to shade and cold water. Without access to your home, dogs can overheat or even freeze to death.
If your dog must be kept outside for a long period of time, invest in a kennel to give him shelter from weather conditions. Opt for one that is insulated, waterproof, and can be covered to block the suns rays. The kennel doesnt need to be too large, just big enough for your dog to move around comfortably. Keep it stocked with warm blankets in the winter and cool towels in the summer.
Never leave your dog unattended for long periods of time, this includes overnight. If something happens to your dog such as heatstroke or hypothermia, the longer it goes unattended the worse it will be for him. Always check on him to make sure he has enough water and is not exhibiting any signs of health issues.
If you’re keeping a dog outside
A dogs physical, social and behavioural needs are very complex, and meeting these needs can be very hard, if not impossible, for dogs living outside.
We understand that often, owners consider keeping their dogs outdoors because of behavioural problems that may seemingly prevent them from staying indoors. For example, a dog may be destructive or difficult to toilet-train. In such cases, you should talk to your vet to rule out any potential health issues. They may refer your dog to a behavioural expert.
We suggest considering these options first to resolve any issues you may be having with your dog. However, if you do choose to keep a dog outside, always take sensible safety precautions, and be alert to risks that may affect your dog outside.
Here are some things you need to consider:
A suitable outdoor dog kennel – this should be large enough to allow separate sleeping and activity areas. Its very important that your dog can comfortably walk, run and wag their tail within the walls of their kennel, and can play, stand on their hind legs, stretch and lie down without touching another animal or kennel.
Shelter and protection from rain, wind and sunlight – dogs should always be able to move where they feel more comfortable, away from direct sunlight and into the shade. Dog crates are never a suitable permanent environment for your pet.
Temperature and ventilation – heating and/or automatic cooling and ventilation may also be necessary to keep temperatures above 10°C and below 26°C. Heating or cooling systems need to be safe – no trailing cables, for example. We also advise monitoring the temperature daily.
Tethering or restraining dogs – we believe that dogs should not be tethered or chained, except for very short periods, as restraining a dog in this way can lead to injuries and also restrict normal behaviour, which can be very damaging to the dogs wellbeing.
Health and wellbeing needs – provide constant access to clean drinking water and a well-balanced diet. Use a sturdy water bowl and check regularly for refills. We also advise that you check your dog daily for any signs of injury or illness.
Social needs – always make sure your dog is able to behave normally and is provided with the opportunity for daily exercise, play and interaction with animals and people. Making sure your dog has appropriate company is an important consideration for outdoor dogs.
Dont let your dog become lonely or bored, and never leave them alone long enough to become distressed. Signs of a distressed dog included barking, howling or whining excessively, as well as panting, hiding and/or showing aggression.
Make sure they have the proper identification
Just like you, your dog should always have some form of identification with them whenever they go out. Various forms of pet identification include:
Identification tags: Dogs wearing ID tags are immediately recognized as belonging to someone, rather than thought of as strays. Dogs should wear a flat buckle collar at all times with ID tag, city license and rabies tag attached. Petco carries several types of ID tags, including tags that can be engraved.
Microchips: A tiny chip the size and shape of a grain of rice is injected under your dogs skin between the shoulder blades. The number carried by the chip is then registered with the manufacturer, local animal control, a nationwide agency or all three agencies. A chip cannot be lost like a collar. Shelters and veterinarians have scanners that read the number on the chip and can call the registry or manufacturer to get the pet parents name and number. Be sure to change your registration information if you move.
Pet tattoos: Not used as often since the development of microchips, your dog can also be tattooed and registered. Guide Dogs for the Blind puts a tattoo in each ear of their dogs. Tattoos can also be placed on the inside of the dogs rear leg. The drawback to this identification method is that shelter workers or strangers are unlikely to roll the dog over or examine them closely for fear of being bitten. Different registries use various types of numbering systems and often dont cross-register. Numbering systems include the dogs AKC registration number, a phone number or a number given by the registry.
Man finds innovative, safe way to keep outdoor pets warm