12 Best Winter Proof Dog House

Although most dog owners would prefer that their beloved dogs stay inside during nighttime, this isn’t always possible. Dogs just love going outside to explore their surroundings and there is no way to curb their natural curiosity. All the dog training in the world won’t keep them inside. This is part and parcel of having a dog as a pet.

If you have a dog that loves staying outside, you must keep him warm. Winter weather conditions can get too cold for dogs, and just like humans they can suffer from hypothermia.  If you have a dog that prefers to stay outside, you need to provide him with a suitable dog shelter that can keep his body temperature at a good level.

Unlike your regular dog house, the winter dog house has extra features:

• Insulated floors and walls to keep warmth in the house
• Angled entrance to prevent rain, snow, and even wind from getting inside the dog house
• Optional self-heating pads or pre-installed house heater
• Optional raised bottom or extra bottom layers to keep dogs away from the cold ground

Why is winter dangerous for dogs?

Winter weather can be extremely cold in many places around the world. Sometimes winter nights can go lower than 30° F degrees and there are even places when the daytime is freezing too.

An insulated dog house is designed for cold weather and will provide ample protection for your pets against snow, wind, ice, and low temperatures. They cost a bit more than your regular dog house but they come with features which are not available in other types of dog houses.

Although there are dog breeds that can sustain in winter better than others, it doesn’t mean that you should just leave them to their own devices. After all, no dog s body is completely immune to the cold. If your dog is going to be outside on some nights, it is best to invest in insulated dog houses.

Even thick-coated dogs will not be comfortable staying outside for long periods during winter. Some pet owners have made the mistake of assuming that their pet can withstand harsh winter weather and this has resulted in several dogs losing their lives.

How do you insulate a dog house for the winter?

Dog house insulation is essential for winter. Your dog should be comfortable and warm the whole year, even more so during the winter months. So, here is a quick guide for getting the dog house ready for the cold season.

Fill any holes and repair any damage

Before you go about insulating the dog house, you must first make it waterproof. Check the dog house for any holes and gaps and make sure that the dog house can keep the heat in and the cold air out.

Raise the dog house

Raising the dog house from the floor is necessary to protect the flooring, as well as your dog. Concrete, for one, is a very poor insulator for a dog house. Grass also does not do any good during winter as it gets cold and wet.

You can use joists to raise the floor. Another alternative for your dog house is a wooden pallet which can be picked up for free at your local scrap yards.

Line the floor

You can use some straw to line the floor of your dog house. Straws make a good insulator as it doesn’t freeze and dogs love sleeping on it. Opt for healthy and parasite-free straw and do not forget to put a thick thermal blanket over the straw to prevent movement and make your dog more comfortable.

How to select the best insulated dog houses for winter

There is an endless selection of dog houses available in the market, however, if you want to protect your dog from winter, you cannot just make a haphazard selection and wish for the best. You need a high-quality dog house that covers all the bases so that your dog is warm, comfortable, and protected.

There are significant differences between excellent dog houses and not-so-good options, so it is of utmost importance that you are selective, and are aware of the things that you need to take into consideration when looking for a dog house.

Keeps your dog dry

When your house dog gets wet during winter, he can get dangerously chilled. Therefore, you must purchase a dog house with a solid roof, something that doesn’t leak. One more thing to look for in a house that won’t let water drip or splash in.

Easy entrance and exit

You dog must be able to easily enter and leave the dog house because if that alone is very difficult, your dog won’t use the dog house. Take accurate measurements of your dog and use this when purchasing the winter dog shelter. You can also opt a dog house with self closing doors for more convenience.

Blocks wind

Just like humans, dogs also feel colder if there is a wind blowing into their homes, and you can prevent this by ensuring that there are no large gaps for the wind to blow in. One feature that you should look for is double plastic flap doors because they keep the chill out and the warm air in.

Adequate space

The best dog houses have adequate space because this allows your dog to live comfortably. However, you want to avoid getting a dog house that is too big because this will reduce warmth.

Has adjustable feet

Dog houses that sit directly on the ground have higher chances of rotting quickly so it is better to get one that has adjustable feet that allows it to be raised a few inches above the soil. Aside from reducing the risk of rotting, adjustable feet also helps keep the dog house level on uneven ground.

Sturdy materials

A dog house that easily collapses is something you don’t want to spend money on. You should opt for a dog house that has excellent craftsmanship and is made of sturdy material.

How do you winterize a dog house?

Cold weather has several effects on dogs and one of them is that it makes them burn more calories. This raises their body heat and as a result dogs need a lot more calories during winter. A good way to help your dog is to give him more frequent, smaller meals of dog food rather than a single large meal. This helps make sure that calories from their dog food can be efficiently used throughout the day.

A heated dog bowl will ensure that water doesn’t freeze and your dog has the luxury of drinking warm water the entire day and night. There are also a few more winter accessories to consider adding to your insulated dog house such as a heated mat, and dog blankets. They are affordable and they will do your dog a lot of good.

Just keep in mind that when you deal with any electrical appliance, whether indoor or outdoor, you must take precautions to avoid any accidents that can result in injury or worse, death.

How can I keep my outside dog warm in the winter?

Even if you purchase the warmest winter dog houses for more protection during cold months, he may still suffer especially on exceptionally cold nights. There are useful items that you can buy on Amazon to make sure your dog is perfectly comfy and warm in his outdoor dog house, and you sleep without worries.

A heated mat

Heated mats serve the same purpose as heated dog beds but they are better options for dogs who dislike beds, and owners who have already given their pup a nice bed to sleep in.

Heated mats can do wonders when it comes to warming your dog, however, it is quite a dangerous option for chewers. Safety should be an important consideration, apart from keeping your dog toasty and warm. Heated beds and mats come with cords which you must protect your dogs from.

There are a few options to prevent your dog from getting to the cord and they are burying the cord and threading it up through a hole drilled into the floor of the dog house, threading the cord through a PVC pipe, and using a conduit to keep the cord protected.

A heated bed

You can give your dog a cozy space if you get a heated bed. Aside from ensuring that your dog is comfortably warm, heated beds also have therapeutic benefits for dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia, ailing joints, and arthritis, so it is something to consider if you have an older pooch.

Get a bed that is suitable for outdoor use and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter to prevent your pup from being burned or shocked. There are also self-heating bed options that do not need any electricity.

Blankets and litter

Provide your dog with extra insulation by covering the bottom of the best insulated dog houses with blankets. Some blankets are specifically designed for outdoor use and they are available in various sizes, designs, and colors. Opt for the machine washable and dryable variety.

If you would like to steer clear of blankets, you can go the old-school route and use products that are similar to litter to insulate your dog’s house and keep his body temperature normal. Avoid grasses and hays as they can harbor bacteria and parasites in the dog beds too.

The most inexpensive and popular choices are cedar and pine because they repel pests and have a pleasant smell too. However, the odor can get quite strong in enclosed spaces and there have been cases of dogs suffering from respiratory ailments after sleeping on shavings.

Dog house heater

You can further keep the winter dog house warm and keep your dog warm and toasty by getting investing in heating devices, a dog house heater to be specific. There are various models you can buy on Amazon for reasonable prices. The heating system can be easily installed in the pet house, diy style and will keep your pet happy.

What is the best dog house for cold weather?

Although dogs prefer to spend most of their time outdoors, they also get cold during winter, just like us. Although we would much prefer to have them sleeping indoors during the cold months, this is something that is easier said than done. As a responsible pet parent, you want to provide the next best thing, a comfortable and warm place to sleep in.

There is a wide selection of dog houses for winter which you can easily buy on Amazon. Not all dog houses are made to withstand the winter season, and you need to look at more than just the price tags. Some features you need to look at are self closing doors, a floor heater, insulation, and many others. So, we have come up with more than just the 10 best dog houses for you. We have come up with 12 so you can select the best one that serves all your needs.