Can Dogs Sleep Outside?
Dogs have slept outside for centuries…or have they? Depending on culture and where you grew up, having dogs sleep outside may seem like totally normal behavior. Sometimes it's even done for a purpose, such as having guard or working dogs.
However, is having your dogs sleeping outside really what’s best for them? How would you know? And if they can stay outside, what do they need to live comfortably and safely?
So…Can Dogs Sleep Outside?
The real answer is…it depends. While some dog owners may get upset at the thought of leaving their dogs out, some dogs are genuinely ok with it, and may even be more comfortable left sleeping outdoors. However, this isn't true in all cases.
What can determine if it's ok in your case?
Breed
Naturally, big dogs and hairy dogs are going to be a little more well-equipped for cold temperatures. Some dogs, such as huskies, were also bred to sleep comfortably outside, and may not mind so much.
Working breeds, such as sheepdogs and guarding breeds, may not mind staying out either, as long as they don’t feel too lonely.
However, some dogs were bred to be companion dogs. Smaller dogs that are very used to human company, such as pugs and spaniels, may have a much harder time staying comfortable outside and away from you. Even bigger dogs with very short coats, such as pit bulls, may become cold and unhappy if left in the cold and damp.
Take the time to do some research on what your dogs prefer, as well as what their comfortable temperature range is.
Local Climate and Area
In multiple states, it is a crime to leave pets outside in life-threatening temperatures, or any circumstance that could lead to grave injury or death; With some states even regarding it as a felony offense.
Legally, the minimum cold weather temperature is stated at around 32°F (0°C), but most breeds of dogs will have to come in well before that point. Areas that have extreme heat may also be very dangerous, as well as leaving your dog out during a tornado, hurricane, or other disaster warning.
Responsible dog owners should be keeping an eye on incoming weather, and be prepared to make a plan to move their dog inside as soon as necessary. Don’t leave dogs sleeping until the last minute, as things like heat stroke and hypothermia may go unnoticed until it's too late.[1]
Things such as bad storms can also cause them to bolt in terror and injure themselves or become lost.
In some areas, the risk of wild animals may also be an issue. If you live in an area where wolves, bears, coyotes, cougars, or even some large birds of prey could have easy access to your dog, then you need to make sure that they are secure at night, or can get to safety easily and as soon as possible.[2]
Smaller dogs are most at risk, but even a big dog may be in danger if wild animals are roaming around.
Age and Health
In normal circumstances, most adult, healthy dogs would be alright sleeping outside for a night. That said, it is a bad idea to let a sick dog, an elderly dog, or a puppy sleep outside.
Old and sickly dogs, as well as puppies, may have a much harder time regulating their body temperature. Extreme temperatures can weaken the immune system of an already struggling dog, putting them at risk. Cold weather can also worsen existing conditions, such as arthritis, making it difficult for dogs to sleep well.
Having a puppy sleep outside can be dangerous for a number of reasons. Puppy immune systems are not fully developed, and they have a greater chance of encountering pathogens outside.
You may also not be able to hear your puppy wake up outside, and they may run into hazards if unsupervised, such as slipping through the fence, eating toxic plants or frogs, going into a dangerous area, not being aware of the cold, and so on.
It is recommended that puppies only start staying out overnight at 6+ months, and even then it may take some time to fully transition them, especially if it is still cold outside.[3] You will have to show some patience as you get them used to their new sleeping quarters.
Temperament
Sometimes letting a dog sleep outside may just not be on the cards for some dogs. Even bigger dogs that are healthy may suffer terribly from separation anxiety or other issues from past abuse or trauma.
Other dogs may easily become frightened by things such as cars, fireworks, or other loud noises to the point that it becomes dangerous. A lot of things can be trained out of a dog’s behavior through time and patience, but be kind while they’re figuring it out.
What Does a Dog Need to Stay Outside Comfortably?
If you’ve given it some thought and decided that letting your dog sleep outside in your area is fine, then you may be wondering what is next. What do they need to comfortably be able to stay outside for the night?
Shelter and Comfort
If your dog sleeps outside, the most basic thing they should have access to is shelter. Ideally, each dog on your property should have their own space, whether this is a bed in a shed or an individual dog house.
In cold climates - Your dog house should be a little bigger than your dog when they lie down to preserve as much warmth as possible. They should have comfortable material to bed in. The dog house should be waterproof and windproof. In some cases, you can even install a heat lamp to keep the perfect temperature.
In hot climates - Your dog should have access to quite a bit of shade, especially if your outdoor area is rocky, concreted, or tiled. Their dog shelter should be airy, while still being waterproof and protected from the elements, and preferably not left in the sun or on hot paving. They will still need some bedding if only a light blanket.
The doghouse should also be in an area that is not likely to be flooded by rainwater, such as at the bottom of a slope. The entrance should also face away from most hazards, such as having it face downhill instead of uphill or away from a common wind direction.
Companionship
Dogs are pack animals, and it's rare to see a dog sleeping and being alone for the entire day. Even if you have multiple dogs, most dogs still need attention from their owners.
For indoor dogs, this would happen naturally as they would follow you around, but for outdoor dogs, you may need to take some time out of your day to spend with them outside. This can be especially important before bed when they may need to see you to feel comforted and safe.
Having a routine of sending your dogs off to bed will also help them feel more comforted, and may mean less running around or barking at night.
Stimulation
Many people want ‘a big yard for their dogs to run in’, which is great, but dogs are not very good at entertaining themselves for long periods of time.
Even if they are only out at night, they may still need some toys, treats, and other things to occupy them while they aren’t around with you. This means you may need to do more exercise with them during the day, so they’re ok being alone overnight, or by providing them with more things to do.
Protection
Dogs that sleep outside are vulnerable to wildlife or people who may wish them harm. Some may choose to tie or chain a dog up…but this only prevents them from wandering.
Ideally, unless your dog is a guard dog, they should be behind a fence or in an enclosed area of some kind to keep them safe. It is even better if there is some kind of additional protection preventing anything from reaching their shelter.
Necessities
Wherever your dog sleeps, they should have access to fresh water and somewhere they can potty safely. If they cannot potty near their sleeping area, then give them the opportunity to go before bed.
The water bowl should also be kept somewhere where it's out of the way of direct sun, or unlikely to freeze over in the winter, otherwise, you will have to make sure it's replaced regularly.
How to Keep Your Outdoor Dog Warm at Night
Cold nighttime temperatures are probably going to be more of a problem than warm ones. Before winter comes, you should prepare your outdoor dog so they can weather it as comfortably as possible.
Before winter hits, check your doghouse or shelter to make sure that it hasn’t been damaged or compromised anywhere. You can also fill it with fresh straw, clean blankets, and possibly a heating lamp (depending on your dog’s needs, as this may be too warm for some cold-acclimated breeds, e.g. Alaskan Malamutes) to keep it as toasty as possible.
Make sure that your dog is well groomed, but don’t cut their fur too short. Even in summer months, a longer coat has an underlayer that is important for temperature regulation.
Make sure they have access to enough food and water. Being cold burns a lot of calories and a hungry or dehydrated dog may lose important body heat.
Bundle your dog up well, especially before leaving them for the night. Try and find a good, comfortable coat to keep them warm. Otherwise, try a pair of dog pajamas, as these are quite encompassing and will keep the heat in. If you are worried about your dog walking on snow or frost in the morning, put a pair of booties on.
Always have a backup plan for if you need to move your dog inside suddenly, and check up on them as often as possible. Something like a blizzard or hypothermia can set in quickly, or a damaged kennel can become unsafe without you realizing it. Do not risk dangerous conditions.
Conclusion
There is nothing inherently cruel or wrong with letting a dog sleep outdoors, many dogs even prefer it.
However, you should make sure that your breed of dog is comfortable sleeping outside, and that their health, age, and temperament will be alright in whatever climate you are living in. It is better to be safe than sorry.
If your dog is happy outside, then make sure that they have adequate, dry shelter, food and water, enrichment, protection from danger, and enough attention so that they can happily stay on their own for a few hours.
Make sure that your dog is warm enough by insulating their doghouse and bundling them up for extreme temperatures. One way to do this is with Sparkpaw’s Dog Pajama collection which can help keep your dog warm, as well as ward off nighttime anxiety, while still looking stylish.
Ultimately it is your choice what you think will be most comfortable for your dog. But we do urge you to prioritize your dog’s comfort, not risking their safety by letting them stay outdoors when it is unsafe to do so.
We trust that you love them deeply and want what’s best for them.
Happy Walking!
Ext Links
[3] https://osbornelivestockequipment.com