is it safe to leave dogs outside during the winter months?

Question

what should u change in their diet to accomodate leaving thm outside ?

there is an akita and some type of russina breed - im not too sure - they are guard dogs for our business. We are located on long Island in Ny, so the winters vary with temps, but lately its been chilly at night. They have a metal dog house with a smaller dog house inside for each of them with hay inside for warmth. just wanna make sure im doing all i can for them to stay warm

on the outside of the metal dog house structure we have tarp like coverings to block the wind from getting in as well

we have heaters in their water to asure the water will not freeze

Answer 1

Hello, I am the owner of 3 outdoor dogs who's breeds are (lab/huskie, beagel/huskie, border collie/blue healer). I live in on a farm in Saskatchewan Canada, we can see tempatures as cold as -40 and even colder if its windy. We provide our dogs a well insulated dog house, extra food, a barn they have free choice to go in and out of, and a heated water bowl. I have never seen our dogs shiver or complain. They live outside all year round. We used to let them inside on the cold days of winter, but all they did was sit, looking at the door panting cause they were hot and wanted back out lol. So we don't bother anymore, and infact our dogs don't even use the dog house much they usualy sleep in the straw in the barn, or they sleep in the snow! I think there is absulutly nothing wrong with having outdoor dogs in the winter. Provided they are a breed that will grow a thick coat, have a insulated shelter, extra food, heated water bowl, and the option to come inside if they need to. good luck! (=

Answer 2

It depends on the dog and how well it's protected from the cold.

Some breeds, want cold and enjoy it: huskies--the 1st that comes to mind.

Other's will die off within hours if not minutes--a Chiwawa (sic). They shiver even when its warm.

Watch your dog and see if it wants to stay out, play in the snow or is begging to come indoors. Make your decision that way.

Most, unless specifically bred for the Arctic, need some kind of "dog coat" for extra protection as well as foot protection. If you'd be cold without a coat, if your feet would not like ice, then probably the "non-arctic/long haired" dog would feel the same as you.

On dog coats: if you get one, make certain it protects the belly of the dog as well as the top.

And even the most hardy dogs, need a place to go when it storms--provide a doghouse.

For a breed that can take a bit of cold, give it an insulated dog house. But if it's at your door, shivering, it's time to bring it in.

Think of the dog and the kind of coat it has. Then think of yourself wearing a similar coat--if you wouldn't like staying out, then most likely your dog won't either.

Answer 3

Some dogs should not be kept outside. It totally depends on the animal in question as well as the low temperatures that they are being exposed to. Artic dogs (dogs with thick coats as well as a massive undercoat) not only tolerate the cooler temperatures, but enjoy them over warmer ones.

Shelters are definitely advised if you're keeping any dogs outside.

I do not advise to keep a dog outside that does not have a sufficient coat of it's own. EX: Bulldog breeds (boxers, pit bulls, english bulldogs), Terrier breeds (jack russells, yorkies, poodles), hound dog breeds (greyhounds, german shorthairs).

Accommodating these dogs to stay outside should be more about shelter, keeping water from freezing, and maybe even finding a way to provide some heat.

Answer 4

No, dogs should not be left outside during the winter without 1)shelter and 2)some type of insulation, i.e., straw or a dog bed so they don't have to lay directly on the ground. And, even at that, on really cold nights, dogs should be taken inside. Feed them foods that contain a little more fat than usual so they can contain to maintain a body temperature.

Answer 5

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU7UR

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 6

it is not so much what is in their diet but how much fur they will have before the weather gets really cold almost to freezing. but if you have to leave him outside then you need to get him a dog house that will be good during the cold months, bedding, a cover for the front of the dog house to keep the draft out, feed him throughout the day to keep him in at a good weight. but leaving him outside can result in him dieing because of it being to cold for them. i never leave my dogs outside when the weather gets around 40 degrees, most of the dogs now a day can't tolerate the cold weather. but again if you must leave him out then make sure that you have him as warm as possible,(dog house,bedding,front cover to house, and feeding him lots to keep him healthy. good luck

Answer 7

What breed of dog is it? Do they have shelter? Does the dog have it's winter coat? I would recommend a food with a higher fat content in it. Make sure it's water will not freeze as well!

Answer 8

Why get a dog to leave it outside? I think people need to be more responsible where dog ownership is concerned. How would you like to be left alone outside, in the cold weather? If we're going to own dogs, we should treat them the way we would want to be treated. These are COMPANIONs, not property. There are many dangers when leaving a dog outside, whether in the cold or warm months. Someone could steal him/her, they could develop frostbit on ears, they could become aggressive and territorial, etc. If you can't accomodate the dog, you should find him/her a new home that can or take him/her to your local no-kill shelter.

Answer 9

Depends on the dog...I have a newfie and he can withstand temps of -30 (though I would never leave him out in that weather). You should never leave dogs outside with no shelter. Plus, if it is cold and their water freezes, they can't hydrate themselves. Use common sense when wanting to let you dog out in the colder mths.

Answer 10

It depends on the breed. My Shiba Inus have a tough double coat, but all dogs will still need a shelter from the cold. What breed of dogs do you have?