Every member of your family deserves a good night’s sleep and that includes our beloved pooches. The average adult dog sleeps 12 to 14 hours a day, and pups sleep 16 to 20 hours a day!
Since they spend so much time sleeping, it is crucial that they have a nice, comfortable place that they can call their own. One of the most frequent questions is whether making your dog sleep outside in a dog house is good, or is it cruel?
The short answer is that it depends on the individual dog. Some dogs love having their own space and time alone, while others will be miserable if they are away from you and made to sleep alone.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of having your dog sleep outside so you can decide for yourself what is best for your furry friend.
Pros Of Having Your Dog Sleep Outside
1. Better Sleep
A dog sleeping on your bed or in your room can make noises like snoring, barking, whining, or howling in their sleep. Many pet owners enjoy sleeping with their dogs, but there can be some drawbacks. One potential issue is that dogs can disrupt sleep.
Dogs are active creatures and they often move around during the night, making it difficult for people to get a good night’s sleep. There are some benefits to sleeping with a dog, but it’s important to be aware of the potential downside before you decide to bring your dog into your bedroom.
2. Reducing Allergies
If you are even mildly allergic, your dog’s fur and dander all over the bed might cause a reaction. Having your dog sleep outdoors can decrease the likelihood of allergens such as dirt, hair, and pollen entering your bed.
3. Reduces Illnesses
Some diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans. And while we love our dogs, they are not the cleanest of creatures, and they have been known to contain and spread diseases and parasites in their saliva and excretions.
Fecal matter can be found on a dog’s rectal area, as well as the underside of the tail and back limbs. Roundworms and hookworms are communicable to humans, and small children and adults with immunological problems are particularly vulnerable.
4. Outdoor Security
Dogs have superior hearing and smell, and residents in high-crime regions may benefit significantly from allowing their pets to sleep outside. In addition, an outdoor dog acts as an efficient deterrent for burglars who are reluctant to target homes with dogs that might raise an alarm.
Any shady people or unwanted company strolling around your house will probably get barked at if your dog is a decent alert dog. As a result, potential break-ins and other types of criminal acts may be avoided.
5. Some Dogs Prefer It
Some dogs are naturally independent, outdoor creatures that need fresh air and plenty of space to run around. Sleeping outside also gives dogs a chance to bond with their natural environment and maintain their wild instincts.
In addition, dogs who sleep outside are less likely to develop behavior problems such as separation anxiety since they’ll be used to spending loads of time alone.
Cons Of Having Your Dog Sleep Outside
1. Bad For Your Dog In Bad Weather
The weather is most likely a dangerous factor for outside dogs. Animals, like humans, can die from frostbite and heat stroke, and even if being outside isn’t dangerous to their life, it can be unpleasant and uncomfortable under certain conditions.
If your dog is little or has a thin coat, they might quickly develop a cold if they sleep outside. The chilly weather will have an impact on the pooch’s quality of life and his health may suffer. Extreme cold can induce hypothermia, a potentially fatal disorder that occurs when body temperatures fall below normal levels.
If you live in a cold climate, you might think about bringing your dog in for the winter or figuring out a way to naturally heat their dog house without using electricity.
In addition, in the warmer months, your dog might feel too hot without ventilation in the dog house. The ideal temperature for a dog to sleep at is 68 to 72 Fahrenheit. If the outdoor temperature is too warm, you might have to bring him indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
2. Outdoor Safety
The outdoor is a less controlled environment than in your home. There are several potential hazards such as deadly plants, harmful chemicals, nocturnal wild animals, insects, and fleas.
Coyotes, cougars, and bears can all sneak into your yard, wreaking havoc on your dog. In addition, fleas and ticks are more easily picked up outside, which could then be brought into your home the next day.
3. Loneliness
Dogs are social animals that thrive on companionship. They are pack animals by nature, and even in today’s domesticated environment, they still crave the company of their packmates.
For this reason, dogs generally do not do well when left alone for extended periods – whether they are indoors or out. While a dog may be able to physically survive sleeping outdoors, chances are good that he will feel lonely and isolated.
A lonely dog may become withdrawn and unresponsive, and may even start to exhibit destructive behaviors. In contrast, a dog who is given the companionship he craves will be happier and healthier, both mentally and physically.
4. Poorer Quality Of Sleep
If you are the worrying type, you might be concerned about your dog sleeping outdoors, especially in inclement weather. You might even wake up constantly to go check on your dog, in which case, perhaps it’s better to bring your dog in so that both of you can sleep peacefully and safely.
Final Thoughts
For many dog owners, the question of where their dog should sleep is a difficult one. After all, dogs are part of the family and often form strong bonds with their human companions. By taking all of these factors into account, you can make the best decision for both you and your furry friend.
So if you’re considering letting your dog sleep outside, think carefully about his needs – both physical and psychological – before making a decision.