How to Keep Your Morkie Safe from Harm in the Outdoors

Small dogs like Morkies are at risk of falling upon danger, especially in the outdoors. There are many ways they can be harmed, whether by predators, weather, or even people. Here are a few ideas to keep your Morkie safe from harm in the outdoors. 

Keep your Morkie safe from predators

 

Like squirrels and rabbits, small dogs sometimes fall prey to larger animals, such as predatory birds. Earlier this spring, we had several hawks hanging around our house for about a week. Although there are certain types of hawks that typically only prey on smaller animals, like chipmunks, you never know what might happen in the wrong situation. I started going outside with my Morkie, Mila, when we let her out. When the squirrels and small birds started to return to our yard, I relaxed a little, and now I just check on her every couple minutes while she's outside. In areas where there are other wild animals like bears, it may be a good idea to accompany your pets outside and, even better, keep them on a leash. 

Keep your Morkie safe from extreme temperatures

 

Dogs are susceptible to extreme temperatures, so it's especially important to keep them comfortable in the summer and winter. While Mila doesn't seem to mind going outside on a normal winter day, particularly cold, harsh weather can be fatal to a Morkie who is left outdoors for too long. When letting your pets outside on these days, consider keeping them warm with a doggy sweater. On hot, summer days, it's never a good idea to leave them outside unattended without shade or water. And, although it may seem obvious, it's never okay to leave your Morkie (or any other pet) in a vehicle on a hot day. Although it may seem nice outside, temperatures can quickly soar inside a car. 

Keep your Morkie safe from dog thieves

 

Unfortunately, there are people out there who look for dogs to steal and sell for money or even dogfighting (which, thankfully, isn't common with Morkies). To keep your Morkie safe from dog thieves, it's always a good idea to keep him or her on a leash while outdoors. Although we have a fenced-in yard, I tend to check on Mila every couple minutes while she is outside. And of course, never leave your pets alone in a vehicle or anywhere they may be at risk of being stolen.