[agni p]

on soil rather then cement flooring

[davidaharrison2844]

As long as you still bathe it and comb its hair occasionally its coat should stay shinny.As for health, there are several diseases and parasites out there that will hurt an outside dog. It would be best to talk to your vet to see what they recommend.

[ballerinaninja]

I don't think so as long as the soil hasn't been treated with chemicals it should be alright .

[spazzy]

If you mean it has to live as an outside dog, then the coat may get damaged. But as long as you give him a bath every month, the coat will be fine.

[*Future Veterinarian*]

as long as the soil is not meaning it's own fecal matter and it's just plain old dirt, it will be fine. cement flooring is optimal (with an old cushion or blanket for comfort and warmth). a dirt floor will of course cause the coat to become dirtier and may irritate his lungs if its dusty and dry. also, some parasites live in or on dirt, and this will cause increased expusure to possible parasitic infection. as for the coat, it's long term health will not be affected if it is washed whenever the dirt becomes a problem. also, make sure that he has proper shelter from the elements. as that's much more important than what he's sleaping on. if you can, i would still try to keep him/her on cement, or if you use dirt, cover it with an old cushion to reduce contact w the ground.