Is it OK to feed my dog outside?
Yolanda Hill
2025-06-25 14:47:51
Count answers: 6
If you're keeping a dog outside, a dog's physical, social and behavioural needs are very complex, and meeting these needs can be very hard, if not impossible, for dogs living outside. We understand that often, owners consider keeping their dogs outdoors because of behavioural problems that may seemingly prevent them from staying indoors. However, if you do choose to keep a dog outside, always take sensible safety precautions, and be alert to risks that may affect your dog outside. Most dogs cope well living outside if they have proper shelter, water, and protection from extreme weather. Don't let your dog become lonely or bored, and never leave them alone long enough to become distressed. Signs of a distressed dog included barking, howling or whining excessively, as well as panting, hiding and/or showing aggression. Always make sure your dog is able to behave normally and is provided with the opportunity for daily exercise, play and interaction with animals and people. Making sure your dog has appropriate company is an important consideration for outdoor dogs.
Dominique Witting
2025-06-25 14:28:04
Count answers: 13
Feeding your dog does not have to be mysterious.
Dogs are creatures of habit.
We can use this fact to our advantage by creating a regular feeding schedule and sticking to it.
A regular feeding schedule helps with house training puppies, as well as adult rescue dogs who have not been taught household manners.
Puppies generally need to relieve themselves within 10 to 15 minutes of eating a meal and so, by linking a “potty stop” with a meal, we allow the puppy to associate their urges to urinate and defecate with being in the appropriate location.
A feeding routine helps your dog cope when there are changes in the household.
Feeding an adult dog at regular times provides the security and predictability of a routine.
Having a set meal schedule can be helpful if your dog develops a medical condition.
If your dog is already used to a set feeding schedule, this will be an easy adjustment.
Feeding time can be an important bonding time.
Creating routine and regular feeding times builds fun into everyday activities.
Danyka Jaskolski
2025-06-25 14:03:42
Count answers: 6
Leaving dog food out all day could attract insects, rodents, or raccoons. That’s especially the case if you feed your dog outside, so be on the lookout. If you are leaving food out all day for your dog to nibble on, use dry food, which won’t spoil. For dogs who are a healthy weight and aren’t having accidents in the house, you may be able to use the free-choice feeding method. This means you leave food out all day and let your dog graze.
Sam Nitzsche
2025-06-25 11:05:51
Count answers: 9
Food left out throughout the day may be exposed to bacteria, potentially causing digestive problems. Canned food, cooked food, or raw food should not be left out at all. Wash all dog bowls thoroughly after every meal and discard uneaten food. Food left out all day can also encourage mice and ants, which no one wants in their home. Unless you are portioning your dog's food daily using a measuring cup, free feeding can lead to weight problems. Leaving food out all day and topping off the empty bowl encourages overeating. Scheduled feeding is when you feed your dog at regular meal times and put your dog's food away if they haven't finished eating after 10-15 minutes. Ultimately, you know what works best for your dog and your lifestyle.