Guest post by CPC Cares – ‘Provider of Pet Cremation Services for bereaved pet owners with sensitivity and respect.
We’ve come a long way from our pets just being working animals. Now it’s more like we treat our pets like people!
Here in the UK it’s common practice to keep your pets indoors, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s your only option as a pet owner. There is no right or wrong way but a lot needs to be considered before making a decision.
There are pros and cons to both and we think it very much depends on your particular circumstance, lifestyle choices, and type of pet.
Legally, it is your duty to ensure your pet’s welfare needs are met.
So as long as they are still receiving the best possible care and attention a dog or cat can be kept inside or outside.
Dogs:
Keeping a dog Outside
If keeping your dog outside is something you’re considering or even if it’s just for when you’re out or at work, there are some musts:
- Dogs will need a large enough space to allow separate sleeping and activity areas. Each dog must be able to walk, run and wag their tail without touching the kennel sides; to play, stand on their hind limbs and stretch/lie down without touching another animal/kennel.
- Shelter to protect from rain, wind, and direct sunlight. Dogs should be able to move where they feel more comfortable, away from direct sunlight. Dog crates are not a suitable permanent environment.
- Heating and/or automatic cooling/ventilation, if necessary, so temperatures remain above 10°C and below 26°C.Heating/cooling systems used must be safe and not pose a risk, e.g. no trailing cables, or risk of burning. The temperature must be monitored daily to ensure these requirements are met.
- Dogs must not be tethered/chained, except for very short periods, as it can lead to injuries and restricts normal behavior.
- You must provide access to clean drinking water and a well-balanced diet. (these must be cleaned)
- Provide an opportunity for daily exercise, play, and interactions with people and other animals.
- Check daily for injury and illness. Take safety precautions and be alert to risks that may affect them.
Benefits
Environmental enrichment
Your dog has more stimuli
Gives the dog a sense of nature
Risks
Bonds are harder to form
Risk of fleas and ticks
Dogs are social animals and love attention. So whether they are inside or out, the same level of attention must be given to them for them to thrive.
Outdoor breeds:
Alaskan Malamute
Bearded Collie
Chow Chow
German Shepherd
Great Pyrenees
Mastiff
Old English Sheepdog
Rottweiler
Keeping a dog Inside
Depending on the size and breed of the dog will give an insight into how well they’ll develop inside the home. Some smaller ‘toy’ dogs are lower maintenance and require less exercise, and grooming and larger dogs do better when they have the opportunity to run and exercise to exert some of their energy.
Consider if you’re going to be home frequently and can provide regular attention.
Benefits:
Closeness
Protection
Fewer allergies
Risks:
Increase risk of Zoonotic disease which is transferred from dog to human and vice versa.
May encounter aggressive tendencies if a dog isn’t receiving enough exercise
Toilet training will be a MUST
Inside breeds:
Beagle
Pomeranian
Skye Terrier
Cavalier King Charles
Bulldog
Pug
Shih Tzu
Cats:
For cats, it’s ideal for them to have access to both indoor and outdoor environments, but cats are individuals. So wherever your cat spends his/her time, make sure they’re safe and happy. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat additional considerations should be taken in the home to keep your cat mentally stimulated.
Risks & benefits of Outdoor only cats
Benefits:
Being outdoors gives your cat variety in their environment.
They’re able to express their natural behavior – this includes hunting so may in fact be a con.
They can help with unwanted rodents
The outdoor environment provides a mix of smells, sights, and tastes.
Exercise
An escape from the household if necessary.
Risks:
Injury/ death
Disease
Parasites
Loss – going missing, being stolen or getting lost
They are able to express their natural hunting instinct – yes this is either a benefit or a risk depending upon your view.
Outdoor poisons
Outdoor poisons
*There are ways to minimize the risk and keep your fur baby safe!
Try keeping them indoors at night.
Collar-fitted tracker devices are becoming more popular to help owners keep track of their pet.
MICROCHIPPING
Regularly give your cat flea and worm treatments.
Outdoor cats:
American Bobtail (longhair)
Asian – Burmilla
Bengal
British Longhair
Risks & benefits of Indoor only cats
Benefits:
Lower risks of disease, parasites, fleas, and ticks
Get lost
Won’t get hit by a car
They will not BE predators
Risks:
Every high bookcase, and shelf will become a perch
Household chemicals
House plants
Boredom
Laundry appliances
Loose wires
Indoor cats:
American Bobtail (short hair)
Balinese
British shorthair – Bicolour
Oriental – Shaded
Ragdoll
Whatever you decide
Experts will go back and forth with reasons behind each side but it really does boil down to the pet, owner, and their environment. Whatever you decide STICK TO IT!
Comment and share below. What do you think of the pros and cons of keeping a pet indoors/outdoors? Is there anything you would add?
You can check out more tips for learning how to care for your pets as well as how to handle final preparations by visiting CPC Cares!
Source: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/environment/living
Post originally published June 30, 2017. Updated June 2022.