How to Choose the Best Dog House for Your Pet

A common mistake is buying a dog house that is too large. In cold weather, your dog’s body heat is the primary source of warmth inside the shelter. If the ceiling is too high or the space too vast, that heat dissipates. The house should be just tall enough for your dog to stand up comfortably, long enough to turn around, and wide enough to curl up into a ball.

Never place a dog house directly on the dirt or grass. The floor must be elevated at least two to three inches off the ground. This airspace prevents the cold earth from drawing heat away from the floor, stops rain from seeping inside, and protects the base of the structure from rotting.

A doorway cut directly into the center of the house allows wind to blast straight in. Look for designs where the door is offset to one side. This creates an internal corner where your dog can curl up completely out of the draft. Adding heavy-duty vinyl door flaps further traps body heat and blocks driving rain.

A slanted roof is essential for shedding rain and snow. Even better are roofs attached with heavy-duty hinges that allow you to prop them open. A removable or hinged roof makes it infinitely easier to scrub the interior, change out bedding, and check for pests like wasps or spiders.

If you live in an area with freezing winters or scorching summers, a standard plastic shell won't cut it. Look for houses constructed with double walls filled with EPS foam insulation (similar to a premium cooler). This technology drastically regulates the internal temperature, keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.