A good dog house is an essential part of keeping your pet safe and comfortable. It provides a cozy retreat from the elements, whether it’s hot or cold outside. But what makes a good dog house?
First and foremost, a good dog house should be the right size for your dog. It should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If it’s too small, your dog won’t be able to move around freely, and if it’s too large, it won’t provide enough warmth and security.
Another important factor to consider is the material the dog house is made from. Wood is a popular choice because it’s durable, insulating, and looks natural in most backyards. Plastic is also a good option because it’s lightweight, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture. Whatever material you choose, make sure it’s sturdy enough to withstand the elements and protect your dog from rain, wind, and sun.
Table of Contents
Size and Material
Choosing the Right Size
When it comes to choosing the right size for your dog house, you need to consider the size of your dog. According to Dog House Times, the dog house door width and height should be based on your dog breed’s approximate height at the withers. Dogs prefer dog houses where they must duck their heads but do not have to crouch their bodies. The minimal house height should be 1.25 times the distance from the top of the dog’s head to his toes.
For example, if your dog’s measurement from the top of its head to its toes is 20 inches, then the minimum height for their dog house should be 25 inches. According to Blythe Wood Works, the shortest dog house your dog could use would measure 25 inches from the peak to the ground.
Selecting the Best Material
The material you choose for your dog house should be durable, weather-resistant, and provide insulation. According to Dog House Times, some of the best materials for building a dog house include:
- Acrylic Plastic: It is glass-like in its clarity yet is much more durable to impact than glass. It is relatively easy to work with and is impervious to the elements.
- Brick: It is durable, weather-resistant, and provides insulation. However, it is heavy and may require professional installation.
- Cedar: It is a natural insect repellent, weather-resistant, and provides insulation. It is also lightweight and easy to work with.
- Pressure-treated Wood: It is durable, weather-resistant, and provides insulation. However, it may contain chemicals that can be harmful to your dog’s health.
When selecting the best material for your dog house, consider your budget, the climate in your area, and your dog’s needs. You want to choose a material that will provide your dog with a comfortable and safe living space.
Insulation and Ventilation
Why Insulation is Important
Insulation is a crucial factor in keeping your dog comfortable in its house. It helps maintain a consistent temperature and prevents heat loss in cold weather. The best-insulated dog houses have thick walls and roofs made of materials such as foam or wood. Additionally, insulation materials like Styrofoam can be added to the walls and roof to improve heat retention.
According to Veterinarians.org, the BestPet Insulated Puppy Shelter Crate with Air Vents and Elevated Floor is a great option for puppies as its insulating plastic is great at keeping dogs up to medium size warm by trapping their body heat inside the house.
Proper Ventilation for Your Dog’s Health
Proper ventilation is essential to ensure your dog’s health and comfort. Without adequate ventilation, the air inside the dog house can become stale and lead to respiratory problems. The best dog houses have vents that allow fresh air to circulate while preventing drafts.
According to Dog House Times, the best dog house vents can help regulate interior temperature, reduce and prevent mold, and offer air exchange, so your dog doesn’t suffocate in the dog house. Passive vents, such as small openings at the top or bottom of the house, can be used for natural air circulation. Alternatively, forced-air dog house fans can be used to provide constant airflow.
In hot areas, it may be a good idea to make the opening larger to increase ventilation, as recommended by PetCoach. Also, have the bottom of the opening 4″ to 8″ higher than the floor to help keep bedding and newborn puppies inside. In summary, proper insulation and ventilation are essential to ensure your dog’s comfort and health. Insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature, while ventilation ensures fresh air circulates throughout the house.
Design and Features
When it comes to choosing a dog house, the design and features are important considerations. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Elevated Flooring
It’s important to choose a dog house with elevated flooring to keep your pup dry and comfortable. Elevated flooring also helps to prevent pests from entering the house. Look for a dog house with at least a few inches of clearance between the ground and the floor.
Roof Design
The roof design is also an important consideration. A sloped roof can help to prevent water from pooling on top of the house, while a flat roof can provide additional space for your pup to lounge. Consider the climate in your area and choose a roof design that will provide adequate protection from the elements.
Door Placement and Size
The placement and size of the door is other important factor to consider. The door should be large enough for your pup to easily enter and exit the house, but not so large that it compromises the insulation of the house. Consider the prevailing winds in your area and choose a door placement that will protect from the elements.
Overall, choosing a dog house with functional and well-designed features can help to keep your pup comfortable and protected from the elements.
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Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping your dog’s house clean is an essential part of maintaining their health and happiness. Regular cleaning can prevent the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and other harmful substances that can affect your dog’s well-being.
Here are some tips for maintaining and cleaning your dog’s house.
Easy-to-Clean Materials
Choosing the right materials for your dog’s house can make cleaning a breeze. Look for materials that are durable, waterproof, and easy to wipe down, such as plastic, metal, or treated wood. Avoid materials that are porous or absorbent, such as untreated wood or fabric, as they can trap bacteria and odors.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your dog’s house clean and comfortable.
Here are some tips to help you keep your dog’s house in top shape:
- Clean the inside of the house regularly with a pet-safe cleaner and a soft cloth or brush.
- Remove any debris, such as leaves or twigs, from the roof and around the base of the house.
- Replace any damaged or worn parts, such as the door or roof, as soon as possible.
- Wash your dog’s bedding and blankets regularly, and consider using a waterproof liner to protect the inside of the house.
- Empty and clean the water and food bowls daily, and replace them if they become damaged or worn.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your dog’s house stays clean, comfortable, and safe. Remember to always use pet-safe cleaning products and materials, and to consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s health.
FAQ
What should a dog house be made of?
A dog house can be made of plastic or simply made of wood, depending on your personal preferences and needs. Wood is often preferred, as this allows DIY types to easily make upgrades to their dog’s house if they should desire. Properly coated, it’s also just as resistant to water as plastic.
What is the warmest dog house?
The warmest dog houses on the market are those which have electric heaters installed. These heaters are specially made for the dog house and they help to ensure that your dog stays nice and warm when it’s chilly out.
Aside from these, Igloo dog houses are warmer than standard box houses and also quite roomy, if you prefer a non-electric option.
How can I make my dog’s house more comfortable?
Straw is an inexpensive way to make your doghouse more comfortable and you can also go with wood chips. If you go with wood chips, you want pine or cedar, as these not only smell nice, but they will keep bugs away.
Fill in the excess space inside of the dog house with extra bedding and it will make your dog even warmer when it’s cool out, as your dog will expend fewer calories heating the space inside.
Is a dog house a good idea?
A dog house is a great idea, even if your dog will not be living outside. Dogs love having their own spaces!
You’ll catch your dog going in from time to time to relax and have a nice chew on one of their toys, or even see them sitting on top of the house to get a better view of the yard on the warm roof tiles. A dog house is a good idea and your dog will love it!
Why won’t my dog go in his doghouse?
The most common reason that a dog doesn’t want to go into their house is the location. If a dog house is too far away from the house proper, then your dog feels alienated. If you move the house closer to your home then your dog may well start taking advantage of it.
Another thing that may deter a dog from using their house is painted on the insides, as the fumes or simply the smell may be unpleasant to them and keep them from going inside.
Can a dog live outside in a dog house?
A dog can live as an outside dog, you just need to make sure that their home is both well-insulated and ventilated, and you should have some comfortable bedding and toys inside. The most important thing, however, is spending time with the dog. You can’t just leave them alone for most of the day.
Dogs isolated this way may become depressed or may even suffer separation anxiety. Remember, dogs are pack animals, so you much socialize with them or they won’t be happy!
Do dogs actually like dog houses?
Dogs love having dog houses. They are den animals by nature, and a proper dog house is just the right size to appeal to this instinct. As long as the dog house is close enough to the home proper, well-ventilated and insulated, and has some comfortable bedding and toys inside then most dogs are going to love them!
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
