Safety Tips for Keeping Your Dog Outdoors

Heat

1. Your dog must always have access to water. Lightweight water bowls that can easily be knocked over or bumped into should be left in the house. Instead, dig a shallow hole into the ground for a bucket. Then, fill it with water and ice cubes. The ground will keep the water cool.
2. Provide shade for your dog, the sun rays can overwhelm your dog. If they can't escape from the warmth, they may overheat and will not be able to regulate their body temperature. Despite misconceptions, dogs can get sunburned, primarily on their nose and ears. A place out of the sun will help prevent sunburn.
3. Remember that pavement and sand are extremely hot. If your dog isn't wearing shoes like you, move them to an area with cooler flooring, such as the grass.

Cold

1. Your dog needs an escape from the cold and/or winter winds. An insulated dog house provides protection from the elements. Warming lamps can also be a great investment. Similar to an incubator for baby chicks, these warming lamps can help keep your dog's outdoor kennel warm, just make sure it doesn't get too hot for them.
2. Short-haired dogs need an extra layer of protection. Invest in a sweater or jacket for your pet to wear outdoors.
3. Keep your dog away from any de-icer or rock salt in the winter months. These can be very irritating to your dog's paws and mucous membranes. Most concerning is that they are poisonous; your dog could die if it is ingested.
4. If snow accumulates high enough that it is too hard for them to walk around, make sure to shovel a walk way for them to go potty and play. Never leave them alone if the snow is high enough to reach their neck because they could get lost in the snow and you could struggle to find them in unfavourable conditions.

Access

1. If your dog will be spending long periods outside, invest in a fence that will keep them safely confined and unable to escape. Fences also help protect your dog from wild animals. Fences or other barriers can also be beneficial to keep your dog out of places like your gardens or backyard ponds.
2. Make sure your dog doesn't have access to areas in your garage where there may be toxic chemicals for your car, antifreeze, gasoline, or sharp tools that could seriously injure or kill your dog.
3. Your dog needs full access to food and water and a place to relieve themselves at all times.
4. Doggie doors can be useful if your dog is trained to go outside to do their business and come back in immediately. Do not be reliant on them to decide how long they stay outside, and make sure to close off the doggie door at night.

Warning Signs

1. Heatstroke: Some signs of heatstroke include vomiting, diarrhoea, blue or bright red gums or tongue, drooling, and a rapid heart rate. If your dog is slow and isn't listening to your commands, get them in the shade and cool them down ASAP.
2. Hypothermia: The Animal Humane Society says to watch for a "weak pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, body temperature below 35 degrees, stupor and unconsciousness. Consequences of extreme hypothermia may include neurological problems including coma, heart problems and kidney failure."

Consider your dog's emotions before leaving them outside for an extended period. Dogs are pack animals, and your human family is their new pack. They want to be close to you, and you enjoy their company as well. Allow your dog to explore the outdoors, but always keep your door open for them to return inside.

Contributor Bio

Erin Ollila

Erin Ollila is a pet enthusiast who believes in the power of words and how a message can inform, and even transform its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the Internet and in print. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.