You wonder if a dog can sleep outside in winter, what are the risks of a dog outside at night in winter? Even though it is not recommended in extreme cold, here are our tips to prevent your dog from getting sick or freezing to death if he sleeps outside in the middle of winter.
Can a dog stay outside at night in winter?
Regardless of breed, the biggest danger for dogs who stay out at night in the middle of winter is the cold. Of course, the dog’s coat is adapted to the cold and must protect it. But at night in winter, when it is bitterly cold, windy, rainy or snowy, there is a real danger to the dog’s life.
However, the risk is not the same for all breeds of dogs. Some breeds are much more resistant to the cold than others. Indeed, a Chow-Chow, Husky, Labrador, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, American Akita, Saint Bernard, Pyrenean Mountain Dog can more easily stay outside at night in winter.
On the other hand, Chihuahua, Pinscher, Poodle, Yorkshire, English or French Bulldog, Dalmatian, Greyhound, Toy Fox Terrier or small indoor dogs should not be left to sleep outside in winter.
It also depends on the dog’s lifestyle (outdoor or indoor), age, physical activity, weight and health. For example, a young stray dog will survive freezing winter nights better than an older Dachshund who still lives indoors.
Protecting a dog that sleeps outside at night in winter
If the weather in your area is very harsh and/or it is very cold on some winter nights, it is not advisable to let your dog sleep outside. That’s why it’s better to get your dog used to coming home at night.
If your dog is not used to sleeping indoors, you should allow him to come in by himself at night if he is really cold or to go to a sheltered place.
Allowing your dog to come in at night by himself
To prevent your dog from spending the night outside in the cold, consider installing a cat flap on your garage door. This is common for cats but it also exists for dogs!
It’s practical because you are not there to let your dog in when it’s going to be a very cold night, your dog will be able to come in by himself to keep warm!
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Protecting a dog that sleeps outside
For dogs that sleep outside at night, even in winter, it is essential to protect them from the cold. Here are the necessary equipments for his survival.
Dog house for dogs who sleep outside
So that your dog can sleep in winter in a place protected from the cold, install a kennel where he will have easy access. Place it in a place sheltered from wind and rain (terrace, roof overhang) and if it is not elevated, place it on bricks.
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Dog bed for dog sleeping outside
To keep your dog warm in his kennel, add a cozy, wrap-around basket and a fleece blanket inside:
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At what age can a dog sleep outside in winter?
If you want to let your dog sleep outside in winter, I recommend that you wait until he is 10 or 12 months old. Indeed, a young puppy is much more likely than an adult dog to suffer from cold and get sick.
Setting up a sleeping area for a puppy in the garage
Rather than letting a puppy sleep outside in winter, it’s better to set up a corner of your garage, well adapted to his needs, to sleep in at night.
Doghouse or dog bed for your puppy to sleep in the garage
To keep your young dog safe from the winter cold, I recommend that you install a warm kennel or basket in a small corner of the garage. This way, your puppy will have a warm and cozy nest where he can sleep at night without suffering from the cold winter weather. Inside the kennel or basket, you’ll also need to install a fleece blanket.
Other equipment for puppies that sleep in the garage
If your puppy spends the night in the garage, he should be able to drink if he gets thirsty. So consider putting a water dish near his crate.
Garage safety for puppies that sleep in the garage
The risk of leaving your puppy in the garage at night is that he could get hurt or poisoned. To avoid this, here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure the car windows are closed and the trunk is locked;
- Remove all tools and sharp objects that could be dangerous for the dog;
- Remove all tools and sharp objects that could be dangerous for your dog; Remove household products, oil, weed killer and anything else that could be dangerous for him.
