Pitbulls are large dogs, often requiring lots of space to exercise. If you live in a small home, you might wonder whether keeping your pittie outside most of the time is a good idea.
However, pit bulls can’t live outside as they can’t adjust to temperature changes. Read on to learn why keeping this breed outdoors is dangerous. You’ll also learn to avoid making common mistakes when you’re out and about with your dog.
Why Can’t Pit Bulls Live Outside?
Pitbulls can’t live outside for several reasons. Here are some of the most common ones.
They Have Short Hair
Pitbulls have short fur, which might be dense, but it doesn’t provide much protection against the elements. It also doesn’t do much to help them retain their body temperature in cold weather. Long-haired dogs are perfectly able to do this.
It’s like going outside without a jacket in wintertime. Your pup feels uncomfortable because its short hair isn’t meant to protect its body, just as a sweater alone doesn’t protect you from chilly temperatures.
Unlike long hair or fur, a pit bull’s short mane won’t provide adequate protection during the hot summer either.
They Have a Single-Layered Coat
Dogs accustomed to harsher climates have a double coat. They have a protective undercoat under their main layer and often a guard coat, too. This helps them retain their body temperature and protects them from the damaging effects of extreme cold or hot temperatures.
Pit bulls weren’t bred to live in harsher climates, so they only have a single layer of fur. Pit bulls don’t fare well in harsh weather without the added layer of a dense undercoat (like Huskies have, for example).
They Have a Short Muzzle
Pitbulls are brachycephalic, which means they have short muzzles. While this doesn’t put them at a disadvantage in cold weather, it certainly does in a hot climate.
During the summer, canines cool themselves down by panting. When panting, they rely on their muzzles to get cool air into their body. The longer their muzzle is, the more efficiently they will lower their temperatures.
Unfortunately, due to their extremely short muzzle, pitties can’t pant deeply enough to cool themselves off when they get hot. Because of this, leaving them outside in scorching weather can be fatal to your pet.
Plus, their bones are structured so tightly that this can prevent efficient airflow. Combined with the short muzzle, the tight maze of their airway prevents them from pushing enough air into their lungs in one breath. If the air can’t flow to their lungs efficiently, pit bulls won’t be able to use it to cool themselves.
They’re Indoors Dogs
Due to their lack of adaptability to temperature changes, pit bulls are naturally indoors. Your pup might love to run and play outside as they have plenty of energy to spend, but they would hate to live outside permanently.
They prefer living in apartments and even smaller houses over having a spacious backyard. Your pup feels safer inside, especially if they’re close to you, even if you have to share a small space.
If you allow them, your pitbull would even give up exercise – just to be kept inside most of the time. However, this shouldn’t prevent you from occasionally letting them outside to exercise, as exercise is important for their health.
Even if you feel that their being inside isn’t an issue because they don’t shed or become unmanageable without exercise, they should venture outside occasionally, and you must still provide frequent walks.
Pit Bulls and Cold Weather
As long as they know they can come back inside any time they want to, adult pit bulls can safely spend 4-6 hours outside. For pups, you should limit the outdoor time to 2 hours. However, if the temperature drops below 40°F, it’s not safe for pit bulls to spend more than a few minutes outside.
Signs That Your Pit Bull is Too Cold
Here are some of the signs that your pitbull feels too cold outside:
- They prefer to stay indoors and refuse to go outside
- They tremble and shiver all the time while outside
- They go to the warmest areas of the house as soon as they return inside
- They start whining or barking without any reason just to get your attention
- They have little to no energy, refuse to exercise, and go to their bed as soon as they can
- They keep lifting their paws to keep them off the cold ground
- They start displaying aggressive behavior for no apparent reason
Senior pitties will exhibit these signs much sooner than young adults. Wind, rain, and snow can also make them feel much colder. Your pitbull might show these signs after a few minutes in these conditions.
How to Keep Your Pit Bull Warm
Now that you know how to recognize the signs of your pitbull feeling cold outside, let’s look at what you can do to keep them warm:
- Playing with them by throwing a ball or a frisbee for your pup to fetch
- Teach him tricks that require dynamic movements, including jumping, spinning, or running
- Go running or jogging with your dog – it will be healthy for both of you
- Run away from them and call them to you to make them run after you
- Have them socialize and play with other dogs
- Get a toy and play tug-of-war with your pitbull to make them move
- Don’t let them go outside alone because they won’t know how to warm themselves
- If you must leave them outside to exercise, make sure they stay in an area that’s sheltered from the wind and any precipitation
- If your dog is still cold when they get inside, get them a heated dog bed or dog house – or at least a heating pad
- Make sure they have access to room-temperature water
- Invest in adequate doggy clothes your pittie can wear outside during the winter months
Pit Bulls and Hot Weather
Temperatures above 85°F are just as harmful to pit bulls as those below 40°F.
Signs That Your Pit Bull Is Too Hot
Here are the signs of your pitbull being too hot:
- They start excessively panting and, because they can’t do the former efficiently, drooling
- They whine to get your attention
- They try to stick to shady areas, instinctively seeking to avoid warm temperatures
- They have dry noses and sunken eyes
- They will drink extreme amounts of water due to dehydration, yet they have trouble urinating
- They will show signs of being dizzy and having muscle tremors due to dehydration
- They lack energy and refuse to play or exercise
- They will feel feverish and disoriented and want to lie down most of the time
As with the signs of being cold, older pit bulls are more likely to show signs of being too hot sooner as they have a lower tolerance for high temperatures.
Cooling Down Your Pit Bull
As soon as you notice the signs of your pittie being too hot:
- Give them cold water to drink
- Get them into a shaded area
- Get them inside the home if possible
- Don’t force them to move more than necessary
- Take them to a vet if necessary
Other Reasons Not to Leave Pit Bulls Outside
Besides the problems they face due to extreme temperatures, pit bulls feel isolated outside. Isolation often leads to behavioral issues.
For example, if you leave them outside in an environment they aren’t comfortable with, they can become depressed. They will be less likely to bond with you and your family.
Isolation also makes pit bulls anxious and strive for attention. They will bark, display hostile behavior, and refuse to obey commands and household rules to get your attention. All this can be avoided by letting your pitbull live inside rather than leaving them outside where they don’t belong or feel safe.
Final Thoughts
While keeping your dog outside when the temperatures are between 40°F and 85°F for a few hours shouldn’t be a problem, try not to leave them out any longer. They should certainly not live outside permanently. If the temperatures go below 40°F or above 85°F, your pittie will need protection against the cold and heat.
Pitbulls only have one short layer of fur. This means they don’t have much protection against the elements. Pay attention to your pitbull’s behavior when being outdoors with them. If you notice any signs of being too cold or hot, bring them inside immediately to avoid significant health issues.
