How to Protect Your Dog When They’re Playing Outside

Letting your dog play outside is important for providing physical and mental stimulation. It allows them to explore nature and breathe fresh air whilst staying active and happy and releasing pent-up energy.

However, it’s important to consider the safety of your pet when you’re letting them play outside. Even if you are only letting them out into your garden, there is still a risk of them getting injured, lost, or stolen if they’re out of sight.

To ensure your dog stays happy and healthy whilst they’re playing outside in your garden, follow these top tips.

Supervise Your Dog When They’re Outside

It’s important to supervise your dog when they’re outside in the garden. Even if your garden is closed off and only a few steps from your kitchen, the risk of injuries and theft is still present.

Keep a close eye on your pet as they’re wandering around your garden and exploring the outside world. This way, you can head straight outside if you notice anything worrying or suspicious.

Secure Your Garden

Securing your garden helps to prevent your dog from being able to escape or an intruder from being able to snatch them from your home without you noticing.

Consider getting an electronic dog fence that keeps your pet inside your garden at all times. Despite what some people believe, electronic dog fences aren’t cruel, and they are extremely helpful pieces of equipment for keeping your furry friend safe and secure.

Ensure Your Dog is Identifiable

Make sure your dog has some form of identification on them at all times. This may be in the form of a collar with your contact details written or engraved onto it, or in the form of an electronic microchip. that can be scanned at veterinary surgery if somebody finds your dog and takes them to a local vet.

Having identification for your dog can increase the chances of them safely returning to you if they manage to escape from your garden.

Keep Them Indoors in Extreme Weather Conditions

It’s important to be mindful of extreme weather conditions when considering whether to let your dog play outside. Avoid leaving your dog outside for long periods in extremely hot or cold temperatures, torrential downpours, or snowy weather.

If you decide to let your dog play outside in the middle of winter, invest in shelters and outdoor heaters to keep them warm. If allowing your dog time outside during a hot summer, do so for short periods of time and keep them well hydrated.

Keep an Eye Out for the Signs of Overexertion or Heat Exhaustion

Pay attention to your dog’s behavior when they’re playing outside so you can spot the signs of heat stress or overexertion as soon as they appear. When your dog becomes overly fatigued or too hot, they may start panting excessively, drooling, or stumbling around.

As soon as notice any of these signs, bring your dog inside, give them plenty of cool water, and allow them to rest until they are back to their old, energetic selves. This website shows more tips for your pet care needs.

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