What Else Can You Do To Make Your Dog Comfortable Outside And Keep Them Healthy And Happy
Spending a lot of time with your dog outside can make them more comfortable living outside. Again, dogs are not just animals, they are family members.
And being alone can worsen their behavior and make them more aggressive even. So make sure to pay attention to them if you are letting them live outside.
Play fetch with your dog and even eat outside with them to give them company.
Really, though, keeping your dog out in the summer can be a big challenge. I talked about some of the challenges of leaving a dog in hot weather.
It is not advisable to leave a dog in extremely hot weather. But if you can groom your dog and get rid of some of their fur, being outside can be a more bearable experience.
So, in addition to getting them a dog house, I also recommend keeping their fur trimmed and tidy.
Brush your dog as often as you can to get rid of excess hair on them.
Gsd And Heat Tolerance; May Have Something To Do With The Coat
Experts say GSDs coat work as a fantastic insulator. It protects this herding dog species from excessive heat and cold, apart from giving him an impressive appearance.
So, your furry companion will thrive in hot conditions well. Remember, GSD was native to Germany who was brought to England and then to America. These changes in places and need to survive in these countries made them adequately capable of withstanding reasonably hot conditions.
A lot of heat tolerance is attributed to the coat. If you look closely, GSD has multiple layers of coat. This make-up of coat helps him keep cool air trapped, allowing him to feel comfortable irrespective of hot temperatures.
A quick tip: Dont overbrush or shave your GSD in hot weather; you are simply robbing him off of the cool air he needs to fight the heat!
How Cold Is Too Cold For German Shepherd Dogs
It depends on the particular type of dog, there are some guidelines that can help you estimate when he can go out and whether it is best for him to stay indoors.
45 ° F. Most dogs are naturally comfortable at this temperature even without the help of a dog jacket.
32 F is the temperature at which normal water begins to freeze, and this is the temperature at which some dogs begin to feel very cold.
You May Also Interested:
Again, it depends on the individual dog, but older, younger and younger dogs can really start to feel cold and need to be monitored to make sure they are not too uncomfortable at this temperature.
20 ° F. This is where things start to feel really cold and dangerous conditions like frostbite and hypothermia are possible. Beware!
Recommended Reading: Is A German Shepherd A Hypoallergenic Dog
Why Do Police Use German Shepherds Instead Of Dobermans
Police use German Shepherds instead of Dobermans due to their obedience. They can endure harsh weather as well. And when it comes to bonding with a handler, theyre also quicker to form one.;
Both breeds are:
- Fearless.
- Born with good stamina.
These are all in the requirements of a police dog. But, there are things that German Shepherds can do better.
What are these?
Ill discuss each of them.
#1: Thin single coat
First off, Doberman Pinschers have thin fur.
So they dont do well in extremely low temperatures. And harsh weather.
This can be hard. Especially during patrols and rescue.
But unlike them, German Shepherds have double coats.
They have an outer layer of fur called a guard coat. And its purpose is to protect them from water and dirt.
#2: Issues with obedience
Dobermans are also known for their cleverness.
In fact, Coren, the expert I mentioned earlier, ranked them 5th in intelligence.
However
This good trait can also be a weakness.
But whys that?
Its because theyre prone to thinking and acting on their own.
One study proves this.
Researchers say that theyre excellent in tracking. But, they usually have an unstable temper.
Training them to grab a certain body part was also found to be difficult. As well as asking them to attack in command or not.
So for example, both of them were asked to go to a place
German Shepherds will do what was asked. And theyll perform the exact thing they do during training.
Dobermans may tend to find a safer or easier route.
Can German Shepherds Be Outside In Cold Weather
This article has your answer and contains important safety tips. Most German Shepherds can sleep outside in winter if their outside housing is completely weatherproof, insulated, and will protect them. Its also necessary to provide bedding like hay or special blankets that will help your German Shepherd stay warm.
Don’t Miss: Top Names For German Shepherds
What Is The Oldest German Shepherd On Record
Do not believe what you find on the internet for this information. Trusted databases with verified age and breed records are not commonly available to the public. You can find YouTube videos and forum posts of people saying their GSDs are alive at 20 or 24 years of age but these claims have not been independently verified by birth/pedigree records and veterinarians.
Things That Affect Your Dogs Ability To Handle The Cold
Each German shepherd dog is unique and treats the cold differently depending on a number of factors like their furr coats.
- Coat length. The jacket should hold on when you step out the door when the temperatures drop but dont forget that your dog has a built-in coat. The coat of a short-haired GSD, provides some automatic protection from mild cold weather.Then there are some long-haired cold-weather German shepherds, such as the double coated german shepherds, which are naturally adapted to deep winters.
- Body weight. Whales, polar bears, walruses and other cold-weather mammals increase cold-tolerance with body fat. While you may not want to pack your dog on pounds for this purpose, it is still true that a heavy dog is more comfortable in the cold than the same dog that weighs less.
- Color. Dark colors generally absorb light and heat, while light colors reflect it. So dogs with a black or brown coat are a little warmer than dogs with a white or grey coat.
- Age. Older dogs may be less able to control their body temperature and may not tolerate cold weather. And dont forget to protect your puppies too!
- Size. Puppies find it very difficult to create and capture their body heat, so they can cool down more quickly than large dogs.
- Height. Small species are close to snow and cool very quickly.
Read Also: How Many Puppies Can A German Shepherd Have First Litter
Tips For The Cold Weather
While a German Shepherd may be able to tolerate the cold reasonably well, probably more than we humans are, there are still some things to consider and to keep in mind. Listed are some tips for when you let your dog outside in the cold for any period of time.
- Make sure there is protection from the wind- Windchill can make tolerable cold temperatures something bitter and miserable. If your dog is staying outside in the cold for any period of time, make sure they have a house or structure out there with a wall and windbreak so that they can get some relief. Some people buy heated dog houses for their pets stay outside.
- Watch for chemicals and salt- In the winter, chemicals like antifreeze can malt and get loose, which is dangerous for dogs. The salt that can be used on roads and sidewalks can potentially hurt your dogs paws as well, so its good to make sure your dog is somewhere where it wont risk getting hurt by these things.
- Keep them on a leash if not in an enclosed space- If there is a fence, then your dog will probably be okay without a tether. If youre going on a walk or run, keep them on a leash. The snow and ice can make your dog lose your scent and it can end up getting lost, especially if there is a snowstorm. Its better to be safe than sorry, so keep your dog close in the cold!
More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
Nature Of Bgs Double Coat
All germans shepherd dogs have double coat its means these dogs have two layers of coat. Both coats, the outer and inner, have their unique characteristics. Moreover, the outer coat of a german shepherd is long and thick, which protects a dog in cold and ice. On the other hand, the dogs inner layer is thick and softer, and it is working as an insulator.
So they make the dog warm in cold weather. Moreover, if the germans shepherd dogs are sitting under shedding, they can spend more time in the cold. Breeders dont trim the german shepherd coat, and it is thicker and longer for tolerating cold weather.
Recommended Reading: German Shepherd Mix Beagle
Leashing Your Dog During Cold Weather And Identification Tags
Unless you have a fenced-in yard or know that your GSD will not leave your side, its very important that you always keep it on a leash during cold weather.
This is because snow and ice will mask the scents that your dog is used to following to find its way back home. If your dogs vision is impaired because of heavy snow and it cannot smell its way back home, it can get lost.
This happens to many dogs each winter. So in addition to keeping your dog on a leash during walks, make sure that it has a snug-fitting collar with the proper identification tags in case your dog does become separated from you.
How Hot Will Be Too Hot
Though the coat has a design that helps regulate the heat, there is a limit to tolerating the heat.The coats insulation abilities may lose strength if GSD is kept under direct sunlight for extended hours. After a point, he will also need a shed or other cooling solutions to prevent heat build-up.
Beyond; 35 degrees Celsius, the weather is toohot for the GSD!
Hence, when your thermostat in the garden reads 35 degrees or more than that, you need to bring your furry companion inside a cooler place.
This information helps designing the dwelling space for the pet. Keeping with the fact that GSD does need some time outdoors, you can do better if you have a shed in the area you have planned for your pet. GSD can stay outdoors, or play in the garden when the weather permits and can have the choice of sneaking into the shed as the temperature soars.
If you have put your loving companion outdoors for long, you ought to keep a watch. Though he will make your task easier by barking if something is not right outdoors, staying attentive is a must.
Lets investigate the signs that this German beast might display when the heat gets too much for him.
Also Check: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
Further Points To Consider
Lets run through some other important points that are not often thought about
1.Ensure a rich diet sufficient in protein and fat.A diet thats abundant in protein and fat closely mimics a wild diet and is what German Shepherds thrive on. This is important to keep their bodies strong, healthy, and capable of sleeping outside in winter conditions.
2.Ensure the supply of water doesnt freeze!When the temperature drops below zero, the water will start to freeze. Make sure to locate the bowl in a place where its protected from the outside. As long as your housing is completely weatherproof, this shouldnt be an issue.
3. Regularly check on your GSD or install CCTV. No matter how good your housing is, its important to carry out routine checks to make sure everything is ok. If you notice your GSD acting anxious, shivering, scared, or any signs of discomfort. Be ready to bring him back inside with you.
4. Spend as much quality time with your GSD as you can.If your German Shepherd does live outside, its crucial to ensure youre spending enough time with him to socialize, bond, train and show your love. All dogs need and deserve to be cared for just like a family member.
Provide Plenty Of Blankets
This may seem like a no brainer, but its important. Keep plenty of blankets on hand for your;German Shepherd during the winter, even if it means picking up a couple new ones. Consider switching out blankets that they may use during the summer months for material that is more insulating in plush. For example, while my dogs may only have a towel or sheet in their kennel during the summer, theyll usually get upgraded to a fluffy throw blanket during the winter to keep them extra warm.
Its important to remember that;dogs kept in indoor kennels at night will get much warmer, much faster than dogs kept outdoors. If your dog sleeps in a kennel, make sure he has plenty of space to get away from blankets and beds, in case he gets too hot. If your dog sleeps with you, or in his bed, this is less important as he will be able to move around freely and;probably wont risk getting too hot.
Recommended Reading: Pitbull Vs German Shepherd Bite Force
What Do You Need To Provide Your Dog When It Is Cold
Have you acclimated your dog to cold weather? Even if your dog is accustomed to staying outdoors in all conditions for eight to 12 hours, she needs basic amenities. Not only is it the law in many areas, but it ensures her comfort and well-being.
Freshwater Although it seems common sense, water provides the hydration necessary for all metabolic processes, including staying warm.
Shelter Your German Shepherd needs shelter from the wind. A doghouse will also protect from rain, sleet, and snow, and provides additional insulation. An appropriate size will trap your dogs body heat inside, although some still need heaters depending on where you live.
Bedding hay, and straw, as well as blankets and clothing, can provide additional insulation.
Proper nutrition Staying warm requires a lot of fuel.
Supervise and prevent the ingestion of de-icing salt. Rinse feet after walking on salted surfaces.
Be Careful With His Paws
Your German Shepherds paw pads are the first point of contact to the ground, and outside pavements and tarmacs can become incredibly hot in the sun.
Its very easy for certain surfaces to become hot enough to BURN your GSDs paws. If its too hot for your hand, its always too hot for his paws. So be very cautious of where your GSD walks both in your yard, and when out on walks.
Burnt paws will be incredibly painful and will need veterinary attention.
You May Like: How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppy
Top Best Answers To The Question What Temperature Can A German Shepherd Withstand
A German Shepherd in his prime can handle temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit fairly easily. He can tolerate temperatures even as low as -10 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods and as long as he stays dry.
FAQ. Those who are looking for an answer to the question «What temperature can a german shepherd withstand?» often ask the followingquestions:
Can German Shepherds Swim In The Ocean
Lakes and ponds rarely pose any dangers, unless they are massive lakes. The ocean, though, can be a different matter because of the salt and the unpredictability.
A German shepherd might be able to swim in the ocean, but we strongly advise against it. Not only are the waves dangerous, but spending too much time in ocean water can lead to potential salt poisoning for your dog.
Playing fetch with your German shepherd along the shore should be fine. Just make sure that they know they shouldnt drink any water from the ocean.
Their instincts should take care of that, but just in case we recommend you bring water to keep your canines hydrated.;And if they start drinking salt water, immediately step in and correct the behavior.
Let us know in the comments below if your German shepherds love swimming or are afraid of the water. What was your experience like in helping your German shepherd learn to swim?
Do you have any tips or tricks that seemed to work well? If so, wed love to hear about them.;
RELATED QUESTIONS:
Don’t Miss: How To Fix Loose Hocks In German Shepherds
How Many Gsds Do You Have
This will also play a big part in how well your German Shepherds can tolerate sleeping outside. They may be working dogs, but theyre incredibly social too, and being alone is not good for any German Shepherd.Sleeping and living outside will be easy if you have a pack or at least more than one German Shepherd. If you have just one, you may want to consider bringing them inside your home for at least the winter months. Sleeping in a pack will not only help with staying warm, but it mimics their life in the wild. Dogs are pack animals, meaning they live, sleep, eat, and work always with multiple buddies around. This level of companionship is greatly missed when dogs spend too much time alone. This can have many adverse effects, and simply put, isnt nice for any dog!
Can German Shepherds Swim In Swimming Pools
One of the benefits of a swimming pool is it allows you complete supervision over your dog. However, there is a downside as well. If your pool is chlorinated, it can strip your dogs coat of its natural oils and lead to dry, irritated skin.
But there are ways to pool-proof your dogs coat so they can enjoy a relaxing swim. Which a German shepherd would certainly appreciate in the summer.
Tips to pool-proof your German shepherd include:
- Spray their coat with a canine conditioner before they swim. This can lock in some moisture.
- Rinse off afterward. If you get the chlorinated water out of their coat it can minimize its effects.;
- Comb out any tangles and provide a thorough brushing once a week to remove any residual chlorine.
- Dry out those ears. Keeping your German shepherds ears dry is important no matter where they have been swimming.
You May Like: Best Dog Crate For German Shepherd