ENVIRONMENT

Dogs are intelligent so if they get bored, and don’t have enough to do, they can suffer. You need to make sure your dog can exercise outdoors every day, play and interact with people or other dogs (if appropriate). Your dog also needs to be able to go to

the toilet every few hours. He/she will be inquisitive and playful, so you’ll have to make sure there are plenty of entertaining toys or activities.

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Home comforts

When they’re not having fun playing or out on a walk, dogs and puppies need a comfortable, dry, draught-free, clean and quiet place to snooze in, as well as somewhere they can hide to avoid things that scare them. Always look out for a bed that is easy to clean and big enough to allow your dog to go through his/her natural routine of turning around before settling. Make sure that it’s the right size and made of material that is safe for your dog.

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Your dog will need lots of suitable objects to chew and play with. If you have more than one dog, you need to make sure there is always sufficient water for them all, as well as enough toys, beds, and hiding places to go round to reduce the chances of them becoming competitive and fighting.

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Keeping dogs outside

The RSPCA advises against keeping dogs outside because it can be very difficult to meet their needs. Living in a cold or wet place can cause a dog to suffer and may lead to illness.

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You may be thinking of keeping your dog outside because of a behaviour problem
– for example, toilet training or chewing – which is preventing you keeping him/her in the house.

If this is the case, always talk to your vet first, to rule out any underlying health reasons.

You may then be referred to a clinical animal behaviourist for further help.

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Dog crates

Dog crates are widely available and can provide an open ‘den’ area which some dogs like to use as a safe place where they feel secure. They can also be used as a training aid to help puppies to learn to be left alone or with toilet training – but crates should never be used as a punishment or to prevent unwanted behaviour. Sometimes a vet may advise the use of a crate to help recovery after surgery and they can also be used to keep dogs secure and comfortable while they are travelling.

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Don’t leave your dog alone in a car

If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog-friendly – you won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined! If you go on a long journey, make sure he/she gets regular stops to have a drink, exercise and go to the toilet.

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It can get unbearably hot in a car on a sunny day, even when it’s not that warm. In fact, when it’s 22°C/72°F outside,
the temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C/117°F within sixty minutes. You should never leave a dog alone in a car.

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Your dog should always be able to move into a cool, ventilated environment if he/ she is feeling hot and have access to cool, fresh water to drink. Unlike humans, dogs pant to help keep themselves cool. In a hot stuffy car dogs can’t cool down – leaving a window open or a sunshield on your windscreen won’t keep your car cool enough. Dogs die in hot cars.

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By law, if you put your animal at risk, you could face prosecution. You would also have to live with the fact that your actions resulted in terrible suffering for your pet.

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Top tips for summer

If you have to leave your dog outside, you must provide a cool shady spot where he/ she can escape from the sun at all times of the day with a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over.

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Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan and groom him/her regularly to get rid of excess hair. Your dog will still need to be exercised every day, so walk him/her early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.