Care Tips
Winter Care for the Outside Dog
Barking Dogs Only Plead for Affection
Winter Care for the Outside Dog
A proper and adequate doghouse MUST be provided; it shall have four sides, a good roof and floor - and should be up off of the ground at least a few inches. The opening should be just wide enough for the dog to gain entry into the doghouse. Doghouse must allow the dog to assume all normal positions, and sleep in a stretched-out position. The Doghouse must be kept clean and sanitary at all times; should have "bedding" of straw and cedar chips.
STEEL BARRELS (and metal un-insulated doghouses) are illegal housing - they do not provide necessary protection for outside dogs in winter (or summer either), for obvious reasons. WOOD is the recommended material to be used in Doghouse Construction.
AN OLD RUG should be nailed over the doghouse door to help keep out rain and snow. Doghouse should be kept level; not tilted. An 'extension' of the roof over the door to doghouse will help keep doghouse dry, and help keep rain / snow out of it.
The Doghouse must be airtight, draft free; should be snug and cozy for the animal to live outside in comfort. There is a danger to the dog's health if he is kept inside your home all night, and put outside all day long. If kept inside, keep him in cool, draft free room.
We encourage dog owners to make house pets out of their dogs. This way the animal owners get much more companionship, guardianship and better relationship with their dog.
NOTE: The U. S. Government takes their dogs inside when the weather gets below 50 degrees.
In winter, check the water several times daily, in case of freezing; insure your dog a drink of water several times daily. Dogs outside should be fattened so as to withstand the colder weather; heavier diet should be available to dog outside in wintertime. Your dog's diet should be almost doubled if kept outside, in wintertime. Water must be available for dog at all times. The area must be kept clean and sanitary. Affix water container so it won't be spilled.
Attach a chain to the doghouse so that it won't become entangled; affix swivels to both ends of the chain to help keep chain from becoming entangled. Do not fasten to pole or anywhere where chain can be wrapped around it. The chain must be at least three times the length of the dog's body - or about 12 feet. No excuse for short chains.
Make sure your dog has normal body weight; if thin have him checked by your veterinarian for worms, or an adequate diet prescription. You are not qualified to worm your own dog with patent medicines.
Dogs must be free of internal and external parasites according to State animal protection laws. If female dogs are kept outside, have her spayed to prevent birth of unwanted, surplus litters of puppies.
Barking Dogs Only Plead for Affection
Do those individuals who criticize barking dogs ever stop to think that barking is a dog's way of talking to us? What is the barking dog trying to communicate? He is saying: "I am lonely, pet me. I am bored, walk me. I am unhappy because I can't leave this spot, take me with you." Give your dog, some attention. Walk him twice daily, pet and show him affection. Put variety in his life. Treat him like the living, feeling creature he is and he will be less likely to bark. The barking dog is the unhappy dog. Let's use love instead of muzzles and concern instead of criticism. IRENE CUPIDO, New Kensington.
Make sure he has current dog license, his only identification in case he is a lost/ stray. It's the law! Protect your dog from injury, or death ... don't let him roam the streets; keep him secure. It's the law!
Do not sell pets to strangers. Don't advertise "free to a good home" in the newspaper. Take pet to humane shelter. Dogs sold to strangers do not usually get a good home.