Why Do Dogs Like Looking Out the Window?

Your dog probably loves peeking out the window. This way it can keep up with everything happening in its territory and, in its own way, keep the neighborhood under control. It's also a good way to stay entertained while we're not home.

But we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that the stimuli a dog picks up from the other side of the glass can trigger reactions like barking or, in more intense cases, escape attempts. Let's go over the pros and cons of windows for dogs.

Window Access

Does your dog love looking out the window? Before going over the pros and cons of this habit, let's see how to set up a good canine lookout spot. Unless the glass reaches all the way to the floor, we'll need to set up some furniture the dog can climb onto to see outside.

The characteristics of this piece of furniture will depend on the dog's size and physical condition. A young dog able to jump up is a different case from an older one with mobility issues. Either way, on top of the small step stool we set up, we can place a bed so the dog can rest from its lookout post.

Of course, safety measures need to be maximized. The dog should never be able to get out through the window. Not just because of the risk of falling and getting hurt, but because it could run away, with all the risks a loose dog on the street poses both to itself and others.

Let Your Dog Look Out the Window

Below, we go over the reasons why having access to a window is positive for a dog. The benefits span both psychological and physical levels, including entertainment, stimulation, and getting some sunlight.

Entertaining a Dog at Home

Watching what's happening outside gives the dog entertainment time, which is always positive for its wellbeing. It's one of the simplest, cheapest ways to fight boredom, which can be a cause of behavioral issues.

Stimulation for a Dog's Mind

A slightly open window lets different smells reach the dog with the breeze. Since smell is a dog's most developed sense, being able to sniff the air is a good incentive. This is especially important if it's forced to spend hours alone at home.

The Dog as Home Lookout

Dogs like to explore, but also to keep control over what they consider their territory. Being elevated above their surroundings adds extra interest, since it increases their sense of control over the environment, and of safety, being up high.

Dogs Like Sunbathing

On another note, a window lets sunlight in, and what dog doesn't love resting in the warmth of the sun's rays? For dogs that spend hours cooped up under artificial light, this contact is very positive.

Among the benefits of sun exposure, it's worth noting it provides vitamin D, essential for the body to function properly. It also helps release serotonin, which improves mood. Also, the amount of natural light hours determines well-known processes like coat shedding.

Dangers of Window Access

But looking out the window isn't only beneficial for dogs. For some individuals, it can be a source of stimulation they don't know how to manage, which ends up causing problems. Watch your dog and decide whether window access is good for it or not. We explain the drawbacks below.

Territorial Behavior in Dogs

Seeing other dogs or, generally, any animal, people, different kinds of vehicles, and so on, are stimuli that can make a dog nervous and cause it to bark at anything it considers to be entering its territory.

The Escape Artist Dog

Some dogs are experts at escaping and could manage to open the window and get out, or have an accident. This situation can worsen in males that aren't neutered, since if they detect a female in heat nearby, they can become very agitated.

Dogs With Fear

On another note, some dogs are afraid or phobic of noises like those caused by storms or firecrackers. In these cases, it's not recommended to leave them by a window — it's best to shelter them in an interior room, as soundproofed as possible. Keep this in mind if it'll be alone, for example, on New Year's Eve or any other night with fireworks.

Sun Damage in Dogs

Lastly, direct, prolonged sun exposure on lightly pigmented, hairless, or sparsely/light-furred areas is harmful. These include areas like the abdomen, the scrotum, the nose, or the lips.

Sun exposure is linked to burns or the development of certain types of skin cancer. One example is squamous cell carcinoma. Sunscreen creams for dogs are commercially available. Check with your vet.

Bibliography Carlson and Giffin. 2002. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook. Madrid: Editorial el Drac.