Inside
or Outside?
Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies
When you first plan to buy or own a dog or puppy
it is important to match the dog or puppy to the type of environment
you want to keep them in as well as the temperament and overall
physical nature of the dog. Some dogs absolutely need human contact
as they have been bred as companion dogs and do not handle being
alone or isolate well. These dogs are generally considered to
be housedogs, and should not be kept outside or in kennels for
extended periods of time. Keeping these dogs away from people
leads to emotional and behavioral problems for the animals such
as separation anxiety, barking problems, chewing and digging and
even self-injurious behaviors.
Physical considerations
Some breeds of dogs simply cannot tolerate environmental
conditions and need to be kept indoors in most extreme types of
weather. Short haired and small breeds do not generally do well
when housed outdoors in cold climates. In addition many of the
larger long-haired breeds have difficulty with extremely hot or
humid conditions and need shelter and possibly even air-conditioned
environments in the summer months.
Dogs that are brach cephalic, or have very short
muzzles such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boxers, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos
and Boxers may have difficulty with breathing in hot, humid or
very cold climates. This is because of the short respiratory passages
in the muzzle that allow for cooling of the air and regulation
of the body temperature. These breeds of dog will need to be kept
in relatively moderate temperatures and should never be exercised
in the heat of the day or when there is very high heat and humidity
combined.
Miniature dogs are generally not considered to
be appropriate as outdoor pets. Some breeds, such as the Chihuahua
and some of the miniature crosses have difficulty in regulating
body temperatures which means that they will easily become cold
or overheated in a very short period of time.
Dogs with longer, thicker double coats are often
best suited as outdoor dogs. These dogs have the thick inner coat
to act as insulation and the coarse outer coat to resist and repel
any moisture. Double-coated dogs need to be brought inside to
dry if they ever become completely wet during cold weather. The
outer coat actually works against the drying process actually
trapping the moisture against the skin and preventing drying.
Outdoor times
If you do plan to leave your pet outdoor during
the day or when you are not home make sure you have a safe and
secure fenced area. This means that your dog cannot get out as
well as other dogs cannot get in. In addition find a way to ensure
a constant clean supply of fresh water. A small child’s
plastic pool may make a great cool area for a large breed dog
but may pose a danger to a small dog. Often a outside garden tap
left dripping into a dog dish will keep fresh water available
at all times and prevents the need for large water dishes.
Make a place for your dog to get out of the rain,
direct sun, wind or cold weather. Many dogs will go into a doghouse;
especially if it is has soft dog blankets for them to lie down
on. Work with your dog to encourage them to use the doghouse.
Provide lots of toys for your dog to play with
while they are alone. Balls, chew toys and other dog safe toys
are a great way to help keep your dog entertained when you are
away.
Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh
My Dog Supplies
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