Are dogs really able to tolerate the cold?

Question

I live in indiana, We have a brand new puppy, black lab, And my dad told me that i have to let her stay out for tonight to get used to the dog house, coz she can't grow up thinking she can stay inside. can the puppy take the cold? my dad said it could

Answer 1

It depends on the type of dog. If you had a chinese crested hairless, I wouldn't recommend it. However, a black lab has a much thicker fur coat. Personally, I don't like the idea of a family dog like a black lab staying outside. Dogs, especially since your dog is a puppy, benefit highly from social interaction at any age. While your father is right in assuming that the dog will probably grow up thinking that it can stay inside, really how bad is that? If it were up to me, I would let the dog stay inside so it can be housetrained and live with you - it's a family dog. Later on it will be much more difficult for you to bring the dog indoors (should you decide to) because it lacks the social graces of an indoor pet. It's not up to me, so I'll just say this: your dog will be fine - it has a fur coat thats made for outdoor weather, but dogs are domestic pets and I think he/she should be allowed inside.

Answer 2

How old is this puppy? A young dog should NOT be left outside all night without extra special precautions being made to ensure the dog's comfort and safety.

Some pets are better suited than others for living outdoors. There is a common misconception that dogs will be "fine" if left outside. This is not true! All pets need adequate shelter from the elements and insulation against cold weather. Pets should not be left outside for long periods in freezing weather - like humans, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite.

The young and the senior pets are especially at risk.
Certain breeds, such as Huskies and Samoyeds are better suited to very cold weather, but the majority of dogs and need your help and intervention. Indoor accommodations are best during extreme temperature drops, but if that is not possible, set up a suitable house in an area protected from wind, rain, and snow. Insulation, such as straw or blankets will help keep in body heat. If your animal is prone to chewing, do not use blankets or material that can be ingested. Cedar shavings can be irritating to the skin, so use with caution depending on your pet's hair coat.

Caution - do not use a heat lamp, space heater, or other device not approved for use with animals. This is a a burn hazard for your pet and a fire hazard. Pet supply vendors sell heated mats for pets to sleep on or to be placed under a dog house, but read and follow directions carefully before use.

Fresh water is a must at all times! Pets are not able to get enough water from licking ice or eating snow. A heated dish is a wonderful tool for cold climates. The water stays cold, but doesn't freeze. Caution needed for animals that may chew. Outdoor pets require additional food for energy and maintaining body heat in harsh climates.

Answer 3

It depends on how cold it gets. If it freezes outside, your puppy probably needs more than just a dog house. It's a mammal, like you, and a young one at that. Granted, it has a "coat," but that may not be sufficient. Animals can freeze to death just like people can.
The dog house needs to be big enough for comfort, but not so big that your puppy's body heat will be lost. Is the floor insulated? Is there a dog bed in the dog house? I have sometimes used a thick layer of cardboard on the bottom, carpet samples or old carpet in the middle, and a dog bed on top, and more cardboard or carpet around the sides if the house is too big to keep the dog's warmth in.
Be sure that your puppy has water at all times. They need to stay hydrated when it's very cold out. If the water freezes, replace it as often as you can. Please take good care of your puppy, and you will get lots of love in return!

Answer 4

It depends on several things. How cold is it? How old is the puppy? Young dogs shouldn't be just "thrown" out in the dog house in the cold.

What type of dog house is it? Is it one of the "igloo" types with the floor up off the cold ground? Some are better than others. The dog needs bedding (hay, etc.) to help insulate them from the cold.

Why do people even bother getting a dog if they are just going to "toss them outside"??? They are part of your "pack" and they need your companionship.

I'm sorry for your puppy, good luck.

Answer 5

Is your puppy training for the Alaskan Iditerod??? Why get a pup anyway if it is kept in a dog house in the back yard. Is dad afraid that the grass will get stolen? If this is the firm and final answer that dad says the pup goes in the yard the doghouse better be pretty darn insulated. and up a bit from the cold ground. I feel your pain.....Good luck

Answer 6

This breed can...some, such as chiuauas, can't. I'm not urging you to go against your dad, but urge him to work with the puppy to get him/her used to the dog house and the cold before thrusting them out into it. It's like throwing someone out into a body of water without a life preserver. Regardless how well you could swim would you/he want that? From a purely objective view, that's what's happening to the puppy.

Answer 7

I wondered the same thing after I bought my black lab. She was a female as well.
She stayed in the first couple of weeks, and then my grandpaw said that she could say outside. Aslong as you have blankets or a dog house for it to stay in she should stay pretty warm and be fine.
I like to bring my dogs in though when it get's below 36, my shorthaired, or small dogs come in. Zoey will stay out but if it get's 30 or below I let her in.
Hoped I helped!!!!

Answer 8

hate to say this but ask your dad how he would like to spend the night in the dog house and does he think he would be warm enough? Puppies belong inside not outside. How are your gonna housebreak her and teach her to behave in a home if she is not allowed to be a part of the family???
Just my opinion. I have 2 full grown Boxers and they are inside dogs. Only go out to play and do their pottying. Shame on your dad !!!! There is no guarantee that she will stay in the dog house either. Invest in a dog crate (PetSmart or PetCo have them) and train her to sleep in that. It will be just as good for housebreaking her too.

Good luck.

Answer 9

if it's a young pup, probably not. since he doesn't have his full coat, i would be VERY CAREFUL with him out in the cold. Make SURE he has enough hay, blankets, or whatever, and that he is out of the wind,rain,snow. And that he stays in his house to begin with. You may have to close him in there for the first few nights to get him used to being in there.

i wish you could have him in the house. that's where loved dogs belong!

Answer 10

As long as the dog has adequate shelter there is no reason that it can't stay outside and by adequate I mean a dog house with roof and straw or a blanket to sleep on, otherwise it is considered inhumane to house a dog outside with no shelter.