Indoor vs. Outdoor: Which Environment is Better for Your Pet?

If you’re a new pet owner or even if you’ve had your furry friend for a while, you may be wondering if your pet is living in the right environment. Maybe you want your pet close by, but are afraid of depriving them from the benefits of their natural habitat. In the same way, you could be hesitant to keep your pet inside, but you feel putting them out in the weather is too harsh. The outdoors bring sunlight and a natural space to play for your pet, while the indoors have safety and comfort. So, what is truly the better option?

According to Everyday Health cats and dogs are more suited for an indoor environment. They state that animals feel less stressed in an enclosed space and even say indoor pet living increases life span. However, DogsLife says indoor dogs are more prone to coming down and spreading with zoonotic disease in close quarters. If you research hard enough you’ll find consequences that come with each living situation. In reality, most of these statements are extremes.

While sunlight and room to roam are great for cats and dogs, the stability and closeness of indoor living are ideal for your pet as well. We all have different wants and desires, just as our animals do. When it comes to picking a place for a pet to live, take into consideration what will be best for both you and your furry loved one. If you are worried about the mess of a pet indoors there is nothing wrong with outdoor fencing and kennels. If you’re wary of keeping your pet outside all day, your home can be their home too. The personality of the owner and the personality of the pet should be key factors in picking a permanent living space for your cat or dog.  However, it is important to put your animal’s safety first. Pay attention to extreme heat or cold that could potentially harm your pet if they are left outdoors. There are multiple modern options to keep your pet safe from bad weather. Dry, draft free pet homes are available to house your pet outside in the cold or rain, and outdoor fans are useful for those hot summer days. It is always important to keep food and water available for an outdoor pet as hydration and consumption are essential for any pet.

Many pet owners find it best to maintain a balance. They can snuggle their animal at night while giving time for their pet to play outside during the day. A good walk in the park or spending time outside is great for any pet, but they aren’t the only options for keeping your pet healthy. In the same way, the modern trend of indoor pets is not the only healthy option. When it comes down to it, if you surround your pet with love and care, inside or outside, they are sure be happy in their home!

Do you keep your pet indoors or outdoors? Leave a comment and let us know!