Unattended in the Yard Can Lead to Dangerous Liaisons

We bring pets into our homes for many different reasons and they become a part of our family life. Just like their humans, dogs are living creatures that need food, water, shelter, companionship, care, and love.

In my last post, one reader mentioned that several of the dogs in her neighborhood are tied up outside and to her knowledge, never walked. Let’s start with the assumption that all pet owners have good intentions to provide the best home possible for their animal. With that said, I would like to raise several concerns with situation described.

First, we just had three days of brutal heat and humidity. I would wonder if an animal tied up in a yard had enough water and shade to avoid overheating. Many of us thought the temperature was uncomfortable, even intolerable. Imagine wearing a fur coat and just standing in the shade on one of those days. And then, what if you had to stay in the same small area for hours? Now that’s intolerable.

Because there are so many variables that can come into play, even with a fenced yard, it’s never a good idea to leave your dog unattended outside. For instance, the weather could turn for the worse.  It could get hotter and more unstable, bringing on a thunderstorm. In turn, your pet could become scared or disoriented and end up hurting themselves.

Or, another animal, possibly flea infested,  could wander into the yard. Some animals will not be deterred by the size of your dog. For example, a neighbor described a time when her dog was sprayed by a skunk. Unfortunately, her husband unknowingly let the dog back in the house.  The dog proceeded to run through the house and roll all over the carpet. What a mess! Good luck getting the smell out of your dog, your furnishings, and the house.

More animals to watch for include the increased number of coyotes in the area. Coyotes would have little hesitation to take on a smaller dog. But, that does not mean larger dogs are any safer outside without supervision. If an animal happens to be rabid, it can be especially unpredictable and lead to a dangerous situation.

Furthermore, another dog could come through your yard. Dogs are like people in that they don’t always get along. Two years ago, another neighbor’s dog got loose and ran into the adjacent yard. This larger dog took the smaller dog by the neck and shook it. It was a terrible commotion that brought me to my feet and out the back door within seconds. The owners, fortunately, were close by to separate their dogs quickly, although it seemed like minutes. It was a scary and disturbing incident. The smaller dog was eventually fine, but did require a visit to the vet’s office.

So, my suggestion is to always accompany your pet outdoors. Or, if you can’t be outside, stay right inside the door where you can see them and respond quickly if necessary.

Another really important point related to this situation is that a dog actually needs to venture beyond your yard. You may think your dog is getting the fresh air and exercise it needs by walking around the tie out or running within a fenced yard. However, it can make a big difference in your dog and their behavior if you take them for a walk. I think we could all agree, that the physical aspect of walking helps burn off some extra energy and keeps your dog’s digestion regular.

But, here is something to ponder. A dog needs mental stimulation too.  Your dog needs to explore, even if it is just around the block. Think about how many new smells can turn up in just a few hours. My dogs love to smell every square inch of grass and dirt available. It tells them who and what has been around.  A trip around the block also allows them to see other creatures like squirrels, birds, and more dogs. They might even get to interact with a new person. So, if you keep your dog engaged with play, attention, and new sensory experiences, they are less likely to get bored. And, since a bored dog tends to be destructive, walking your dog can actually make life easier for you.