Are you worried about keeping your dog outdoors? In this article, we shall discuss what it takes to provide your dog with a habitable living space outside your house. A dog, just like any other pet may enjoy staying outdoors but as a pet owner, it is necessary for you to ensure the safety of your pet. If left unattended, a dog is prone to dangers such as harsh weather conditions, coming into contact with harmful substances or even the danger of being attacked by predators needless to say the dog may also become lonely.

Owing to its social and behavioural needs being very complex most dog owners may prefer to keep their dogs outdoors. In such a case, we highly recommend that you invest in a properly built kennel that will ensure that your dog is kept safe from the fore-mentioned risks. A well-insulated, spacious and waterproof kennel would be a great pick to keep your dog comfortable.

Another importance of investing in a kennel is that it helps keep your dog safe from hot pavements slabs and sand on the ground. You must also ensure that your dog has access to safe and clean water for drinking. However, lightweight bowls of water are prone to being knocked over time and again thus causing water spillage. We, therefore, recommend a shallow-dug hole which you can use to place a small bucket of water in.

During cold weather like in the winter season, warming lamps would be an excellent addition to your dog’s kennel. You may also want to invest in a warm jacket for your dog if it is a short-haired breed. It is important to ensure your dog stays away from rock salt during the winter period as they are known to irritate not only a dog’s paws but their mucus membranes as well. If you are struggling to exercise your dog when you are at work then you may want to consider looking at pet care services that you have in your area.

We understand that sometimes you may want to keep your dog free and outside the kennel. In such a case, ensure your compound is fenced in a way that the dog cannot escape. Barr all access to areas that may have toxic substances like your gasoline or sharp objects that may inflict injury on the dog. We suggest that you train your dog in a manner that he understands that once he is done with his outside business, he seeks shelter immediately. Train the dog on how and where to access his food, water as well as relieve himself.

We advise against tethering or restraining dogs using chains for long periods of time. This is because in addition to causing bodily harm for example injuries inflicted on a dog’s neck when it remains chained; the practice also affects his general normal behavioural patterns. This can damage the dog’s social and psychological well-being too.

If you plan on keeping your dog outside, we recommend that you should be on the lookout for warning signs that may indicate your dog is sick or has developed health issues. These may include rapid heart rate, shivering, failure to obey your commands, distress, aggression, diarrhoea among other symptoms. In such a case, contact your vet immediately.

We aim at ensuring all dogs live in good condition; whether outdoors or indoors. Our animal rescuers work hand in hand with dog owners to ensure improvements in the living conditions of dogs are implemented. We recommend that you allow your dog to play outdoors but always watch over him and allow him back indoors if need be.