Care of the Outside Dog

     *  A proper and adequate doghouse must be provided; it shall have four sides, a good floor and roof and

should be up off the ground several inches. The opening should be wide enough for the dog to

gain entry into the doghouse

     *  The doghouse must allow the dog to assume all normal positions and sleep in a stretched out position

        *  The doghouse must be kept clean and sanitary at all times and should have bedding of straw, cedar chips 

or a rug

   *  Steel barrels and metal, un-insulated doghouses are illegal housing. They do not provide necessary 

      protection for outside in winter or summer. Wood is the recommended material to be used in 

doghouse construction.  

    *  An old rug should be nailed over the doghouse door to help keep out rain and snow. The dog house 

      should be kept level, not tilted. An extension of the roof over the door to the dog house will help keep 

the house dry  and help keep out rain and snow.

       *  The dog house must be draft free and should be snug and cozy for the animal to live outside in comfort

       *  There is a danger to the dog's health if he is kept inside the home all night an kept outside all day long. 

 If kept inside, keep him in a cool, draft free draft-free room          

          *  The SPCA encourages dog owners to make house pets out of their dogs. This way the owners get much more 

companionship, protection and form better relationships with their dog

           *  In winter, check water several times daily and replace frozen water with a fresh supply to insure the dog gets 

a sufficient fluid intake 

            *  Water must be available for the dog at all times. Affix water container so it won't be spilled. A regularly topples 

water dish may be a sign a dog is bored or frustrated

         *  Dogs kept outside should be slightly fattened to withstand colder weather. The dogs diet should be almost 

doubled if kept outside in the wintertime.

            *  If the dog remains thin despite an increased food ration, he may have some sort of intestinal worm infestation. 

Consult your vet. Do not worm the dog with patent medications

            *  If using a chain, attach it to the dog house so that it won't become entangled. Affix swivels to both ends of the 

             chain to help  keep it from becoming entangled. Do not fasten to a pole or other object where chain can be 

wrapped around

            *  The chain must be at least three times the length of the dogs  body. Short chaining is against the law. Do not 

use chain heavier than necessary as they will overburden the dog. Vinyl covered cable is best

     *  Dogs should be spayed and / neutered for their health and to eliminate the overpopulation problem

         For more information, call the shelter at 570-275-0340 

      Article reprinted from Danville SPCA News release

with their permission