If you’re a dog owner, you know how important it is to provide your pet with a comfortable and safe place to rest. A dog house is a great option for outdoor dogs, but have you ever wondered which direction it should face? Believe it or not, the direction your dog house faces can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and safety.
According to pet experts, the best direction for a dog house to face is east or north. This is because, in the United States, most storms come from the south and west, so facing the dog house in a different direction can protect your dog from harsh weather conditions. Additionally, having the door face east can prevent cold air from whipping through the entryway, keeping your dog warm and cozy.
Another thing to consider when choosing the direction for your dog’s house is the amount of shade and sunlight it will receive. You want to make sure your dog’s house is not in direct sunlight all day, as this can cause it to become too hot and uncomfortable for your dog. However, you also don’t want it to be in complete shade, as this can make it too cold. Finding a balance between shade and sunlight is key to ensuring your dog is comfortable in its outdoor home.
Why Direction Matters
If you’re building a dog house, you might not have given much thought to which direction it should face. However, the direction your dog house faces can have a significant impact on your dog’s comfort and safety. Here are a few reasons why direction matters:
Temperature Control
The direction your dog’s house faces can affect the temperature inside the house. If your dog’s house faces south or west, it will be exposed to more direct sunlight, which can make it uncomfortably hot for your dog. On the other hand, if your dog’s house faces north or east, it will be shaded from the sun and cooler.
Wind Protection
The direction your dog’s house faces can also affect how well it protects your dog from the wind. If your dog’s house faces south or west, it will be more exposed to strong winds, which can make it colder inside the house. If your dog’s house faces north or east, it will be more protected from the wind.
Sun Exposure
The direction your dog’s house faces can also affect your dog’s exposure to the sun. If your dog’s house faces south or west, it will be exposed to more direct sunlight, which can increase your dog’s risk of sunburn and heatstroke. If your dog’s house faces north or east, it will be shaded from the sun and cooler.
Overall, it’s best to face your dog’s house north or east to minimize the chances of cold winds blowing through the door and to keep it shaded from the sun. It’s recommended to never face the dog house south or west if you live in the United States, as these are the directions which storms roll in from.
Factors to Consider
Climate
When choosing the direction for your dog house, you should consider the climate in your area. If you live in a colder climate, it’s best to have the dog house facing east. This will minimize the chances of cold winds blowing through the door. On the other hand, if you live in a warmer climate, it’s best to have the dog house facing north. This will provide shade during the hottest part of the day.
Dog Breed and Size
The breed and size of your dog should also be taken into consideration. If you have a larger dog, you’ll need a larger dog house. The dog house should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If you have a smaller dog, you can get away with a smaller dog house. Additionally, some breeds are more tolerant of cold weather than others. If you have a breed that is sensitive to the cold, you’ll want to make sure the dog house is well-insulated.
Available Space
The amount of available space you have in your yard will also play a role in choosing the direction of the dog house. You’ll want to make sure the dog house is placed in an area that is easily accessible for your dog, but also out of the way of foot traffic. Additionally, if you have more than one dog, you’ll want to make sure there is enough space for both dogs to comfortably use the dog house.
Sources: VMBS News
Common Directions
North
When it comes to choosing the direction for your dog house, north is one of the best options. It provides a constant source of shade, which is crucial during hot summer days. Additionally, the dog house will be protected from direct sunlight, which can cause overheating and discomfort for your pet.
Facing the dog house north can also reduce the amount of rain and snow that enters the house. This is because the winds that typically carry precipitation come from the south and west, so facing the dog house north can decrease the amount of wind that blows through the door.
South
While facing the dog house south may seem like a good idea, it’s not recommended. As Lets Healthify explains, most storms in the United States come from the south and west. Therefore, facing the dog house south can expose it to strong winds and heavy rain, which can be uncomfortable for your dog and damage the structure of the house.
East
East is another good option for facing your dog’s house. Lets Healthify suggest that facing the dog house east can help minimize the amount of wind that enters the house. This is especially important if you live in an area with cold winters, as the wind can make the inside of the house feel even colder.
Additionally, facing the dog house east can provide some protection from the sun during the hottest parts of the day. This can help keep your dog cool and comfortable, especially if the house is located in an area with little shade.
West
As mentioned earlier, facing the dog house west is not recommended due to the prevalence of storms that come from this direction in the United States. However, there are some situations where facing the dog house west may be the only option. In this case, it’s important to make sure that the house is well-constructed and can withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
According to ArcaMax, it’s also a good idea to provide additional protection for the dog house if it’s facing west. This can include adding a windbreak, such as a fence or a wall, to help block some of the wind and rain.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right direction for your dog’s house is essential for their comfort and safety. Remember to consider the climate and weather patterns in your area when deciding which way to face the dog house.
Eastward-facing dog houses are recommended to minimize cold air blowing through the door. Avoid facing the dog house south or west, as these are the directions that storms come from in the United States.
Make sure to size the dog house appropriately for your pet. Allow for about 1/3 of their height in a standing position for better air circulation and comfort.
When building or buying a 2×4 dog house or something fancier, consider the materials and ease of assembly. Plastic dog houses may be easier to assemble, while wooden dog houses may require more complicated assembly with pre-drilled holes.
Remember to regularly clean and maintain the dog house to ensure your dog stays healthy and happy. With these considerations in mind, you can provide a comfortable and safe home for your pet.
Sources:
FAQ
Where do you put a dog house?
You should place your dog’s house in a shady location in your yard or if this is not possible, consider placing it against a wall of the house to minimize wind. You should face the doorway of the house north or east, with the east being preferred if you get chilly winds, but never to the south or the west.
These are the directions where storms come in if you live in the United States, so you should avoid facing the door these ways.
What angle should the dog house roof be?
If you are building a dog house, then you want to ensure that the roof is cut at a 45-degree angle. This should be optimal for that ‘classic look’ and it will be functional when it comes to keeping the rain from pooling and ensuring that it rolls off of the house.
How do you ventilate a dog house?
If you haven’t yet purchased your dog house, there are several vinyl models that will come with holes drilled beneath the roof overhang or even closeable vents on top.
Barring this, you can drill holes yourself for ventilation, just be sure to place them in such a way that they aren’t going to be a risk of leaking water when it gets stormy outside.
How can I keep my outside dog warm in freezing weather?
While bringing inside is the best option, there are some other things which you can do. You can get your dog a doggy sweater, for instance. You should also double up on warm bedding and there are even commercial heaters that you can install into the dog house.
Finally, before winter comes, always check the dog house for any cracks that need to be repaired.
What temperature should a dog house be?
Dogs are at their most comfortable (barring shaggy breed dogs) between 68 and 72 degrees, although this is more of an inside temperature and may only be achieved in a dog house using an electric heater or fan.
Typically you can expect a 10-degree difference between the inside of the house and the outside.
Is hay a good insulator for dogs?
Hay is an excellent insulator for dogs and it also happens to be very inexpensive. You can purchase a goodly amount of hay for between $10 and $15 and this will allow you to pile it high inside the dog house and to switch it out frequently to ensure that it’s always fresh and nice.
Adding in some cedar chips is also a good idea, as this can help to keep insects at bay!
Where do you put a dog house in your backyard?
A dog house should be placed in the shadiest area possible, but if you don’t have trees then consider putting it against a wall of the house to help reduce the effects of the wind.
You should also avoid letting the door face south or west, as these are directions where storms roll in if you happen to live in the United States.
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.
