Your dog will need a proper shelter in the form of a dog house if you plan on keeping it outside. It will need something to protect it from the cold of the night and the heat of the midday to keep it safe and comfortable. You can choose to build your own or purchase a dog house instead. But one thing’s for sure you can’t forego having one.
Dog houses can come in many different types, sizes and structures. Here are some considerations you need to remember when buying or planning to build a dog house.
Material: metal, wood or plastic?
One of the first decisions you have to make regarding dog houses is material. Going for plastic can mean a lighter and less expensive dog house. They’re easy to clean and will not be nests for fleas. However, they can be hot inside during the day.
Meanwhile, wooden dog houses can be more durable than plastic dog houses. It’s no surprise that wood is still a superior material for shelter as it has served human homes for centuries. Using wood to build your dog house will ensure your dog’s safety. Wood is also a better insulator than plastic. What more a wooden dog house won’t be too hot in the midday unlike a plastic one. But one downside of owning a wooden dog house is that the natural material can be a breeding ground of fleas and ticks.
Dog houses can also be built using metal materials like aluminum or stainless steel. Houses made from metal typically come in the form of boxes. There is no question that these houses are the sturdiest and might even outlive your dog. Only problem is that they can be expensive and aren’t really ‘homey’.
House size
Logically, your dog house’s size should depend on the size or number of the dogs that will live in it. Make sure that the house is big and spacious enough for your pet to comfortably move inside. But be careful in choosing a house that’s too big as dogs tend to feel more secure in smaller spaces. If you still have a puppy, buy or build your dog house according to your dog’s average adult size.
Ventilation
A well-ventilated dog house can get your dog to survive both the coldness of winters and warmth of summers. The doorway of the dog house is the primary factor in ventilation. You can put in a door flap during the winter to help trap in heat and remove it in the summer to ensure the proper flow of air inside your dog’s house.
Heating
Another way of keeping your dog warm during the winter is through heating. There are many ways you can incorporate heating into dog houses. You can put in a heated kennel mat or a heating pad on the floor of the dog house to provide additional heat in the cheapest and easiest way possible. You can also buy your dog a heated dog bed to keep it warm at night when it sleeps. This is another low-cost way of adding heat into a dog house. Just remember to regularly clean and wash your dog’s bed.
Ensure your dog’s safety and comfort by investing in a good dog house. When choosing a dog house to buy or build remember to consider which materials will best work in your area’s climate. Don’t forget to get a dog house that isn’t too large or too small for your dog. A good dog house also has great ventilation and proper heating.
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