Are you worried about keeping your dog outside? As long as you create a suitable living space for your dog, they should be able to adapt to outdoor living. While it’s always best to keep your dog indoors where he or she can maintain a close relationship with the family, they can live outdoors successfully. Below, you’ll learn some of the best things you can do to keep your dog comfortable and safe outdoors.
A lot of people may look at keeping their dogs outside if they have behavioural issues. Whether your dog is constantly barking or if they are displaying destructive habits, it’s best to try to consult with a vet beforehand. Another thing you can do is look for protection dogs for sale. These dogs are trained by experts and well disciplined. Some of these issues could be a result of health issues or something else. They may even guide you towards an expert in the field.
However, if you’ve tried other options and you are still needing to place your dog outside, you’ll want to take some precautions. If you are keeping your dog outside, you will need to consider the following:
Getting a Kennel
One of the most important things you need to do when you are allowing your dog to stay outside is to buy or build them a suitable kennel that offers enough insulation to keep them warm. It can get very cold at night. Because of this, you need to find a kennel that has enough insulation to keep them warm. You also want the kennel to be large enough to allow them to not only sleep but also to play and walk around. You want your dog to have sufficient space to walk and run around within their kennel because they’ll need to burn off some energy. If they feel too cramped, they can get stressed and act out.
Shelter and Protection
The kennel you get needs to offer shelter and protection from the elements. Dogs need to be able to get away from the sun when it’s too hot. They should also be able to get cosy in a space that is warm when it gets too cold outside. You shouldn’t be relying on dog crates as a permanent solution for your dog’s living space.
Temperature and Ventilation
Another thing that you need to factor into the equation is the temperature and the ventilation of the kennel. You need to ensure that they are completely comfortable at all times. You may need to invest in an external heating solution if the temperature is above 26 degrees celsius. Likewise, you need to keep an eye on the temperature to ensure they aren’t getting too hot or too cold.
Restraining
No dog should be chained or restrained for long periods. If you plan on doing this, ensure you are only doing it for a limited time and only if necessary. These things can lead to injuries and they can make your dog feel uncomfortable. This can damage your dog’s mental wellbeing.
Health Concerns
When you are looking to house your dog outside, you need to think about its health and wellbeing. This means giving them constant access to clean drinking water and food that delivers them the nutrients they need. Because it’ll be outside, you’ll want to provide them with a clean stainless steel water bowl that won’t tip over. You also want to check the bowl regularly to ensure it’s always full. You should be checking your dog daily to ensure they don’t have sustained injuries from being outside or from another animal or pest.
Social Needs
This is one of the main reasons it’s not recommended to leave your dog outside alone for longer periods. Your dog needs to interact with other animals and humans. You need to schedule some time where you will go out and play with your dog and allow your dog to interact with other dogs. This can ensure that they are well socialised and they continue to have good mental health. If your dog gets too bored, they will act out and they can become increasingly stressed. If your dog begins showing signs of aggression or if they are barking too much, it could signify they are stressed. As a side point if you the Bourthmouth area and have had a pet pass away recently take a look at ‘pet cremation Bournemouth‘.
Are You Still Worried About Keeping Your Dog Outside?
While it’s not ideal, there is plenty that can be done to improve the living conditions of a dog outside. It’s your responsibility as a dog owner to ensure you are meeting the needs of your dog. While every situation is unique, there is usually plenty that can be done to allow your dog to sleep indoors. However, if your dog must sleep outside, you’ll want to use the tips above to keep them healthy and happy.
Also read WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN YOUR CAREER IN DIGITAL DESIGN
