I was speaking with a German Shepherd owner at our local dog park who said his dog lives outside most of the time. This is so different than our cattle dogs who have the run of the house. It got me thinking that maybe it’s more natural for some dogs to live outside. Is it possible that German Shepherds do well outside?
German Shepherds are able to live outside in varying weather conditions as long as they have a water-resistant, insulated shelter to protect them from the elements and access to food and a freshwater supply. However, leaving a GSD outside for extended periods may result in behavioral problems, expose them to inclement weather, and animal attacks.
First, let’s take a look at the temperament of German Shepherds and how they are suitable for spending time outdoors. Then, we’ll list some tips for keeping your German Shepherd safe and comfortable outdoors.
Do German Shepherds do well in hot weather?
German Shepherds are not suited for long days spent in hot weather without proper shelter and freshwater. GSDs have a dense coat of fur, which can make them overheat in the warmer summer months. That being said, GSDs are resilient to high temperatures for short periods of time.
German Shepherds can regulate their body temperature more effectively than other dog breeds as their double coat provides air condition between the layers and natural sun protection.
Of course, every dog is different, and some German Shepherds may struggle in very hot climates. If you spend a lot of time outdoors with your GSD during extremely hot weather, it is best to monitor your dog’s behavior closely.
What are the signs my GSD might be getting too hot?
Some signs that your German Shepherd might be getting too hot are if they start to pant excessively, they become lethargic, or they start to walk unsteadily.
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately. Move your German Shepherd to a cool, shaded area and give them lots of water to drink. If you observe symptoms like collapsing, convulsing, vomiting, or other atypical signs, it’s important to seek medical attention from a veterinarian.
With proper care, dogs usually recover fully from overheating. However, it’s always better to be safe and consult with your vet.
What are some tips for helping my German Shepherd stay cool in the summer?
There are a few things you can do to help your German Shepherd stay cool in the summer months.
First, make sure they have access to plenty of shade and water. If possible, put your dog’s shelter in a shady spot. You can also invest in a doghouse fan or an evaporative cooling pad to help keep them stay cool.
Second, avoid exercising your German Shepherd during the hottest part of the day. Stick to early morning or evening walks when it’s cooler outside. If you do have to exercise them during the daytime, make sure to take frequent breaks in the shade and give them lots of water to drink.
Finally, consider giving your German Shepherd a cool bath or shower on hot days. This will help them cool off and feel more comfortable. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much bathing can dry out their skin.
Do GSDs do well in cold weather?
Due to their thick coats, German Shepherds are well-suited for cold weather. German Shepherds much like their names suggest originally came from Germany, where they were used as working dogs on farms.
In fact, many people choose to keep German Shepherds as outdoor dogs because they can tolerate cold weather better than most other breeds.
Of course, every dog is different, and some individual German Shepherds may struggle in very cold climates.
What are the signs my GSD might be getting too cold?
There are a few signs that your GSD might be getting too cold.
First, they may start to shiver or shake. This is their body’s way of generating heat and is a sign that they are starting to feel cold.
Second, they may start to slow down or become less active. This is because their body is trying to conserve energy and keep warm.
Third, their skin may start to feel cool or stiff. This is another sign that their body is losing heat. If you notice any of these signs, make sure to bring your GSD inside and give them a warm place to rest.
What are some tips for helping my German Shepherd stay warm in the winter?
There are a few things you can do to help your German Shepherd stay warm in the winter months.
First, make sure they have access to a warm, dry shelter. If possible, put their doghouse in a sunny spot or near a safe heat source.
Second, invest in a good-quality dog bed, like this one designed for outdoor use. It’s elevated, washable, and breathable. This bed will provide a barrier from the cold ground in winter and in warmer weather, it will help keep your dog cool.
Third, consider getting them a dog coat or sweater. This is especially important if they have short fur. Dog sweaters like this one from Kugo K9 can help keep their body heat in and the cold out.
Fourth, make sure they have access to plenty of food and water. A well-fed dog will have an easier time staying warm in the winter.
Finally, don’t forget to exercise your German Shepherd. Exercise helps generate body heat and can keep them warm even on the coldest days.
How to keep your German Shepherd comfortable and safe when they’re outside
If you’re lifestyle has your German Shepherd outdoors for part of the day and you’re wondering how to keep them comfortable and safe when they’re outside, here are a few tips.
1. If you’re keeping your GSD outdoors, it’s important to make sure they have access to shelter from the elements, whether it’s a doghouse, like this one from Petmate, or simply a shady spot underneath a tree.
Dogs need shelter to protect them from extreme weather conditions, like extremely hot sun or cold winter weather. In addition, shelters provide dogs with a type of den which helps them feel safe.
2. Provide them with plenty of fresh water. Consider investing in a water fountain or automatic waterer, which will help to ensure that your dog always has access to clean water. You should also be sure to monitor your dog’s water intake and contact your veterinarian if you notice any changes in their drinking habits.
3. If you have a garden or yard, you can create an outdoor play area for your GSD that includes toys and other favorite items. This will help keep them entertained and mentally stimulated when they’re outside.
To do this, you’ll need to choose a safe area that’s free from potential hazards like roads, pools, and electrical wires. Then, select a variety of toys such as chew toys, balls, or their favorite plush stuffed toys. For aggressive chewers, Kong brand has a great assortment.
You can also add enrichment items like tunnels, agility equipment, interactive balls and treat puzzles.
4. Most dogs love to have their own space that they can call their own, and one way to provide this is by giving them a bed or mat to rest on. Not only will this help to keep your dog’s sleeping area clean, but it will also give them an added sense of security.
Dogs often feel more comfortable in an enclosed space like their own crate or kennel. Having a den is part of a dog’s wolf pack instinct. A bed or mat placed in a sheltered area can also work.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your GSD is comfortable and safe when they’re outside.
Final thoughts
German Shepherds can be outside and do well in both hot and cold weather as long as you take the necessary precautions to keep them safe and comfortable.
By being aware of the signs that your dog is getting too hot or too cold, you can take steps to correct the situation before it becomes a problem. I hope this post helps you and your GSD enjoy being outside!
