Answered: Should You Leave Your Dog Outside While At Work?

When it comes to leaving our dog at home while going to work, we all can relate to the pang of guilt that inevitably comes with it. Should you leave your dog outside while at work or will it be a bad idea?

It certainly is a dilemma that many pet owners are faced with. In this article, we will dive into the issues surrounding leaving your pup outside while you’re away and provide some helpful tips on how to make sure they remain safe and content while you are gone. Read on to learn more!

Do dogs like being outside in the backyard?

Dogs love spending time outdoors and running around in the great outdoors.

They are drawn to exploring in nature, sniffing new smells, chasing bugs and animals, and getting some much-needed vitamin D from natural sunlight.

The fresh air also helps to rejuvenate and invigorate our furry friends. Not only that, but it’s also an opportunity for them to burn off excess energy—so everyone wins!

So if you plan to leave them outside while you are off to work you can be assured that they will love it there.

Should you leave your dog outside while at work?

Leaving your pup outside during the day can be a tough decision. On one hand, it may feel like a natural way for them to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

On the other hand, you want to make sure they’re comfortable and safe while you’re gone. So what are some of the pros and cons that go with leaving your pup outside?

Pros:

1. Exercise – Being outside gives your pup more room to roam and get exercise. This can help reduce the boredom that leads to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

2. Entertainment – The great outdoors provides plenty of entertainment for your pup! There are a lot of stimulating sights, smells, and sounds that they can explore while you’re away.

3. Socialization – If you have a yard with other friendly dogs in the area, leaving your dog outside can give them an opportunity to socialize with other pups.

Cons:

1. Temperature – Depending on where you live, the temperature may be too extreme for your pup to handle during certain times of day or year.

Make sure you know what temperature is safe for your pup and provide them with a shady spot to keep cool when needed.

2. Safety – Leaving your pup outside can be dangerous, as there are many things that could harm them while you’re away.

Be sure to check your yard for any hazards like sharp objects or poisonous plants before letting your pup out by themselves.

3. Distress – Some pups may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone outside, leading to excessive barking, destructive behavior, or other signs of distress.

If this is the case for your pup, consider finding an alternative when it comes to leaving them alone during the day.

How do you keep a dog outside safely?

If you plan to leave your pup outside while you’re away, there are 7 essential tips to keep them safe and comfortable:

1. Adequate Shelter

Keep your pup out of the elements by providing a dry, secure space that is big enough for them to move around but not too large that it loses its warmth.

Make sure the shelter has good ventilation or has windows for airflow. Also, make sure there’s a door so they can get inside if need be.

2. Safe and Secure Fencing

Ensure any fencing surrounding their space is tall and secure enough that your pup can’t climb or dig underneath it to escape.

If you don’t have a fence, consider using an invisible fence system which will give your pet the freedom to roam in a designated area without risk of escape.

3. Shade and Sun Protection

Make sure your pup has plenty of shade during hot weather to help keep them cool and out of direct sunlight. Dogs can get heatstroke if they are out in the sun for a long time.

You can also provide a kiddie pool or other water source for them to stay hydrated and cool off on hot days.

4. A Comfy Bed

Dogs love comfort, too! Invest in an outdoor bed that is comfortable and designed to hold up against inclement weather.

Make sure it’s raised so they’re not lying directly on the cold ground. Add blankets, pillows, or even an old t-shirt with your scent on it to make their space extra cozy.

5. Toys and Activities

Boredom can be dangerous for pets, so provide some fun activities and toys to keep them entertained while you’re away. Interactive toys that dispense treats are great choices!

6. Monitor Their Health

Keep a close eye on your pup by regularly checking their ears, paws, and coat for any signs of irritation or infection caused by the elements.

You should also give them heartworm and flea preventatives as necessary to protect against any pests they may encounter.

7. Consider Installing a Camera

A pet camera can be a great way to keep an eye on your pet when you’re away, as well as alerting you if something seems awry.

This could be useful for checking on their health, making sure there are no intruders, or simply seeing what kind of shenanigans your pup is up to.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, leaving your pup outside during the day should be a decision made with their safety and comfort in mind.

Be sure to consider the pros and cons before making your choice, and always make it a point to check in on them throughout the day.

Happy pup = happy you!