Do you have an unused cat enclosure lying around your premises? Does your Pomsky need a space to lounge and play outdoors safely?
Don’t let the name of the enclosure fool you: Pomskies and cat enclosures are a perfectly viable match!
Despite being designed primarily as a space for our feline friends, these cat enclosures can be used as a substitute for secure outdoor spaces for dogs.
These enclosures feature all the makings of a safe doggy haven: secure galvanised steel wires, a durable frame, and a spacious play area that can accommodate the bulk of your dog’s antics.
As many of you all know firsthand, Pomskies can be a very active and energetic bunch. They enjoy running around the lawn and socialising with other humans and animals.
They’re also a very curious breed—and if you’re not careful, they may escape your home when you least expect it.
To tread on the safe side, having a controlled environment by way of a cat enclosure can be beneficial for your household and your Pomsky. In this article, we’ll lay down some tips to help you create a safe, secure, and fun outdoor space for your Pomsky.
Let’s jump straight into it!
How Pomskies Benefit From Outdoor Enclosures
Pomskies, like most other dog breeds, require dedicated time outdoors for active exercise and playtime. Giving them time to lounge and play outdoors enriches their minds and bodies, increasing their quality of life and strengthening the bond between both pets and owners.
Furthermore, an outdoor enclosure gives your Pomsky unique benefits they wouldn’t get from playing outdoors freely. Here are some of the benefits of having an outdoor enclosure at home
1. Enforces Safety From Risks
Putting your Pomsky in a Somerzby outdoor enclosure safeguards them from most external threats. It’s common for dogs to sniff and eat random things on the ground, and they may not be able to discern what’s dangerous and poisonous from what’s safe.
In the worst case, they could end up eating something harmful to their bodies, like poisonous mushrooms or a deceased, infected rodent. And since we can’t always supervise our roaming dogs, it’s possible for owners to miss the period of time for effective treatment before it’s too late.
Furthermore, if you live in a place where lots of wild predators roam around, an enclosed space provides a barrier of protection for your dog. While Pomskies are a feisty breed, they’re no match for wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions. Keeping them in a pet enclosure ensures that they won’t be easy prey for these big predators.
2. Gives Them Time in Sunshine
All dogs should spend a portion of their day under the sun to keep them happy and healthy. And we’re not just talking about time spent by the windowsill—we’re talking about actual outdoor exposure in a safe environment like a cat enclosure.
Just like humans, a couple of minutes of morning sunshine helps our canine pals produce vitamin D, which helps support their bone health and immunity.
Of course, be mindful of the temperatures you’re subjecting your pup. A cat enclosure’s lid typically has wide gaps where sunlight can easily shine through.
Dogs typically enjoy basking in the sun for a couple of minutes, but if it’s the height of summer and noon time, then limiting their outside time is essential to keep their skin and fur health at relatively tip-top shape. You can also putt a shaded area within the enclosure to give your pup a place to cool off.
By giving them ample hours under the sunlight in an enclosure, they can enjoy the benefits of sunshine in a controlled environment. This ensures their safety and happiness.
3. Physical and Mental Stimulation
A cat enclosure gives your pet a space to engage with their surroundings in a safe manner. You can put pet toys, puzzles, and climbing structures within this enclosure to help keep them from becoming bored or understimulated.
You can even gradually introduce other pets or animals in the enclosure to help your Pomsky interact with their new companions in a gradual and controlled manner.
With this increased control of the things or animals inside the space, you can curate experiences and interactions that can help your pet develop strong socialising or critical thinking skills.
5 Considerations When Creating an Outdoor Environment For Your Pomsky
If you’re set on using a cat enclosure to house your Pomsky when they’re outside, then consider five of the following things to ensure that you’re making the most out of the space.
1 .Size
Pomskies can range from tiny to large-sized, and it’s important to get the right-sized container for them. Bigger is usually better, but if you have a smaller dog, ensure that the gaps between the gates are tight enough to prevent them from squeezing through.
Furthermore, if your dog’s enclosure is too small, your dog will feel irritated and aggressive inside. This can reduce their quality of life and make them more likely to act out negatively to you and other people. As such, be sure to use the cat enclosure only if it’s appropriately sized for your dog’s adult size.
2. Durability and Security
Durability is a key factor to consider when deciding your dog’s outdoor space. You wouldn’t want the cat enclosure to break down while in use. Unfortunately, many of these containers can get worn down over time due to weather exposure and rusting. This can cause your dog to break through an opening and escape.
As much as possible, ensure that you’re picking a superior-quality cat enclosure to house your pets. Pick galvanised steel frames to ensure a hard and solid exterior. Furthermore, ensure that the locking mechanism is secured enough to keep dogs from fiddling with it.
By taking these precautions, you can rest easy knowing that your dog won’t escape from its enclosure during untimely moments.
3. Weather Protection
Another consideration to make when designing your enclosure is its weather resistance. Most cat enclosures are open-air, meaning that any animal housed within it will have no protection under rain and sun.
As such, it’s essential to equip the enclosure with the appropriate measures to keep your pet safe from poor weather conditions. A shade shield that can lock into place is a good way to prevent your pet from becoming too exposed to bad weather, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion and discomfort from extreme temperatures.
Moving the pet enclosure to a shaded area within your house is a viable option too. With the appropriate weather protection, your Pomsky can keep themselves cool and dry, making the environment safer and more pleasant for them overall.
4. Comfort
It’s also important to mind the comfort levels of your pet whenever they’re inside the enclosure. Besides providing ample shade, you should also equip the space with enough food, drinks, toys, potty mats, and doggy beds to help them with various needs.
You can also consider creating a space where they can hide away whenever they want to rest. By being mindful of your enclosure’s design, you can help your pet retreat and relax without much worry. They’ll also look forward to staying in the outdoor space, which is fun for both you and them.
5. Ventilation
Another key consideration to make when designing your dog’s outdoor space is the amount of ventilation in the area.
Avoid putting your enclosure in a place that has little to no airflow. This prevents your pup from overheating or getting heat-related illnesses. Pomskies are susceptible to these illnesses due to their thick fur, so be sure to situate your enclosure in a breezy place as much as possible.
Furthermore, ensure that the enclosure has enough gaps and is made from breathable materials. A well-ventilated space not only creates a comfortable environment where your pup can thrive, it also helps promote health due to its odor-minimising properties.
Best of luck creating a safe haven for your dog!
