Reasons to Not Leave Dogs Outside in Bad Weather

Some people choose to keep their dogs as outdoor pets. However, poor weather conditions can often be detrimental to the health of these outdoor pets. If it is too hot, too cold or storming, your dog can suffer severe consequences, especially if it is exposed to the elements over a long period of time.

  1. Snowstorms and Ice

    • Snowstorms and ice can be particularly dangerous for your dog. According to the ASPCA, "more dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season." This is because dogs can easily lose track of your scent during the winter because of the ice and snow. Even if your dog is used to being outside, his senses will most likely be a lot weaker during a snow- or ice storm. Keep your dog inside during the harsh winter season.

    Coat and Skin Problems

    • Coat and skin problems are especially common in dogs that spend a majority of the summertime or warmer months of the year outside. Dogs that are kept outside in the extreme heat or sunlight can suffer from sunburn, just like humans. Sunburn in dogs can be extremely painful and should be avoided by keeping the dog out of the sun. If your dog has a long coat, it may be more susceptible to heat stroke if kept outside over long periods of time.

    Lightning Strikes

    • Your dog is not immune from lightning strikes. In fact, dogs that are chained up or tied to trees are prime targets for lightning strikes. Your dog is also not safe from lightning if it has a dog house in the yard. Just as you wouldn't want to stay in a small, open shelter outdoors during a thunderstorm because it is unsafe, your dog shouldn't be kept in these unsafe conditions, either. Move your dog indoors when a thunderstorm approaches.

    Behavior Problems

    • Dogs that are consistently left outside in poor weather conditions may begin to feel extremely anxious and abandoned. Dogs are pack animals and thus like to be with their human companions, especially in scary and harsh weather conditions. You dog may become prone to barking, having accidents when kept inside the house and being aggressive toward both humans and other animals if kept outside in poor weather conditions.