How To Winterize A Dog House

Keep dogs warm in the winter

If you are looking to learn how to winterize a dog house, then you are in the right place. In this guide, I am going to share with you all the information that is needed to know how to protect your dog from the harsh winter. 

All the things discussed in this article are beginner-friendly and easy to understand, so it won’t be difficult for you to follow all the steps and evaluate them properly. 

Table of Contents

You need to understand that if you don’t go through the post thoroughly, then it is possible that by mistake, you will do a step wrong, and your dog may have to suffer all night in the winter season from the harsh cold weather.

How To Winterize A Dog House

How to keep outside dogs warm in winter

Follow these simple suggestions for how to keep your dog’s house warm in the winter.

  • Place plastic on the dog house floor in the winter season. 
  • Add a warm blanket and you can add a safe heating pad.
  • Insulate the house thoroughly. 
  • If possible, install a heater. 

Keeping your dog fully warm in cozy harsh cold weather can be challenging without installing a heater or pad. This is why I purchased a heater and a heating dog bed to protect my dog from harsh cold weather. If you want you can also go with them.

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How To Winterize A Dog House

How do I know if my dog is cold?

  • Shivering. If you notice your dog is trembling or shivering, this is the first sign indicating that your dog is feeling cold. First of all, shivering, shaking, or trembling is how the body reacts to keep itself warm enough to survive.
  • It is curling up. This is a sign that your dog is trying to keep its body warm with its body heat to survive the cold.
  • Slow movements. If you notice your dog is moving slowly or keeping its paws close to its body, it is better to keep your dog inside your home and provide them with a blanket to keep themselves warm.
  • Cold ears. If you notice that your dog’s ears are very cold, this is an excellent way to tell that his body temperature is dropping because of the cold, and you will need to pay close attention to your pup.
  • Barking or whining without any reason. If you notice your dog acting in a very unusual way or even barking or whining without any reason, then maybe he needs some protection from the cold and is feeling cold.
How To Winterize A Dog House

Insulation for dog house

If you are trying to keep your dog outside your home, then you will need to insulate the dog house properly to protect your dog from the cold.

Step-by-step Guide To Insulate A Doghouse For The Upcoming Winter

  • Move your dog house to a safe location that will protect it from too much sun during the summer and too much wind during the winter.
  • Use a foam insulation sheet cut to fit the floor and the walls of the dog house. It will keep it protected and will help in keeping the cold out.
  • Now you will need to cover the home insulation sheets with plywood, or you can also use drywall sheeting so that you can prevent your puppy from chewing or scratching it.
  • On the walls, add an old carpet or an old blanket fully tacked.
  • Now add some extra layers of cedar shavings. 

3 Best Heating Sources for Adding Warmth to a Dog House for Winter

Pet-Safe Heating Pads or Heat Mats: There are heating pads or mats available specifically designed for pets. These can be used inside the dog house to provide gentle warmth. Ensure they are pet-safe, low voltage, and designed for outdoor use.

Heating pad

Heat lamp. Here is another alternative for a heater. You can also consider turning on a heat lamp during the coldest hours.

Heat lamp

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How to heat a dog house without electricity?

Heating a dog house without electricity can be a challenge, but there are a few options you can consider to provide warmth for your dog. Here are some ideas:

  • Insulation: Ensure the dog house is properly insulated to retain as much heat as possible. Use insulating materials such as foam boards or straw to line the walls, floor, and roof of the dog house. This will help trap your dog’s body heat and keep the interior warmer.
  • Placement: Position the dog house in a sheltered area, away from drafts and cold winds. Placing it against a wall or under a roofed structure can provide additional protection from the elements.
  • Elevated Flooring: Raise the dog house off the ground slightly to prevent cold air from seeping in from below. You can use bricks, pallets, or a wooden platform as a base to lift the house off the ground.
  • Warm Bedding: Provide your dog with warm bedding materials, such as blankets, old towels, or straw. These materials can help retain heat and provide insulation for your dog.
  • Heat-Reflective Blankets: Use heat-reflective blankets or emergency thermal blankets to cover the dog house. These blankets reflect the dog’s body heat back towards them and can provide some extra warmth.
  • Hot Water Bottle: Fill a hot water bottle with warm water. Place the hot water bottle inside a towel or blanket and put it in the dog house. Make sure it’s not too hot to avoid burns.

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How To Winterize A Dog House

FAQ

What Can I Put In My Dog’s House To Keep The Dog Warm?

You can keep a linen blanket, a linen sheet, a towel, a fluffy rug, dog beds, heating pad, install a heater, and insulate the dog house properly.

Do Blankets Keep Dogs Warm Below 0 Degree Temperature?

If a dog is a double-layered coated dog breed, then a blanket would do the job. If a dog is a single-layer coated dog breed, you need a heating pad to survive below 0-degree temperature.

What Should You Avoid Doing To Your Dog Before Winter?

You should never shave your dog or trim their hair before winter because it’s a single-coat dog breed or even a double-layered coated dog breed, it will affect their capacity to keep their body warm.

How Is Cold Too Cold For A Dog?

It depends upon the structure and the features of a dog. If the dog is native to an Arctic region, then it can easily survive below zero temperature. If a dog is a small breed dog and is native to somewhere with a hot temperature, it won’t survive in the freezing temperature. A dog with a single coat is unlikely to survive temperatures below zero degrees.

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