Outside Dog Needs List

Posted by Charla Dawson Aug 15, 2006

I don't necessarily agree with outside pets. I personally feel pets should be members of the family. If a dog is going to live it's life in the backyard then whats the point in owning the dog? That being said people will always have outside dogs so here is a needs list that should be met for the health of the dog.

Outside only dogs have special needs, these include but are not limited to:

• Heart worm Preventative -
All dogs should be on heartworm preventative but outside dogs are going to be more susceptible to heartworm disease because they have more exposure to mosquitoes that carry the parasite.
• Fleas/Ticks/Flies Preventative -
Outside dogs will also be more susceptible to fleas, ticks, and flies and should have preventative to fleas, ticks, and flies. These nasty critters can make your dog very sick.
• Fresh Water -
Dogs need fresh water everyday. Outside dogs should have deep water buckets that are kept clean and are sturdy enough not to be knocked over.
• Shade -
Outside dogs will need to be able to access shade at all times. Without adequate shade the dog could overheat and die from heatstroke. During the summer months veterinarians see many cases of heatstroke, many of these dogs die.
• Shelter -
Outside dogs need shelter to get out of the elements. This shelter should be sturdy, with a floor. The floor should be 1 - 2" off the ground. The cold ground can literally suck the warmth out of your dogs body. By elevating the floor of the shelter and building the walls so that they touch the ground you leave a pocket of air under the dog house that can act as insulation. The roof can be peaked and shingled. Size matters, your doghouse walls should be 1 ½ times longer then the dog and 1 ½ times taller then the dog, measuring from the ground to the shoulders. If the doghouse is made to big the air inside will not fully warm and the dog will use a lot of energy trying to stay warm.
• Proper Bedding -
Avoid straw, rugs or blankets that can be washed are a better alternative.
• Clean Area -
In order to avoid parasites stools should be picked up daily. The dog should have enough area to be able to move away from its feces. If the dog is forced to live by its waste it will be more susceptible to parasites and fly bites and maggots.
• Sturdy Fence -
Outside dogs should not be allowed to run free (this includes "country dogs"). Dogs that run free can be hit by a car, picked up by animal control, and be a neighborhood nuisance. Dogs deserve to be kept safe behind a sturdy fence. Never chain a dog. Chained dogs can wrap them selves up and not be able to reach water or shade, they can choke, they can be attacked by other animals, they almost always suffer with intestinal parasites and fly bites, they can also suffer from heatstroke, hypothermia, frostbite, and other problems from being exposed to the elements. Chained dogs also become frustrated and bored which will always lead to behavior problems, usually aggression.
• Toys -
Dogs need toys and room to play, something to keep them busy while your away.
• Exercise -
Dogs need to walk. They need to have time with you, their owner. A walk is good for the dog and the owner. Dogs need to see something besides the backyard.
• Pet ID -
Dogs should always have ID this can be a tag, microchip or tattoo.