How do you tell a family member you think they are abusing their dog?

Question

My sibling leaves her dog outside in hot weather (85+) and she has only two trees in her backyard. The dog has a black coat like my border collie. Ive told her more than once black coat-dogs need special attention during the summer. She thinks I am over-reacting and as long as the dog has plenty of water he is fine. Who is right?

Answer 1

85 degrees isnt hot, my dogs would stay outside when the temps near 100. Make sure she has the water out of direct sunlight and that the dog actually has shade at all parts of the day. if those needs arnt being met then it borders not abuse but negligence. Another alternative for shade is a dog house or a table.

Answer 2

I think you are over reacting a bit. ( 85 to 95) is not that hot as long as the dog has plenty of shade and cool water.I see all colors of dogs out in that kind of temp's all the time. If the animal is use to being out and has shade it is fine.

I live where it gets well over a hundred degrees sometimes. Then our pets come inside. We are warned by the news people to bring our pets in.

Answer 3

You are right. Animals are just like people, and they too can suffer from heatstroke. This will kill the dog. Dogs have fur, which helps to keep them both cool and warm... She needs to talk to her vet to see if what she is doing is best for the dog. Water will not stop a dog from getting overheated, and can make it worse. The dog will drink more, pant more, and then drink more again. He will eventually get an electrolyte imbalance just like people do when they sweat a lot (that is why gatorade was invented!)

If she doesn't believe you, then tell her to ask her vet. NO dog should be left out in extreme weather: heat, cold, snow, rain, etc. Would she like to be left outside with just water in 85 degree weather all day? How would she feel?

Good luck with your sibling.

Answer 4

You can tell them that sort of behavior can get the dog taken away from them in some cities! The dog should have some sort of shelter from the elements, not just water. Dogs actually don't cool off much from drinking - they pant and perspire through there foot pads. So even though the dog has water, it's not doing much to keep it cool.

Try going to the ASPCA site, or the Humane Society site. Both have great educational information.

I would print some of these things out and let her read them on her own. That way it won't be so confrontational.

Answer 5

The dog needs adequate shade/shelter. Preferably big enough that there is actually a temperature difference underneath it. Ask your sister to throw on a coat and sit in the sun with a glass of warm water with no ice for a few hours. I bet she would not enjoy 5 mins.

Answer 6

i wouldnt call that abusing, but it is critical to the dogs health. she just does not understand how dangerous it is to leave a dog with a dark coat out in the heat with limited shade. especially if the dog is a flat nose dog, they can get heat stroke if left out in the heat to long.
tell her she really needs to keep her dog inside as much as possible, and make sure there is plenty of shade in the yard, as well as water.

good luck!

Answer 7

Just come right to the point....animal abuse should not be tolerated at all. Either that or just call the humane society on her. Some people don't deserve the love of a pet. My neighbors are the same way, and it totally disgusts me. I feed their two puppies every evening. I can't stand to see them without food or water. I have all ready called on them once. But needless to say, I am going to call again. Be strong and TELL her...fast.

Answer 8

If he has adequate shelter and lots of water to drink to stay hydrated he should be fine. But if you are concerned you could do some research on the internet, print it out, and give it to her as proof. Good luck

Answer 9

if the dog is under one of those trees he will be fine, if he has no shade this may rank as abuse