Problems That Can Arise From Keeping A Dog Outside All Day
It's important for pet dogs to get plenty of outdoor time. Taking your pet on a couple of walks daily or perhaps visiting a dog park to throw a ball or a stick will keep your dog physically and mentally fit. Some pet owners lack the time to engage with their pets in this manner and will simply leave the dog out in the backyard for long stretches. While it's true that the dog can have fun running around the backyard by itself, this isn't a replacement for regular walks. Another issue with being in the backyard for a prolonged period of time is that the dog may encounter problems that jeopardize its health. If your pet has encountered any of these issues, you'll want to visit your local animal hospital.
Eating Rocks
It may seem like a bizarre behavior, but some dogs will chew and, occasionally, swallow rocks. This may be an activity that becomes enticing to your dog when you leave it out in the yard for prolonged periods, as it can become bored. A small rock may be able to successfully pass through your dog's digestive system without incident, but larger rocks can definitely be a problem. If you've spotted your dog eating rocks, or your dog is showing signs of abdominal discomfort that could suggest this behavior, call your local animal hospital.
Suffering From Insect Bites And Stings
A dog that spends long periods of time in the yard may be subject to insect bites. For example, a dog that lays down on the ground where there are ants may end up with a series of small, painful bites. Spider bites could also be an issue, depending on the nature of your yard. Insect stings may be a situation that your dog encounters, too. For example, if you have a large flower garden that attracts a lot of bees, your dog might swat at a bee or a wasp and end up getting stung by several. Bites and stings can swell and cause pain to your animal, so it's good to have a veterinarian assess them.
Developing Pad Injuries
If you leave your dog outside for long periods of time, its boredom may cause it to start to dig in the dirt. This is an issue for you because your yard's condition will suffer, but there are potential problems for your dog, too. For example, if there were a piece of broken glass buried in the dirt, your dog could develop a nasty cut on one of its pads. Infection is possible, too, given the pad's contact with the dirt, so you'll want to take the animal to the animal hospital upon discovering this injury.
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