Since forever, dogs have been considered man’s best friend. They provide company, safety, and unwavering affection. It follows that most pet owners want to provide their four-legged companions the best care available. Whether to keep their pets indoors or outside is one of the important issues that pet owners must make. Dog owners vary in their preference for keeping their pets indoors or outside. But the question of whether keeping a dog outside is cruel still stands.
This question does not have an easy solution. Keeping a dog outside can be frowned upon in some situations but not in others. For instance, leaving the dog outside in severe weather without proper shelter, food, or water may be regarded as cruel. Similar to how leaving a dog outside for extended periods of time without human interaction or attention can result in loneliness, boredom, and sadness in the dog.
On the other hand, keeping a dog outside may not be regarded as cruel if it receives enough shelter, food, water, and care. Dogs enjoy being around people because they are naturally social creatures. Therefore, even if the dog is kept outside, it’s crucial to make sure that it receives enough human connection and attention.
The dog’s breed is still another vital consideration. Some canines are more suitable for life outside than others. For instance, dogs with thick coats, like Huskies and Malamutes, are more suited to cold climates and can handle being outdoors than other breeds. In a similar vein, dogs that are bred for outdoor employment, such as guard dogs or hunting dogs, may be happy there. Now, let’s talk about the issue of “How do stray dogs survive winter?” Dogs left to fend for themselves after being abandoned or getting lost are referred to as stray dogs. Dogs that are left on their own must find methods to survive, especially during the hard winter months when people are less likely to observe them roaming the streets.
Stray dogs seek refuge in abandoned structures, beneath bridges, or in other safe spaces to survive the winter. In addition, they rely on instincts to find food and water. While some stray dogs prey on rodents and mice, some forage for food in trash cans. In rare circumstances, kind people who leave food and water out for stray dogs may also feed them.
In conclusion, whether keeping a dog outside is cruel depends on a number of variables, including the weather, the dog’s breed, and the level of care given. Dogs kept outdoors should have access to enough shelter, food, water, and care. In order to survive the winter, stray dogs must rely on their instincts and seek out food and shelter wherever they can.