How to Heat a Dog House: 8 Safe and Innovative Steps 

As winter’s chill sets in, your furry friend needs extra warmth, especially if most of their time is spent inside a kennel outdoors. For that, you must be left wondering how to heat a dog house.

So, when you decide to insulate your dog’s kennel, remember that doing so extends beyond just offering warmth to your pup. Instead, you need to be mindful of their safety, too.

For this project, you must place the dog kennel in a sunny spot. Moreover, natural materials, including straw, hay, cedar, and pine shavings, are perfect for maintaining insulation. Finally, placing add-ons like a heating pad, warm bed, and a mini-furnace would be the final step in offering your pup a snug space.

But that’s not it. There’s more to heating a dog house, and we have answers to your every query regarding it. Let’s not waste more time and dig directly into the world of dog house heating solutions.

8 Simple Ways to Heating a Dog House

If you are wondering how to heat a dog house without electricity to ensure safety along with warmth for your pup, the below steps have cracked the deal for you.

Let’s explore a few simple ideas to ensure your pet spends the winter season comfortably without falling sick.

1. Determine the Location of the Kennel

The DIY process of transforming your dog house into a cozy haven starts with positioning the kennel at the right spot.

All you need to do is look for a spot that receives the highest levels of sunlight outdoors so your pup can get the most out of natural solar power.

Additionally, make sure the dog house’s entrance is away from the direction of the winds.

What next? Wear your old clothes and get on painting the kennel with a dark color. This will significantly boost the warmth absorbed from the sun’s rays, creating a snugger retreat for your pooch.

2. Work on Trapping Heat

Now, it’s time to trap maximum heat in your pet’s living space. Do you know the body of dogs does an adequate job of keeping them warm? However, this may get challenging if the dimensions of your pup’s kennel are larger than their body size.

In this scenario, you can always create a partition, giving your furry companion a small space to live so their body heat is not lost in the vastness.

Similarly, the door of the house must also be covered to prevent heat from escaping outdoors. For that, you can add a vinyl flap door that’s perfect for keeping the warmth inside.

3. Elevate the Dog House

The benefits of elevated dog houses are not just limited to winters. In fact, it is an all-around solution that offers much-needed chill to your pup by allowing the cool breeze inside during hot days.

During the cold season, you can transform the space beneath into a secret weapon against the chill air.

But how? Gather some straw or hay and stuff it below to have an insulated layer ready that keeps the floor warm.

However, make sure to keep an eye on this stuff, as it might get soggy or break down after rain or snow. If such a thing occurs, it’s time for a quick replacement.

4. Indulge in DIY Insulation

To heat a dog house safely, you can embark on a DIY project of sealing the gaps and cracks in the kennel with a pet-safe caulk.

Additionally, you have multiple insulating materials to choose from for the floor, walls, and ceiling. Typically, foil bubbles, rolls of fiberglass, or foam board work perfectly, imitating a cozy blanket wrapping the house.

Wait, the heating project ain’t over yet. After placing the insulation, you need to cover it all up with plywood or another solid surface. Of course, you won’t want your furball to chew up on your efforts just like that.

If you’re short on time, go for a ready-made outdoor dog house kit. You just need to zip it up, slip it inside the kennel, and attach it with Velcro to have the insulated abode ready for your pup.

5. Use a Natural Insulating Material

Low on budget and want to ensure a cozy interior for your pet? Worry not, as there are multiple cost-effective options to do so.

For instance, you can scatter pine shavings or cedar around the kennel and watch how they work like a charm to hold your pup’s body heat.

It is one of the best ways to heat a dog house, as these wood alternatives come with a bonus. They are natural bug repellents, too, keeping fleas and bugs at bay.

However, there’s a catch too. Some animals might be sensitive to the scent of pine or cedar. So, if you notice them sneezing more often, it’s a sign to get rid of the shavings and choose another heating route.

6. Prepare a Warm Bedding For Your Pup

A warm bed for your pup is also a good idea to ensure they get enough heat, especially during frosty weather. You can prepare one by yourself by combining extra towels, sheets, blankets, and fluffy bath mats present at your home.

Not only are these items comfortable, but they don’t carry any scent, either. Another option is to purchase a heated dog bed. Such beddings are made with thick insulation and faux wool. And you know what’s the best part? They do not require electricity to heat up!

7. Temperature-Controlled Heating Pads

When it comes to heating a dog house in the winter, the safety of your pup should be your first concern. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid using the typical heating pads.

So, what else could you do in this scenario? You can always choose their temperature-controlled counterparts designed to distribute heat evenly. This property protects against any such consequences that may compromise your dog’s safety, like short circuits.

While several brands now sell these exclusive pads, you need to do thorough research when purchasing one. Precisely, these are the factors that you must consider beforehand for a safe and long-term investment:

• Chew-resistant features and low-voltage functionality are a must-have
• The pad’s size must fit snugly into your pet’s kennel, leaving enough room for them to lie down and move around
• Always look for a heating pad that’s made from durable materials like fiberglass-reinforced plastic
• Check for safety certifications, too

8. Add a Heater

Do you know the use of a heater is not limited to keeping your home warm? Other than that, you can even utilize it to ensure a comfortable space inside your dog’s house when temperatures are low.

You can always find heaters in the market that are specially designed for dogs with the safety of your furballs in mind.

A few features that make it one of the best ways to heat a dog kennel include a burn-proof design and chew-resistant cords. The best part is that you can hang the heater on a wall or ceiling so every nook of the kennel gets adequate heat.

Moreover, you can easily adjust the settings of these heaters, making them suitable for moderate to intense winters.

FAQs

1)   Are dog houses warm enough?

Dog houses can be warm, but it depends on the design and material. Insulated ones are better at keeping heat in, especially in colder climates. Adding bedding or a heater can make a big difference, too.

2)   Are dog house heaters safe?

Yes, dog house heaters can be safe if used correctly. Look for heaters specifically designed for dog kennels and follow all safety instructions. Always monitor their use to ensure your pet’s safety.

3)   Can I put a heat lamp in a dog house?

You can, but be cautious. Heat lamps should be securely installed and positioned away from direct contact with your dog to prevent burns or fire hazards. Opt for infrared lamps designed for animal use.

4)   What are the benefits of insulated dog houses?

Insulating a dog house for cold weather offers a number of benefits. These particularly include better protection against cold while maintaining a warmer and more comfortable environment. Precisely, they help conserve your dog’s body heat and shield them from extreme temperatures, ensuring their wellbeing.

Wrapping Up – How to Heat a Dog House

As we wrap up, it’s clear that keeping your dog warm during colder months should be your ultimate responsibility as a pet owner. Failing to do so can make them sick, which is, of course, the last thing you’d want for your pup.

Thus, take proper measures to heat the dog house. You can follow the steps outlined in our guide for top-notch results. From finding a suitable location to placing a furnace inside the kennel and preparing warm bedding for your pup, every single tip is useful in keeping them warm and cozy.

Don’t forget to explore our other posts for more valuable tips to keep your furry friend happy and healthy all year round.

Thanks for reading!