Great Dog House Comfort
|
Here are some important features to consider before making a final decision.
Make sure that you look for a dog house that has an air vent close to the top. Adequate ventilation is a very important feature in any dog's house.
In the warmer seasons, the heat can accumulate if there isn't enough air exchange to the outside of your dog's house. Insufficient venting can cause an excess of heat and humidity to build up inside the house, making it very uncomfortable for your precious pup.
A house with a hinged roof will allow you to open it a bit in the extreme heat of the summer to let the heat out. And in the winter time the roof can be kept tightly closed to provide maximum insulation from the cold. 
Any dwelling must have a waterproof roof. But in addition to this basic requirement, a good design to consider is a slanted roof. A slanted roof will allow rainwater to swiftly drain off the structure away from the opening keeping the interior nice and dry.
Your pet's outside doggie house should never sit on the ground unless it has a raised lip to protect if from flooding in the rainy season. This is especially important if the structure is made of wood.
A wooden house should be raised off the ground at least two inches to prevent the floor from rotting and to keep the moisture out. Bricks can provide a good foundation for your pet’s home.
And of course, a doggie house must be well insulated to protect your pooch from the cold and the heat. If heat and cold are an issue for your pup... look for a plastic pet house that uses structural foam for insulation. This material offers the best protection from both the heat and the cold.
Don’t get an over-size structure if you live in an area that has severe winters. Even if you buy an insulated dog house, if it’s too big it will be hard for your pet to retain its body heat in an extremely cold climate. In this situation, bigger is not better for your pooch.
In the summer time, even an insulated dwelling should not be placed directly in the sun since it can quickly become like an oven inside which could be very uncomfortable and dangerous for your pet.
Although padding is usually sold separately... you should definitely consider getting a doggie house pad.
A pad placed inside your pooch’s house will keep your pet warmer by further insulating the bottom of the dwelling.
And will also provide some soothing cushioning for your pet's joints. Choose a pad that is easily washable so that you can clean it when necessary. Depending on the model you select, you may find that the manufacturer offers an optional pad that will fit perfectly.
The opening should be large enough so that your pet may enter and exit easily. During the winter month in a cold climate the doorway should be covered with a flexible plastic flap or door.
This type of door will help keep the warmth in while providing additional shelter from the cold, rain and wind. So help keep your pup warmer in the colder months with an optional easy to install doghouse door.
The location of the doorway can also make a big difference in your pet’s comfort. Preferably the opening should be offset to one side. This will prevent your pet from being directly exposed to such severe weather like gusting winds, driving rain or sweltering sun.
Another option is to buy a model that has an extended entrance. You can find this type of opening on the very popular igloo style dog house.
If your budget permits there are even luxury dog homes that come complete with heating and air conditioning that will automatically control the environment inside your pet’s dwelling. Yes you can provide heating and air conditioning for your special pooch along with many custom designer features. Man’s best friend can literally live in the lap of luxury.
