keeping a dog outside?

Question
How long is it safe to keep a dog outside? Assuming 35 degrees as a high but no precipitation expected - we're trying to figure out what to do with our dog for Thanksgiving day only. She is a German shepherd/border collie mix. Thanks!

Answer

Hi Kara,

If your dog isn't used to being left outside alone for long periods of time, she may resort to barking, crying or howling after a while. If you have neighbors within earshot, that might not be very nice for them on Thanksgiving day, not to mention there may be noise ordinances in your community. If you don't have neighbors anywhere close by, your dog would need a dog house, or some form of shelter to be left outside in 35 degree temperatures.

A dog that is used to living inside is no better equipped to be outside in the cold for long periods of time, than you are.

Could you leave your dog in your home, and pay a neighbor (or a neighbor's child) to walk and feed your dog during the day? You might try contacting your vet's office o see if they can refer a dog walker.

Assuming your dog is housebroken and has manners, if you're going visiting, can you arrange with your host to keep your dog in one room with the door closed for the day?

If your dog is used to spending A LOT of time outside in the cold and travels well, you could take her with you, and leave her in your car, provided you have warm blankets in the car where she can snuggle into, and keep warm (a sleeping bag works well!). Leave a window open a crack, so she can receive fresh air. Every few hours check on her, give her a walk, water and feed her. Cars actually hold in the cold, acting like refrigerators, so if your dog isn't used to tolerating the cold, even this might be too long in the cold for her.

If your dog current on her shots, you can call a boarding kennel. Don't put this off, as kennels fill up quickly before holidays. Some vet clinics will also board their clients dogs for short stays.

Now would be the time to plan ahead on what to do with your dog over Christmas and New Years holidays, and make arrangements!

Best of luck,

Patti