General Care and Nursing - The outdoor shelter

Should dogs live outdoors? Puppies under six months of age and dogs that are sick or old should not live outdoors. Sturdy and long-coated breeds can live outside year-round if they are properly conditioned. Small breeds and those with smooth coats should remain outside only in mild weather. Even so, a shelter can be of great benefit to them during the day.

The dog left in the yard, even temporarily, will require a shelter a snug house, for example, where he can rest in comfort and security when it rains or snows, in a small house, the animal’s own body heat will help to warm him in winter. The shelter should be roomy enough for the dog to be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around with ease. The bottom should be raised off the ground, the entrance protected by a flap of heavy canvas to serve as a windshield, and, of course, must be waterproof. Such a shelter can be kept in the open in mild weather, and hauled into the garage or barn if the weather becomes unusually severe.

For summer, a platform sunshade will be enjoyed. Build a wooden platform long enough for the dog to stretch out on ; put the platform on four legs at least high enough for him to crawl under. When he wants to sun himself, he will lie on top, when he wants to cool off, he’ll settle in below.
The dog living outside in all weather will need a really sturdy kennel or house. Remember, though, that only the heavy-coated or more rugged breeds can stand full-time outdoor living in winter. It’s not a good idea to keep your dog inside during the day and outside at night or vice versa. Frequent temperature changes can make a dog sick.

If the dog will live year-round in a kennel, the building should stay at an even temperature all year long. If the kennel is unheated, the dog’s sleeping quarters must be dust-free.

If the dog will live in a doghouse, the structure should fit his size: large enough for him to be able to stand up and turn around comfortably, yet small enough for his body to heat. The house should have a double floor, with insulation between the layers. The root and side walls should also be insulated. The roof should be pitched to shed rain and snow and to give additional headroom. It should also overhang the walls to keep them dry. One half of the roof may be hinged, to be laid back from time for cleaning and for better ventilation in the summer. Place the house in a dry, sheltered, and hard-standing area. Face its entrance east or south, at least away from prevailing winds and the midday sun in summer. For extremely cold weather attach a portable vestibule or right-angled storm door to keep the wind out.

The year-round doghouse needs floor space fully twice as long as the adult dog, with a bed placed at the back., well away from the door, and protected by a petition. The bedding, which may he held in place by a slotted slide, may consist of washable rugs and blankets on a layer of cedar shavings, cured hay, or straw. If there are no shade trees, make a lattice across the front and over part of the entrance. Convert it in warm weather with a length or two of deck canvas.

If the dog will live in a doghouse, the structure should fit his size : large enough for him to be able to stand up and turn around comfortably, yet small enough for his body to heat. The house should have a double floor, with insulation between the layers. The roof should be pitched to shed rain and snow and to give additional headroom. It should also overhang the walls to keep them dry. One half of the roof may be hinged, to be laid back from time for cleaning and for better ventilation in the summer. Place the house in a dry, sheltered, and hard-standing area. Face its entrance east or south, at least away from prevailing winds and the midday sun in summer. For extremely cold weather attach a portable vestibule or right-angled storm door to keep the wind out.

The year-round doghouse needs floor space fully twice as long as the adult dog, with a bed place d at the back, well away from the door, and protected by a petition. The bedding, which may be held in place by a slotted slide, may consists of washable rugs and blankets on a layer of cedar shavings, cured hay, or straw. If there are no shade trees, make a lattice across the front and over part of the entrance. Convert it in warm weather with a length or two of deck canvas.

Shade trees are more satisfactory than any awning. They give off moisture, helping to equalize the temperature in summer; they act as windbreaks in winter by keeping the snow from drifting into the yard. However, trees should not be too close to the yard. However, trees should not be too close to the siding – leave several feet beyond their widest spread to allow for the circulation of air. If the trees are already grown, this can be provided for when the dog shelter is built; if the house comes first, then allowance must be made for the growth of the trees. Avoid fruit trees for the dog’s yard if they eventually will be sprayed with material which can poison the dog when dropped on the grass or licked off the feet.

Whether the yard is designed for part-time or full-time use, outfit it with a container for water if possible, of fountain type, to keep the water cool and clean.

Do remember, when the temperature drops below freezing, to bring all breeds indoors.