[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by BoatRatKat

Little dogs have little bladders and if they're older their bladders are weaker as well, they can only hold it so long. My pup is tiny and old and thus goes out late at night and very early in the morning. I keep that little boy so close to me on a leash that he's pee'd on my foot before. The minute he's done we're back in the house. It's not just dark hours either, we constantly have hawks sitting on the fence out back but they can easily be chased off. I recently killed a water moccasin in our yard and I have to watch for the fire ant hills. I do a visual check each time before I let him out. I know the coyotes are out there...I hear them howling nearly every night and don't forget the gators are roaming around at night too between ponds. Dangers are out there day and night, be aware of your surroundings when your pups are outside and keep them close. My sympathy to the families that have lost their dogs...I can't imagine such an agony to have to go through and pray I never do.

Excellent, realistic post. You are a wonderful dog owner.