Is It Cruel to Keep a Dog Outside? Is it Cruel to Keep a Dog Outside All Day?

It is natural for dogs to be outside, and most dogs love the outdoors. But is it cruel to keep a dog outside for extended periods of time?

Some people feel that it is necessary for their safety. The decision whether or not to keep a dog outside should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Keeping your big and sturdy dogs like sled dogs and guard dogs outside is not cruel at all, provided you build them a suitable shelter. However, other small and medium-sized dogs should never be kept outside as they could die of cold.

In conclusion, whether it is cruel to have a dog that lives outside depends on various factors and proper shelter, access to food and water, health care, social interaction, exercise, and training all play crucial roles in ensuring the well-being of outdoor dogs.


Without access to your home, dogs can overheat or even freeze to death. If your dog must be kept outside for a long period of time, invest in a kennel to give him shelter from weather conditions.

Does Weather Matter? In trying to determine if it is cruel to leave a dog outside, weather does make a difference. During the most extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, greater consideration needs to go into this question.


Never leave your dog unattended for long periods of time, this includes overnight. If something happens to your dog such as heatstroke or hypothermia, the longer it goes unattended the worse it will be for him. Always check on him to make sure he has enough water and is not exhibiting any signs of health issues.


Long story short, there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to keeping your dog outside, neither is it always cruel. It’s only cruel if you’re forcing your dog to do it or have the wrong motivation or intention behind leaving your dog outdoors. Therefore, always consider your dog’s genetic make up, what he or she has adapted to, and most importantly, what he or she likes!


Evaluate your reasons for keeping a dog outside. Putting dogs outside is never an alternative to training or socializing. Provide at least 30 minutes of focused interaction daily.

If you live in a cold region, it would be cruel to leave your dog outside unattended. But confining a dog inside with no one to play with can lead to boredom and accidents.

Note: It is okay if your medium or large dog sleeps outside in 50-60+ degree weather. Provide a dry, windproof kennel. Check often that your dog is handling the temperatures.

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