Doghouses in some regions of the country need to be insulated to protect the dog from severe temperatures. Failure to insulate a doghouse that is subjected to extremely low or high temperatures can put the dog’s health in jeopardy.
The typical extreme weather for summer and winter months for a given area will determine the importance of insulating your dog’s house. In regions of the world where there are extremely cold temperatures in winter or extremely high temperatures in summer, and insulated doghouse may not be enough protection for your pet.
Some pre-made outdoor doghouses are already insulated. A doghouse kit or a customized, homemade doghouse can also be insulated by the owner or builder.
Doghouses that are insulated may have one or more different types of insulation. The interior of the doghouse may have insulation panels or there may be insulation between the interior and exterior walls of the doghouse. Styrofoam sheets or polystyrene foam may be used between the walls of the doghouse.
The insulation helps the doghouse from becoming too hot or too cold. The insulation blocks some of the heat in summer and the insulation holds in the dog’s body temperature which helps keep the inside of the doghouse warmer during the winter.
When shopping for an insulated doghouse, the dog owner should check that the doghouse walls, floor, and roof are all insulated. Only insulating the walls will not be enough to protect your pet if there are extreme swings in the weather where you live. The dog owner should ask what type of insulating material the doghouse contains.
Also be aware that dogs not used to being outdoors may struggle to adjust to the weather especially during extreme temperatures. If a dog will be kept outside for significant periods of time, the dog owner should help the dog get accustomed to the weather from the time the dog is a puppy. Also you need to be sure that your dog has plenty of fresh water and clean food.
Some dog breeds do well outdoors in temperatures that are similar to the areas where the dog breed originated. For example, a dog with a thick coat may tolerate colder temperatures more than a dog with a short coat. However, a dog with thick coat may not be able to adjust to the summer heat.
A doghouse that is insulated to help the dog be comfortable in cold weather needs to be the proper size for the dog. A small dog in a doghouse that is too large will not be able to generate enough body heat to keep the dog house warm.
Heating and cooling air conditioning units and heating pads are doghouse accessories you can also use to protect the dog and make the dog comfortable in extreme temperatures. These special accessories are available on the websites of some doghouse manufactures and retailers. Be careful however if your are using any type of electical accessories, especially in wet weather and if your dog damages the item(s).
Besides extreme temperatures, other effects of being outdoors for long periods of time can be detrimental to your pet. You should always be sure that your dog isn’t left outside for extended periods of time without some companionship. Dogs are social animals and need to be loved by you, their owner. Be sure and treat your dog just like you would always want to be treated!
