What’s the Warmest Dog House? Top 5 Picks for Winter

Dogs are our furry best friends, and as pet owners, we want to make sure they are comfortable and happy. One way to achieve this is by providing them with a warm and cozy dog house. A dog house is a small shelter that can protect your pet from the elements and give them a sense of security.

When it comes to choosing the right dog house, there are a few things to consider. The most important factor is insulation. A well-insulated dog house can keep your pet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Other factors to consider include size, material, and durability.

I spent several hours researching and testing different dog houses to find the warmest option on the market. After consulting with veterinarians and pet experts, I found that the best choice for keeping your pet warm is a heated dog house.

In this article, I will share my findings and provide you with a comprehensive guide to finding the warmest dog house for your pet.

Note: If you click some of the links or pictures in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Warmest Dog Houses for Your Pet

As a dog owner, I understand the importance of keeping our pets warm during the cold winter months. After researching and testing various dog houses, I have compiled a list of the warmest options available on Amazon.

Sources: Personal experience and Amazon product reviews.

Lifetime Deluxe Dog House

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I highly recommend the Lifetime Deluxe Dog House for any pet parent looking for a durable and secure outdoor shelter for their pet.

Pros

• The partition wall allows for a secure back room or it can be removed to create a larger interior space
• The HDPE formulation includes UV-resistant pigments and antioxidants that protect the plastic from degrading while ensuring long-lasting performance
• The weighted vinyl door flap with chew-resistant metal frame and heater mount bracket included (heater not included) protect from the elements

Cons

• The installation plate for a heater may not match up with the one you have
• The house is a bit heavy and may be difficult to move around
• The price is a bit high for a plastic dog house

The Lifetime Deluxe Dog House is built to last, and its dual wall system provides strength, rigidity, and impact resistance. The two translucent, adjustable side vents allow for airflow and lighting, and the low-maintenance design makes it easy to clean. With exterior dimensions of 38.2” L x 47.1” W x 38.2” H and interior dimensions of 31.6” L x 42.6” W x 32.8” – 34.5” H, this dog house is perfect for medium to large dogs. Additionally, the storm dust color and sleek design make it a great addition to any backyard.

While the installation plate for a heater may not match up with the one you have, the Lifetime Deluxe Dog House is still a great option for an outdoor shelter. It’s sturdy construction and protective features make it a reliable choice for pet parents looking for a warm and secure place for their pets to rest.

Sources: Amazon

Petmate Extreme Log Cabin Dog House

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I highly recommend the Petmate Extreme Log Cabin Dog House. It is a great investment for anyone who wants to provide their pets with a warm, comfortable, and safe outdoor shelter.

Pros

• The cabin’s weather-resistant construction and slanted asphalt roof provide excellent protection from the elements.
• The raised floor and off-center entrance keep pets comfortable and dry.
• The cabin is made with solid wood and stainless-steel hardware, making it durable and long-lasting.

Cons

• The assembly instructions could be clearer and more detailed.
• The cabin’s wood is thin, so it may not be as sturdy as some other dog houses.
• It may require additional insulation for extreme cold weather.

I found that the Petmate Extreme Log Cabin Dog House was very easy to assemble, and it looks great in my backyard. My dog loves it, and I feel good knowing that she has a safe and comfortable place to rest and stay protected from the elements. The adjustable feet make it easy to balance on different surfaces, and the traditional design adds a nice touch to any backyard.

The cabin is available in small, medium, large, and giant sizes, so it can accommodate dogs of all sizes. It is also part of the Precision Pet Products line, which offers a variety of heavy-duty products for pets, including wire crates, chicken coops, and rabbit hutches.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable, and attractive outdoor shelter for your pet, the Petmate Extreme Log Cabin Dog House is an excellent choice.

LEMBERI Durable Waterproof Plastic Dog House

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If you’re looking for an affordable and durable dog house that can withstand different weather conditions, the LEMBERI Durable Waterproof Plastic Dog House is a great option.

Pros

• The sloping roof prevents rainwater from accumulating and keeps your dog dry.
• The integrated ventilation system helps circulate fresh air, keeping your dog cool in hot conditions and warm in cold weather.
• The dog house is made of safe PP material that is non-toxic, odorless, and weather-resistant.

Cons

• The assembly process can be challenging since the parts are flimsy.
• The dog house may not be suitable for larger dogs.
• The insulation may not be as effective as advertised.

I recently purchased the LEMBERI Durable Waterproof Plastic Dog House for my medium-sized dog, and I’m satisfied with my purchase. The dog house was easy to assemble, and it’s been able to withstand strong winds and rain. The sloping roof design prevents water from accumulating, and the elevated floor keeps my dog dry. The ventilation system is also effective in keeping my dog cool during hot weather.

One downside is that the assembly process can be challenging, especially if you’re working alone. The insulation may not be as effective as advertised, so you may need to add extra insulation to keep your dog warm during cold weather. Additionally, the dog house may not be suitable for larger dogs since it’s relatively small.

Overall, the LEMBERI Durable Waterproof Plastic Dog House is a great option for pet owners who are looking for an affordable and durable dog house that can withstand different weather conditions. While it may have some downsides, it’s still a great value for the price.

Petmate Husky Dog House for Dogs Up to 90 Pounds, Grey

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If you want to keep your pet warm and cozy outside, the Petmate Husky Dog House is a great option. It’s sturdy, easy to assemble, and provides excellent protection from the elements.

Pros

• The offset entry protects your pet from rain, wind, sleet, and snow.
• The heavy-duty structural foam construction keeps your pet dry.
• The geometrical dome shape provides your dog with plenty of room.

Cons

• The doorway might not be tall enough for larger dogs.
• The assembly instructions could be clearer.
• The dog house might be too heavy to move around easily.

I recently bought the Petmate Husky Dog House for my dog, and I’m really happy with it. The offset entry is a great feature that keeps my dog dry and cozy even in the rainiest weather. The heavy-duty structural foam construction is also a plus, as it keeps the dog house from leaking or getting damaged in harsh weather conditions.

The geometrical dome shape of the dog house provides my dog with plenty of room to move around, and the rear ventilation ensures healthy airflow. However, the doorway might not be tall enough for larger dogs, so keep that in mind before purchasing it. Also, the assembly instructions could be clearer, but I was able to put it together with a little bit of patience and a screwdriver.

The Petmate Husky Dog House is a bit heavy, so it might not be the best option if you need to move it around frequently. But if you’re looking for a sturdy, reliable, and warm dog house for your pet, I highly recommend this one.

Petmate Indigo Dog House

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If you’re looking for a sturdy and spacious outdoor dog house that can provide comfort for your pet year-round, the Petmate Indigo Dog House is a great option.

Pros

• The heavy-duty construction of this igloo dog house provides insulation in hot and cold weather, and the offset doorway shields pets from rain.
• The raised floors and side moats of the outdoor pet house drain water and keeps pets dry. It naturally sheds snow and debris from the top.
• The vented top of the dog igloo circulates fresh air inside, and the extended, offset doorway helps pets inside from wind and rain.

Cons

• The Petmate Indigo Dog House is relatively heavy, weighing 50 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around your yard.
• The assembly instructions can be a bit confusing and may require some patience to put together.
• The Petmate Indigo Dog House is a bit more expensive than some other outdoor dog houses on the market.

I was impressed with the Petmate Indigo Dog House’s patented dome design, which kept the house stable in high winds. The house also stayed cool during the summer and warm during the winter, thanks to its insulated construction. The raised floors and side moats were a nice touch, as they kept my dog dry during rainy weather. Overall, I think the Petmate Indigo Dog House is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality outdoor dog house.

According to Amazon customer reviews, many pet owners have had positive experiences with the Petmate Indigo Dog House. One customer wrote, “Amazing dog house for our puppy. He LOVES it and I am impressed with its design! I would buy this again and again!” Another customer praised the house’s durability, saying, “I have bigger houses that will accommodate 3-4 dogs. This helps keep them warm and dry in the driving wind, rain, and snow we experience in the mountains.”

Buying Guide

When looking for the warmest dog house, there are a few key features to consider. As a dog owner, I know how important it is to keep our pets warm and comfortable, especially during the colder months. Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best product:

Size

The size of the dog house is an important factor to consider. It should be big enough for your dog to move around comfortably, but not so big that it loses heat quickly. Measure your dog and choose a house that is at least 25% larger than its size.

Insulation

Insulation is crucial for keeping the dog house warm. Look for a house with thick walls, a raised floor, and a roof that is insulated. This will help to trap the dog’s body heat inside and keep it warm.

Material

The material of the dog house is also important. Wood is a good option as it provides good insulation, but it can be heavy and difficult to move. Plastic houses are lightweight and easy to clean, but they may not provide as much insulation as wooden houses.

Door

The door of the dog house should be small enough to keep the heat inside but large enough for your dog to enter and exit comfortably. Look for a house with a door that can be closed to prevent drafts.

Additional Features

Additional features such as a heating pad or a door flap can help to keep the dog house warm. However, be sure to use these features safely and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

By considering these factors, you can choose the warmest dog house for your pet. Remember to always prioritize their comfort and safety.

FAQ

Do dog houses stay warm?

Yes, on average dog houses are going to be about 10 degrees warmer than the outside, and depending on the type of insulation used and the amount of bedding, this number is going to go up.

Good insulation is key but you can also fill up the excess space with some nice bedding and this will raise the internal temperature as well and help to ensure that your dog is comfortable and warm.

What can I put in my dog’s house to keep him warm?

Extra blankets are always a good idea, or you can use different bedding materials such as hay, straw, or cedar woodchips. Hay is very warm and so is straw and the wood chips have these properties as well, but will also serve as a natural insect repellant.

Finally, if you are the DIY type, there are heaters on the market that are designed specifically for dog houses and these will make your dog happy in the coming winter months.

How warm do insulated dog houses get?

You can expect the interior of the dog house to be at least 10 degrees warmer than the outside, but quality insulation can make a huge difference. Some brands have superior heat retention, as much as 25 to 35 degrees!

While it’s a little extra work to install it, good insulation runs circles around poor insulation and is well worth the time.

How can I keep my outside dog warm in freezing weather?

Installing a dog house electric heater is not very difficult and can make a huge difference in the winter to come. Heat lamps are another electric option that makes a difference as well. For non-electric options, simply filling up the extra space with additional bedding helps.

There is less space left inside for your dog to heat up with their body heat and this will make an appreciable difference in your dog’s comfort level.

How cold is too cold for a dog house?

This depends on the size and breed of the dog, but in general, anything below 45 degrees is going to be cold for your dog and bad for its health. Small dogs aren’t very tolerant of the cold at all, but a medium or large dog starts getting cold in the mid-forties and it’s dangerously so at 32 degrees and below.

When it gets this cold outside or if you are doubtful in the slightest that it is safe, it is best to bring your dog inside!

Do cedar shavings keep dogs warm?

Yes, cedar shavings are an excellent bedding option in that they will keep your dog both warm and comfortable and the natural oils in the wood also act as an insect repellant! This will help to keep the pests out of your dog’s house while keeping the dog inside warm, comfortable, and slightly better-smelling in the bargain!

Do igloo dog houses keep dogs warm?

Yes. That famous igloo shape has stuck around for a reason. It retains more heat than a standard box-shaped house and the raised center helps to give your dog some additional headroom when it comes to moving around.

If you happen to live somewhere that gets a bit chilly, an Igloo dog house is a great idea and a great way to ‘think outside of the box’.

Is hay a good insulator for dogs?

Hay is comfortable and warm. Hay bedding makes for an excellent insulator and is a great addition to any doghouse. It’s also inexpensive, so you can purchase it in bulk and spread it generously inside the dog house, changing it out from time to time to keep it fresh.

You should also consider adding some cedar shavings in the mix,  as the oils in the cedar will act as a natural insect repellant to help keep your dog’s house as pest-free as possible.

How do you keep a dog kennel warm in the winter?

Outside kennels should have some form of insulation, but aside from this you can add extra blankets in for your dog so that they can burrow inside when they like, and you can put a blanket on the crate as long as it’s not dangerous of restricting airflow.

With these safeguards in place, your dog will be appreciably warmer when it starts to get chilly out.

Can dogs live outside in the winter in the dog house?

That’s going to depend on the dog and the severity of the local winter. Thin-coated dogs will start to get cold at around 45 degrees and even winter-friendly dogs such as Huskies and German Shepherds should not be out in temperatures below 32 degrees.

When in doubt, get your dog inside – they can get hypothermia or pneumonia quite easily in cold weather and it’s best to err on the side of safety.

Is it warmer in a dog house than outside?

Yes, the inside of a dog house will usually be at least 10 degrees warmer, depending on the insulation and the volume and type of bedding inside. With superior insulation, it can be even higher and you can also install an electric dog heater into the dog house if you are worried.

Just be sure to bring your dog inside when it gets into the 30s or 40’s as this is when things get dangerous for your dog!