Dogs were believed to have bonded with humans thousands of years ago, long before people learned to farm or cultivate lands. Our predecessors developed a mutually beneficial relationship with wolves, which eventually led to taming and training them. Presently, in our world today, most dogs live in one house with people as companions and protectors.
Do Dogs Belong Inside?
Some dog owners think that putting their dogs outdoors makes them happier, allows them to exercise, and makes them excellent guard dogs. However, pet experts say that these statements are not entirely factual.
Dogs, just like humans, are social creatures and need attention. They become sad when they are alone outdoors. Even if you let them live outside, your dog will mainly guard his only territory or pen. Instead of moving around and exercising, dogs are left out and wait for their owners to come out.
However, it is common to find dogs outdoors in some places where the weather is fair and mild. Nevertheless, according to Bill Gorton, an expert dog trainer from Pennsylvania, dogs are happier with humans around than in isolation.
Do Dogs Need to be Inside the House?
Yes, your pet dog needs to be inside the house. In fact, your dogs outdoor might expose them to the following hazards:
- Health issues – If you keep your dog outdoors, it can escape your yard and may face danger, such as poisoning, traffic, or fighting with other dogs or animals. Also, chronic health issues may arise from heat or cold exposure. Furthermore, since outdoor dogs do not socialize with their owners much, they have a high possibility of being taken or given by shelters.
- Behavioral issues – Dogs left outdoors can become stressed and develop behavioral problems, such as digging, escaping, aggressive, and barking. This will make them harder to train.
- Options for outdoor – Even though it is advisable to keep your dogs inside, it’s not that they still need to go outside and exercise. However, it is best to be with them and walk or play outside. If you want to leave them for short periods, provide them with a safe, secure, and shaded shelter with some fresh water. Avoid putting your dog on a leash or chaining them.
Is It Unhealthy to Have Dogs in the House?
Your beloved pet may carry bacteria inside your home, but do not panic. According to research, exposure to microbes can be beneficial for humans. Studies show that houses with dogs inside have more bacterial diversity, which is often found on pillowcases and television screens.
Rob Dunn, a biologist from NCSU, together with his colleagues, gave 40 households a sampling kit of microbes and instructed them to wipe them on nine different locations: a cutting board, the kitchen counter, the refrigerator shelf, the toilet seat, the pillowcase, the TV screen, the entrance door’s outer handle and also on an exterior and interior door.
When the researchers examined the DNA of microbes, they discovered that all 40 homes acquired over 7 thousand variations of bacteria. The common bacteria were Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria.
According to Dunn, it made sense because humans lived inside houses for many years, which gives organisms enough time to live in specific locations inside the house. For example, some microbes can live only in water heaters. People deposit bacteria in multiple ways in various places, and they live or die depending on how they adapt.
Bacteria that affect human skin are found chiefly on toilet seats and pillowcases. Bacteria from produce and leaves were seen on the kitchen and doors. Also, soil bacteria were mainly found in exterior parts of doors.
Bacterial Diversity
Dunn, with his colleagues, looked at what could impact bacterial growth from one home to another, such as having cats, carpets, children, etc. The only difference they discovered was whether the house had a dog.
TV screens and pillowcases of dog pet owners had 42 to 52% more bacterial communities than non-dog pet owners. Nevertheless, dog owners do not have to take their cute beloved pet outside to get rid of bacteria. Your pet may be your boon to better health.
Studies have also shown that pregnant ladies with dogs are likely to have children less prone to allergies. The reason for this may be exposure to microbes, strengthening the child’s immune system.
Do Most People Keep Their Dogs Outside?
Sadly, there are dog owners who keep their dogs outside. Whether they can’t train, are unwilling to socialize with their dogs, or can’t control the dog’s behavior, some people feel like it is ideal to keep pet dogs outside.
However, leaving your pet dog outdoors on in your backyard can make them develop destructive behaviors that may force you to give your dog away.
As mentioned above, your dog may develop behaviors such as chewing shrubs, hoses, furniture, destructive digging, and loud and endless barking. Some dogs also become hostile to other people, animals, or worse, their owners.
Conclusion
Dogs are social animals who need to be welcomed into each family they belong to. As a pet owner, you should know what is best for your dog’s health. If you need to clean your house, it is not advisable to have dogs with many furs.
If you can’t give enough time to train or exercise a big and energetic dog, find a breed that’s smaller and mellower.
Most importantly, if you are unwilling to welcome a new dog into your household with a whole heart, maybe it is best to look for another pet. Be kind to your dogs and be fair. After all, dogs need us as companions, and we also need them as such. You will not be happy if a dog does not spend time with you and is just outside.
Talk to a behaviorist or veterinarian if your dog has behavioral issues and you need to keep them outside. If you are keeping them outside due to allergies, speak with an allergologist. The happiest and best dogs come from homes that welcome them inside.
