If you’re thinking about giving your dog house a new look, you might be wondering if it’s safe to spray paint it. The short answer is yes, you can spray paint your dog house, but there are some precautions you need to take to ensure your pet’s safety.
First and foremost, you need to make sure that your dog stays away while you’re painting and that you let the newly-painted house aerate well before use. Dogs have sensitive lungs, and fumes from the paint can inflame them. You should aerate the dog house for at least a week before letting your dog inside.
Another important consideration when spray painting your dog house is the type of paint you use. It’s crucial to use a non-toxic paint that won’t harm your dog if they happen to lick or chew on the painted surfaces. Look for “non-VOC” paints, which are free from volatile organic compounds that can be harmful to both humans and dogs.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Consider Spray Painting Your Dog House
Benefits of Spray Painting Your Dog House
Spray painting your dog house can provide several benefits. First, it can help protect the wood from weather damage, such as rain and sun exposure. Second, it can make your dog house look more visually appealing and match your home’s exterior. Third, it can help repel insects and other pests that may be attracted to untreated wood.
What to Consider Before Spray Painting Your Dog House
Before spray painting your dog house, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure to choose a pet-safe paint that is non-toxic and won’t harm your pet. Second, ensure that the weather conditions are appropriate for painting, as temperature and humidity can affect the paint’s quality. Third, make sure to properly prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding the wood before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly. According to Lew Web Designs, “Choose an exterior latex paint to decorate the outside of the dog house. A high-quality house paint should suffice.” It’s important to follow these recommendations to ensure your dog’s safety and the longevity of the paint job.
How to Spray Paint Your Dog House
Materials Needed
To spray paint your dog house, you will need the following materials:
- Spray paint
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloth or tarp
- Respirator mask
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
Preparing Your Dog House for Spray Painting
Before you start spray painting your dog house, you need to prepare the surface properly. Here are the steps to follow:
- Clean the surface of the dog house with soap and water, and let it dry completely.
- Sand any rough or uneven areas to create a smooth surface.
- Cover any areas you don’t want to paint with painter’s tape.
- Place a drop cloth or tarp on the ground to catch any overspray.
- Put on your respirator mask, safety goggles, and gloves to protect yourself from the fumes and overspray.
Spray Painting Your Dog House
Now that you have prepared the surface, you can start spray painting your dog house. Follow these steps:
- Shake the spray paint can well before use.
- Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the surface and spray in a sweeping motion.
- Apply a thin, even coat of paint, and let it dry completely before applying another coat.
- Repeat the process until you achieve the desired color and coverage.
- Remove the painter’s tape once the paint is dry.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the spray paint can, and to work in a well-ventilated area. If you are unsure about how to spray paint your dog house, consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s website for guidance.
Tips for Maintaining Your Spray-Painted Dog House
Cleaning Your Dog House
To keep your dog’s house looking good, you should clean it regularly. Use mild soap and water to clean the exterior of the dog house. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the paint. Rinse the dog house thoroughly with a hose and let it dry completely before allowing your dog to use it again.
Touching Up Your Dog House
Over time, the paint on your dog house may start to chip or fade. To keep it looking good, you can touch up the paint as needed. First, clean the area to be painted with soap and water.
Then, sand the area lightly to roughen up the surface. Apply a coat of primer and let it dry completely.
Finally, apply a coat of paint that matches the original color of the dog house. Remember to always use pet-safe paints and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
According to K9 of Mine, pet-safe paints should be water-based, non-toxic, and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
In addition to cleaning and touching up the paint, you should also inspect your dog’s house regularly for any signs of damage. Repair any holes or cracks promptly to prevent water from getting inside and causing further damage. By following these tips, you can keep your spray-painted dog house looking great for years to come.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a good understanding of whether or not you can spray paint your dog’s house. Remember, it is important to consider the safety of your pet when making this decision.
If you do choose to spray paint your dog house, be sure to use non-toxic paint and keep your dog away from the area while you work. Additionally, it is recommended that you let the paint dry and air out for at least a week before allowing your dog inside.
On the other hand, if you decide not to paint the inside of the dog house, you can still spruce up the outside with a fresh coat of paint. Just be sure to choose a paint that is safe for pets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Ultimately, the decision to spray paint your dog house is up to you. Just remember to prioritize your pet’s safety and well-being above all else.
FAQ
What paint is safe for a dog house?
A good, lead-free latex paint designed for building exteriors is a good fit for your dog house. If you live somewhere warm, paint the house white, as this will reflect light and heat and keep the house cool, but if you live somewhere colder then painting the house black or another dark color will do the opposite.
Is it safe to paint a dog house?
Provided that you are using non-toxic paint, painting your dog house is just fine. Be sure that it is lead-free and look for Non-VOC paint. VOC is short for ‘volatile organic compounds’ and it’s as bad as it sounds.
VOC paints produce fumes that are toxic to humans and dogs, making VOC paint unsuitable for your doggy domicile.
Is there animal-safe spray paint?
There is, but it’s designed for painting your dog rather than painting a dog house. Two products, Petway Petcare, and Pet Paint are designed for decorating your dog for Halloween, Sporting events, or just for fun.
As far as painting a dog house, spray paint is okay if you let it air out long enough, otherwise, it’s better to go with a good exterior latex paint and a paint sprayer if you are looking to avoid the brush and roller.
How toxic paints to dogs?
Except paints that contain heavy metals, such as some expensive oil paints, it is highly unlikely that your dog would ingest enough paint to get more than mild stomach discomfort. That said, if you are an artist and your dog gets into your oils, then get them to the vet right away.
Oil paints use a lot of heavy metals as pigments to create their color and these can be fatal to humans and dogs. If your dog gets into your oil paints, get them to the vet immediately and bring the paint that they ingested so that the metal can be identified.
What kind of paint is non-toxic to dogs?
Water-based paints and tempera paints are generally going to be fine for painting dogs, but it is recommended that you purchase paint specifically designed for pets or at the very least, body paint for humans.
This helps to ensure that your dog doesn’t try to lick off the paint and get ill. While they should be fine, it’s always best to err on the side of safety.
What fumes are toxic to dogs?
Fumes that are toxic for dogs are much the same as for humans. VOC paint fumes, smoke, and burning plastic are a few examples. Insecticides are another one that we tend to use but forget about, and dogs should be kept away from any area recently sprayed with this.
As a general rule, if you don’t like the smell, keep your dog away from it – it’s probably toxic to them.
Can my dog sleep in a freshly painted room?
No, this is not a good idea. Dogs have very sensitive lungs and a freshly painted room is going to produce emissions for a goodly period. Let the room ventilate for at least a week before you let your dog sleep in there.
This applies even if you are using low-emission paints!
How do you remove paint from a dog?
If the paint is resistant to soap and water, then you may want to employ cooking or mineral oil. Rub a little into your dog’s fur and let it stay for an hour or two, after which you can sprinkle a little cornstarch onto your dog to help absorb any excess oils.
The paint should now be loosened up enough to remove with soap, water, and a little elbow grease.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
