What Makes A Good Outdoor Dog House?
Your pet should have shelter outside, no matter the season of the year. If you are in a region where there is snow during the winter season, it is best to build a dog house that can protect your pet Skye or Lady from frostbite. The shelter can also protect them from hypothermia, which can cause long-term problems if it’s not treated quickly.
The best thing about dog houses is that you can either buy them or build them yourself. If you decide to go on the route of the DIY method, you can read blog posts or go to your local library to know more information. You can borrow books that have plans and pictures that show the step-by-step process of building Lassie’s new home outside. You can also search the internet for videos and tips on how you can create a high-quality house.
When you are considering to buy, you can find reviews on this page where you can see the best outdoor dog houses that can fit your pet’s needs. There are several things that you need to consider before clicking the buy button. You need to make sure that your pet can get in and out without any problems. He should be able to walk into it without the need to bend the knees.
You may want to think of the house as a kind of a den where the size is comfortable for them. Another essential thing to remember is to keep the size just right. Your pet’s body is the one that keeps the shelter warm, so if it is too large, he won’t be able to stay in it comfortable during the winter season.
Things to Consider When Buying Dog Houses
Easy to Maintain
Hygiene and cleanliness are essential things that you need to consider if you want to give Lassie a comfortable and quality life. It would help if you made sure that their shelter is free from parasites. It would be best if you also cleaned the dog’s pillows, toys, trays, or any items that are included inside the shelter. You can opt for a house that has a removable rood so that the walls can be cleaned thoroughly.
It would be best if you considered a shelter where you can use a garden hose to clean the interior and exterior. There are also mild disinfectants that you can buy that are harmless to pets. In addition to these, you can spray some products that are safe for your pet but are effective in fighting fleas and ticks. You can consult your local veterinarian for these kinds of products to be on the safe side.
Protection
This is one of the crucial things that you need to look into before building or buying. The house should be located in an area outdoors where it’s not too hot or too cold. The ideal location can be under the house’s roof for extra protection against the weather.
You need one that will protect your pet from low and high temperatures. Wooden houses are excellent in protecting your pet from extreme heat during the summer months, while plastic can absorb sunlight faster. Read more about building a protective shelter in this link: https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Dog-House. You may want to consider a shelter that includes air chambers on the walls to protect your pet from extreme temperatures.
The roof should be waterproof, and the house should be able to resist sleet and hail. For this reason, you can buy a house that is made of synthetic resin, especially if you live somewhere where hail is frequent. To avoid extreme humidity that comes from the ground, you can build concrete floors inside.
Other Factors to Consider
There are a lot of dog houses that are affordable and durable at the same time. Some were made up of white cedar, which can provide a pleasing and fresh aroma. The wood is resistant to pests, and it’s non-toxic to your Lassie. You may want to choose those that can be easily assembled. The ideal construction time should be about 20 minutes to an hour.
Another essential thing to consider is that you don’t want your pet to sit right on the ground whenever he is inside. You might want to make sure that there’s some clearance between the land and the floor. This is because the location can be flooded at times, and rain can go inside, causing the floors and walls to deteriorate. Keeping a clearance is essential, especially if the shelter is made up of wood. The clearance will keep the insects and pests from entering the housing.
An offset door is helpful when you want to prevent the wind from whistling and disturbing your pet in wintertime. You can choose doors with baffle patterns. However, you might want to make sure that your dog can maneuver its way to the house with ease. With the floor, consider getting a carpet, cover, or comforter that will make a good nest. Old and comfortable blankets and beddings can be bought from a thrift store, and some pets will love to dig in them.
A Final Word
There are a lot of factors that make a good house. But most of all, your dog should love it, and it should be able to live in it comfortably. As long as they are protected from the weather, they are comfortable inside whether it’s summer or winter, and the shelter is easy to clean, then you will have the peace of mind that they will be okay outside.
