When the weather turns cold, it’s that time of the year to begin thinking about outdoor dog house warmers. Making the extra effort to keep your dog warm in his dog house during the winter months not only gives him a cozy place to relax and get off the winter chill at night, but also gives you peace of mind knowing your fur buddy is sleeping comfortably at night when it’s cold out.
When Should I Heat A Dog House?
When it comes to keeping your dog warm, there are a range of factors that will affect his ability to maintain heat.
Age, size, fur length, health, activity and heat levels play a role in determining when it’s necessary to invest in a dog house warmer.
As a general rule of thumb, heat your dog house when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heating pads, heat lamps and house heaters are all ways to introduce warmth by using electricity.
Heating Pads
Heating pads are great for providing moderate heat to your dog house. Usually heating pads are thermostat regulated to prevent over-heating. These are perfect for environments that don’t get overly chilly. They offer just enough heat to give your dog a warming experience in slightly cold environment.
These are best for dogs that don’t chew too much. Although you can find chew-proof cables, no part of the pad should be chewed.
Heat Lamps
Heat lamps are an easy and effective method of heating an outdoor dog house.
The size and wattage power of the lamp depend on the size of your dog and the temperatures outdoors.
A heat lamp can produce a substantial amount of heat, and provide a lot of warmth to your dog in very cold environments. The drawback to heat lamps is that because they get very hot, your dog can burn herself if she were to rub against it.
That’s why a heat lamp is better for larger kennels where a grid can be placed in front of the lamp to prevent a dog from rubbing up against it.
Outdoor Heaters
Probably the best way to heat your dog’s outdoor dog house is by using a dog house heater. They are usually regulated with a thermostat to stop overheating, and certain heaters are designed to be safe to the touch. So your fur buddy can stay warm without the risk of burning himself.
Because of the extra features you find in a heater, the price for a heater will usually surpass the price for heating pads or heat lamps.
Safety and Installation
Any heating equipment that introduces electricity into your dog house should to be installed correctly and with the right equipment. And if your dog is prone to chewing, search for products that are chew proof.
Use Outdoor Rated Heating Equipment
When you search for products pick those designed for outdoor heating. A lot of products are aimed at young pups and pregnant dogs, and only in the small print do they mention they’re not suitable for outdoor use.
Be sure to choose heating options that are able to withstand your climate. Rain, snow and heavy winds falling on equipment not rated for handling such weather can end up becoming a safety issue for your dog if they malfunction.
Additionally, consider the reviews and ratings of each product. You may be on a tight budget and be tempted by some of the cheaper options on the market. But if they have poor or few reviews, you may be end up dealing with a lot of headaches.
Wires
Not all dogs chew, but even older, more docile dogs can become intrigued by the new addition to their outdoor home and put themselves in danger by nibbling on wires.
There is more than one way that you can avoid your dog biting on wires.
- Install any outdoor dog house warmers from above. This will keep wires out of reach from your doggy. Similarly, you can tuck wires into corners, flush with the walls or under the insulation you have installed.
- Find products that feature chew-proof cables. They are most often steel covered and will eliminate any risks of your doggy chewing through the wires. If you find a great product, but it’s missing a chew-proof cable, consider buying a cable protector.
Warming Your Dog House Without Electricity
There are several ways in which you can keep your doggy warm without the hassle of wires and complicated installation.
Microwavable heat pads, blankets and cushions are a simple way to bring heat into your dog’s house without using electricity. They typically remain warm for up to twelve hours and are safe as long as they are not too hot when you first place them in the dog house. You can even fashion your own microwavable heaters with a sock and some rice.
Self-heating beds are another non electrical method to heat your dog inside his dog house. The self-heating bed reflect’s your dog’s own heat back onto himself. These work well when the weather is cool, but are not suitable for extreme weather conditions, as your dog may not be able to create enough heat in the first place. You can learn more about the benefits of self heating beds in our article about heated dog beds.
Proper insulation for your dog house helps to keep heat in and the cold out. By raising your dog house at least six inches from the floor and ensuring that it is completely weatherproof, you can help to maintain warmth inside the dog house. Adding a carpet or plastic door is also a way of retaining heat and stopping the chill from cold winds.
By using an outdoor dog house warmer in your dog house, you can make sure your doggy stays cozy and warm during those cold times of the year. And you’ll sleep well at night also knowing that your fur buddy is staying nice and warm inside his dog house while the cold chill wind blows outside.