The 8 Best Doghouse Heaters to Buy in 2024

The 8 Best Doghouse Heaters to Buy in 2024

When winter rolls around and you find out that your furry friends aren’t quite furry enough to keep them warm and cozy, you’ve probably thought about building a doghouse with climate control. While certainly an effective solution, though, it’s not very practical. Thankfully, there’s a better option: Install a heater in their existing doghouse or purchase one of the many affordable pre-built heated doghouses available.

When the pet industry realized the widespread need to keep dogs cozy in their outdoor shelters—indeed, even huskies, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands are vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite in extreme temperatures—manufacturers stepped up.

What to Look for in a Doghouse Heater

Since there are now dozens of options to choose from, though, narrowing them down can pose a challenge. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Here’s what you should consider before checking out what’s available.

Type

There are three main types of doghouse heaters, and the best one for you is largely a matter of personal preference. Existing dog houses can be heated either by a standalone heating unit or a heating pad, while those looking for a brand-new house can find several options on the market that come with built-in heating systems.

Safety

Safety is the single most important feature to consider when evaluating doghouse heaters. Your pets are part of the family, after all—there’s a reason so many people lovingly refer to their pups as “fur babies”—and you don’t want to install anything that might pose a hazard.

Efficiency

No one wants to spend an exorbitant amount of money heating their own home, let alone their dog’s house. A heater’s efficiency depends on a number of variables, including its power source, size, materials, controls, and cycling habits.

Adjustability

Some doghouse heaters run continuously, while others respond to adjustable thermostats, much like those you’d find in residential HVAC systems. Devices with adjustable controls are generally preferable because they won’t run the risk of overheating the space. Overheating will not only make your dog uncomfortable but could also pose a fire hazard.

Capacity

The total square footage of the structure in question will determine the minimum heating power you’ll need to keep your pets nice and cozy despite frigid temperatures. n general, an electric heater should be capable of heating one square foot per 10 watts. Some units are equipped to heat medium to large rooms that have a footprint of up to 400 square feet. Others are better suited for heating igloo-type houses that are no more than about 30 cubic feet. I

Durability

Once you invest in a doghouse heater, you’ll want it to last. As such, it’s important to find one that can withstand the elements. Depending on where you live, the device may have to run nonstop for weeks—or months—at a time.

After conducting extensive research, we’ve found the best doghouse heaters on the market so your pups will stay comfy and cozy all winter long.

Top 8 Best Doghouse Heaters 2024

1. Best Overall Doghouse Heater: Akoma Hound Heater Dog House Furnace

Akoma Hound Heater Dog House Furnace


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: This furnace can’t be beat when it comes to safety, efficiency, or adaptability, which is why it landed the top spot on our list.

Quick Facts

  • Type: Standalone wall-mounted
  • Power Supply: 8-Foot, 3-Prong Grounded Cord
  • Heating Capacity: 75 cubic feet
  • Cycle: Thermostat

Keep Fluffy or Fido cozy all winter long with the Akoma Hound Heater. This device is safe enough to use in small doghouses but powerful enough to heat larger spaces. With its 300 W heating element that’s adjustable from 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will keep your pups warm on even the coldest of nights.

The elevated installation of the Hound Heater ensures optimal safety because it can’t be knocked over, and since it lacks sharp edges, there’s no risk of injury should your pet accidentally bump it.

What’s more, its internal heat shield houses all electrical components safely, so even the most curious dogs won’t get into trouble should they start sniffing around the unit. Relentless chewers are no match for the Akoma Hound Heater, either; the entire length of the cord is wrapped in a stainless steel spring.

If we could make one improvement, however, we would add an internal fan. Without it, warm air doesn’t always circulate evenly throughout the entire doghouse. Instead, the area closest to the heater tends to be a few degrees warmer than the space on the other side of the structure.

Ease of Installation

Weighing under 3 pounds, this compact furnace is a breeze to install on one of the walls of the doghouse. Excluding a drill, no special tools are required. After drilling a hole through the wall, simply run the power cord through, and then use the supplied mounting plate to adhere the heater to the wall.

Comfort Control

The thermostat has an adjustable dial for setting the temperature. When the space reaches the preferred temperature, the unit will stop running, thereby ensuring your dog’s comfort. If your dog flips the cover, however, and knocks the thermostat, it could trigger the unit to turn on or off.

Pros

  • Safe
  • Adjustable
  • Energy-efficient
  • Adaptable for both small and large spaces

Cons

  • Lacks a fan to circulate the warm air that it produces
  • Doesn’t have a “doggy-proof” cover protecting the thermostat dial

2. Best Outdoor Heated Dog Bed: K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed

K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Comprised of orthopedic foam, this plush bed offers a warm place for your pup to curl up for hours.

Quick Facts

  • Type: Heated bed
  • Power Supply: 5.5-foot steel-encased cord
  • Heating Capacity: Entire bed
  • Cycle: Thermostat

Heated floors are the ultimate luxury in modern homes, but they’re easily attainable in doghouses, thanks to this ingenious dog bed. Comprised of orthopedic foam encased in soft fleece, this heated mat automatically responds to changes in your dog’s body temperature.

Tested and certified by MET Labs to exceed USA/CA electrical safety standards, the K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed is one of the safer options for keeping dogs warm during the colder months because its low wattage poses little risk of overheating.

Thanks to their economical design, these mats could be used to line the entire floor of the doghouse for maximum comfort and radiating warmth. As for maintenance, the bed itself is water-resistant, and the removable fleece cover is machine washable for easy cleanup.

Even if you end up installing a traditional furnace in the doghouse, it’s worth getting this bed, too, as your best friend ages. Orthopedic beds offer a host of benefits for senior dogs because they provide exceptional joint support. Coupled with the radiating heat, which relieves pain and stiffness, this pet bed ensures even dogs with arthritis find a comfortable position.

Ease of Installation

The Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed can be installed in a matter of minutes. Simply place it on the floor of the doghouse and plug it in. You may need to drill a hole through the wall so the cord can run to a power source, but you don’t have to worry about using screws, nails, or anchors to finish the job.

Comfort Control

The thermostat does not include a timer. Instead, the heating element runs continuously as long as it’s plugged in. Since it’s thermostatically controlled, however, your dog won’t overheat.

Pros

  • Energy efficient
  • Easy to install
  • Low maintenance
  • Dual-purpose as it provides a heater and a place to lay down

Cons

  • Short power cord
  • Doesn’t allow for precise temperature control

3. Best Budget Doghouse Heater: BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter

BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: These highly efficient infrared lamps provide an exceptionally affordable way to heat multiple dog houses all season long.

Quick Facts

  • Type: Standalone
  • Power Supply: Standard porcelain sockets
  • Heating Capacity: 150 W
  • Cycle: Continuous

If you’re on a tight budget—or you need to heat multiple doghouses—look no further than the BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter. These affordable bulbs emit infrared heat instead of light to provide a continuous supply—up to 10,000 hours—of warmth.

Comprised of metal and high-purity pottery clay, the bulbs themselves can get incredibly hot, so make sure they’re mounted high enough that your dogs won’t accidentally nudge them. Otherwise, scalding may occur. Likewise, you shouldn’t touch the bulbs for at least one hour after turning them off because they tend to retain their heat.

Also used to heat terrariums and chick houses, these 110V E27 socket lamps are both crack resistant and waterproof, which means they can withstand harsh winds, heavy rains, and sudden drops in temperature.

What’s more, the infrared heat emitted by their Ni-Cr Alloy resistance wires is therapeutic in nature. While more research needs to be done, initial studies indicate that infrared heat can improve circulation. For dogs—especially seniors—that means less joint paint, stronger muscles, and better oxygen absorption.

Ease of Installation

Installing infrared heat emitters can be a bit of a hassle if the doghouse isn’t already outfitted with E27 sockets. Once you’ve had a licensed electrician add one or more sockets, however, installation is as easy as screwing in a lightbulb—literally!

Comfort Control

These devices don’t come with any way to control the amount of heat emitted; however, you can purchase an adaptable control switch that will toggle the socket on and off based on the temperature setting.

Pros

  • Economical
  • Can withstand even severe weather conditions
  • Can be used to heat doghouses of virtually any size; larger spaces simply call for more bulbs
  • Emits infrared heat, which has health benefits

Cons

  • Poses the risk of scalding if they’re not mounted securely out of reach
  • Requires the installation of E27 sockets in the doghouse before they can be used

4. Best Premium Doghouse Heater: ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace

ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: This dog “palace” lives up to its name. An easy, all-in-one solution for pet owners who don’t want the hassle of installing heating elements in an existing structure, it’s well worth the money.

Quick Facts

  • Type: Doghouse
  • Power Supply: Chew-proof power cord wrapped in a steel coil
  • Heating Capacity: 40 W
  • Cycle: Continuous

The ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace is certainly fit for a king or queen. The heated floor gets the doghouse up to temp, and the insulated panels keep it there, no matter what the weather may be doing outside.

With a nod to both form and function, the exterior is reminiscent of a cute little barn, while the interior has practical features that make maintenance a breeze. For example, the heater is removable so you can hose down the entire structure without risk of electric shock. Then, simply let the water flow down the sloped floor and out the drain hole.

Comprised of six panels, each with at least 2” of recycled Styro/EPS foam insulation, the palace can maintain a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 40-degree weather using just 40 watts. The door is also insulated and closes on its own to keep heat from escaping; however, it still allows dogs to enter and exit with ease.

If we could change anything about this palace, we’d ask for additional sizes. The only available option is roughly 4 feet high, 3.5 feet long, and 2.5 feet wide. While that’s plenty of room for small to medium-sized dogs, larger breeds may feel cramped.

If, on the other hand, you think this might be overkill for your small dog, you should consider this smaller heated doghouse.

Ease of Installation

Putting together this doghouse doesn’t demand a lot of tools or skill. Simply use the eight screws (included) to connect the six panels. The door comes already assembled to the front panel.

Comfort Control

The heated floor does not provide a way to adjust the temperature; however, the doghouse is so well insulated that users are instructed to keep it unplugged unless the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Only then is it necessary to turn on the heating element.

Pros

  • The insulated panels also serve to keep your dog cool in the summer
  • An all-inclusive solution with easy installation
  • Comprised of durable materials that are easy to keep clean
  • Self-closing doors prevent heat loss

Cons

  • Cannot accommodate larger dogs
  • Depending on the seller, you may have to buy the floor heater separately

5. Most Stylish Doghouse Heater: De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater

De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Sleek and compact, this versatile heater can be mounted wherever your dog spends most of his time during the colder months.

Quick Facts

  • Type: Standalone
  • Power Supply: 2-prong ungrounded cord
  • Heating Capacity: 300 square feet
  • Cycle: Thermostat

The De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater is as aesthetically pleasing as it is powerful. With two heat settings and an adjustable thermostat, you can tailor its operation to your pup’s preference. For added peace of mind, the safety thermal cutoff will keep the unit—and your furry friend—from overheating. It also has an anti-freeze setting, so it will always kick on no matter how low the temperature dips.

Thanks to its unique, fan-less design, the De’Longhi panel heater produces multidirectional warmth without making any noise. That means even if it kicks on in the middle of the night, it won’t disturb your dog.

If you’ve been looking for a way to heat a relatively small doghouse without overcrowding it, this panel is the answer. Because of its slim design, it fits easily in even the tightest spaces. You may like it so much, in fact, that you purchase another unit for use in your bathroom, bedroom, or office—and you may notice a drop in your utility bills if you do. Satisfied customers have found the unit is so efficient that their heating system doesn’t have to work nearly as hard whenever it’s in use.

Since it’s so powerful, you can even place it outside of your doghouse—and, as an added bonus, this will make the unit even less likely to harm your pup.

Ease of Installation

The De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater is incredibly versatile. Thanks to its internal tip-over switch, you can simply pop on its removable feet and place it on the floor without fear of fire. Otherwise, use the provided hardware to mount it to the wall.

Comfort Control

Use the high setting (1,500 W) in frigid temperatures and the low setting (750 W) on milder days. Unfortunately, there is no setting in between, and the settings can’t be calibrated.

Pros

  • Sleek and compact, this panel can be installed virtually anywhere
  • Has enough capacity to heat even the largest doghouses
  • Comes with removable feet and a wall mount kit for total versatility
  • Equipped with an anti-freeze setting and an automatic thermal cutoff for optimal safety

Cons

  • Short power cord
  • Can’t calibrate thermostat
  • No medium setting

6. Most Weatherproof Doghouse Heater: PATIOBOSS Indoor/Outdoor Infrared Heater

PATIOBOSS Indoor/Outdoor Infrared Heater


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: If the temperature drops suddenly, your dogs will appreciate this infrared heated, which can produce warmth in a matter of seconds.

Quick Facts

  • Type: Standalone wall-mounted
  • Power Supply: Standard power cord
  • Heating Capacity: 1,500 W, up to 400 square feet
  • Cycle: Continuous with timer

The PATIOBOSS patio heater produces an incredible amount of warmth for its size and weight. At just over 5 pounds, it can easily keep a 400-square-foot space comfortable for all occupants. It’s so effective, in fact, that you could use it to warm your pet’s outdoor playpen, even if it lacks adequate insulation—or any walls at all!

Using up to 40% less power than traditional heaters, this device can be turned on with the touch of a button. It also comes with a handy remote, so you don’t actually have to climb into the doghouse to adjust its settings. What’s more, it has a timer function with an automatic shutoff option after up to 24 hours.

When it comes to durability, the PATIOBOSS patio heater can’t be beat. Meeting CE and ETL certifications, this unit is both dust-resistant and waterproof, and its IP34 rating means it can withstand spray from any direction. Equipped with a carbon fire tube, the heater has a lifetime of about 5,500 hours, and it doesn’t radiate any fumes, odors, or chemicals while in use.

Since the actual unit can get hot to the touch, though, you have to be sure to install it well out of reach of your dogs. Since it’s so powerful, you can even place the heater safely outside of the doghouse, heating both the interior and a small area outside.

Ease of Installation

Partial assembly is required, but all hardware, including the screws needed for mounting, is included.

Comfort Control

Has three settings—low, medium, and high—and a timer function, but no calibrated thermometer.

Pros

  • Produces heat instantaneously
  • Highly efficient
  • Comes with a responsive remote to make adjustments at the touch of a button
  • Safe for use even when it’s raining out

Cons

  • The power cord is not chew-proof, so you’ll have to purchase a separate protective sleeve and wrap the cord before installing it
  • There is no fan component to distribute the heat evenly

7. Best Doghouse Heater for Small Breeds: K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House

K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Designed for outdoor cats, this heated kitty house can also keep small dogs cozy in even the lowest temperatures, thereby providing an affordable alternative to the Insulated Dog Palace for those with toy breeds.

Quick Facts

  • Type: Doghouse
  • Power Supply: 5.5-foot power cord
  • Heating Capacity: 20 W, enough to keep the 16.5” x 13” x 16” house warm
  • Cycle: Weight-activated, continuous

With the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Kitty House, you can provide a cozy place for your feline friends to relax, too. Also suitable for dogs under about 15 pounds, this shelter can withstand harsh winds, heavy rains, and frigid temperatures.

This adorable house has removable door flaps to allow for easy entry and exit. Placed strategically across from each other, the two entry/exit points ensure your pets are never trapped by predators. Covered with 600 denier nylon and a vinyl backing, the shelter can effectively keep out snow, rain, and cold drafts.

As for the heating element, it’s encased in a removable cover that’s machine washable. Tested and certified by MET Labs, the bed exceeds USA/CA electrical safety standards, so your furry friends can snuggle up all day long without giving you fear of electrocution or fire.

While the device will meet most of your needs as a pet parent, it could do with a few upgrades. For example, the power cord should be encased in a cat-proof cover. Additionally, the entire structure is fairly lightweight, which means unless it’s occupied or anchored down, it may blow away in severe weather.

Ease of Installation

This all-in-one unit is comprised of a small shelter with removable door flaps and a heated bed. Once assembled, simply plug in the heating pad, which is thermostatically controlled. No additional tools or hardware needed.

Comfort Control

There are no controls for adjusting the temperature. If the pad detects weight, it will remain at 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros

  • An all-in-one solution for pet owners with toy breeds or outdoor cats
  • Responsive heating pad only runs when it detects the weight of the animal
  • Two exit points so occupants are never trapped by predators
  • Easy to assemble and transport because of its small size

Cons

  • The cord is not chew-proof
  • The house cannot accommodate cats or dogs larger than about 15 pounds

8. Best Space Heater for a Doghouse: Vornado MVH Vortex Heater

Vornado MVH Vortex Heater


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: This budget-friendly heater uses vortex technology to circulate warm air throughout the entirety of an enclosed space, so every nook and cranny ends up nice and cozy.

Quick Facts

  • Type: Standalone
  • Power Supply: 6-foot, 3-prong grounded power cord
  • Heating Capacity: 1,500 W, up to 300 square feet
  • Cycle: Thermostat with auto-shutoff

Vornado’s Vortex Heater packs a lot of power into a little device. Its unique vortex technology can heat a sizable room evenly from wall to wall. That means your pup won’t overheat if he lies right in front of it, nor will he get chilly if he lies at the other end of the doghouse. Inspired by forced-air furnace systems, this device works in a similar manner, albeit on a smaller scale.

Because safety is a priority, the vortex’s exterior will remain cool to the touch, no matter how long it runs. As such, your pets aren’t at risk of getting scalded even if they accidentally nudge it. And if they happen to tip it over, the unit will automatically turn off until it’s placed upright again, thereby reducing the risk of fire.

Designed to meet U.S. voltage requirements, the Vortex Heater is one of the safest ways to keep a doghouse nice and toasty during the winter months. A vented shield covers the fan so even the most curious dogs won’t hurt themselves if they sniff around the unit. The power cord is not chew-proof, however, and should be reinforced prior to installation. Additionally, the device needs adequate ventilation to operate properly, so it cannot be mounted flush against the wall.

Alternatively, this powerful heater could be placed just outside of your doghouse, enabling it to safely heat its interior while also warming a little bit of outdoor space.

WARNING: The power cord is not chew-proof. It must be wrapped in a protective casing before being used in or around a dog house.

Ease of Installation

This is one of the easiest doghouse heaters to install. As long as you can feed the cord through one of the walls of the structure, no additional tools are required. Simply plug it in and turn it on.

Comfort Control

With three heat options—750W, 1125W, and 1500W—you have considerable control over the device’s output. Equipped with an internal thermostat that has seven settings, the device will turn on and off as needed to maintain the set temperature.

Pros

  • Cool to the touch
  • Provides even heating from wall to wall
  • Has automatic shutoff features to reduce the risk of fire
  • Offers three different settings for total versatility

Cons

  • The power cord is not chew-proof
  • Needs ventilation

Complete Guide to Doghouse Heaters

Determining how best to heat a doghouse can be daunting. After all, your best friend’s health and safety are at stake. In addition to preventing life-threatening conditions like hypothermia, you need a device that won’t cause electrocution or ignite in flames, no matter how rambunctious your pup might be. As such, it’s important to do your research before purchasing any kind of heating component.

Once you’re well-versed in the ins and outs of doghouse heaters, you can install the right unit for your needs with total peace of mind. For help getting started, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this essential pet appliance.
pug in doghouse

Do I Need a Heated Dog House?

If your dog spends any amount of time outdoors in the winter, chances are a heated dog house would increase their quality of life. Generally, dogs start to feel cold at about 50 degrees farenheit. In this weather, they’ll appreciate a heated dog house—but at any temperature below that, a heated living space becomes a necessity. Temperatures below freezing will cause most dogs to seek shelter and can be dangerous in a few hours, while anything below around 20 degrees could harm your dog in just a few minutes.

What Are the Signs of Hypothermia in Dogs?

Even after installing a heating element in the doghouse, it’s important to monitor your best friend closely for any signs of distress. If your dog’s health is compromised—or the heating element malfunctions—hypothermia could strike. Since prompt intervention is essential for combatting hypothermia and ensuring a full recovery, all pet owners should familiarize themselves with the warning signs of hypothermia.

The earliest and most telling sign of a dangerous drop in body temperature is violent shivering or shaking. You may also notice pale skin on the belly or underneath the fur. Listlessness and lethargy will develop as body temperature drops further.

If you think your dog has hypothermia, bring him or her inside immediately, and place a heating pad or hot water bottle against his or her abdomen. Just make sure to wrap it in a towel first to avoid scalding the delicate skin.

While your dog warms up, put some towels or blankets in the dryer. After about 10 minutes, take them out, and remove the heating pad or hot water bottle. Wrap your dog in the towels or blankets, and then check his or her temperature. If it’s below 98 degrees, head to the vet right away.

If it’s at least 99 degrees, keep your dog warm, and check his or her temperature every 10 minutes. You can remove the blankets once the body temperature reaches 100 degrees, but continue monitoring your dog closely for any signs of distress, and keep checking the temperature every 10 minutes to confirm it’s still rising. A dog’s normal body temperature is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are Doghouse Heaters Safe?

Doghouse heaters are perfectly safe. As long as you install a unit that was designed specifically for outdoor use, your furry friend shouldn’t be at risk of getting hurt. Just make sure the device is well out of reach if it’s hot to the touch, like the Infrared Heat Emitter.

Likewise, make sure any power cords that will be accessible after installation are 100% chew-proof. From the Akoma Hound Heater to the K&H Heated Dog Bed, all the best doghouse heaters have steel-encased cords to keep ambitious chewers from getting electrocuted.

If an unanticipated cold snap occurs, you may be inclined to heat the doghouse using items from around the house until you can order something more appropriate. Whatever you do, though, don’t improvise by using appliances like space heaters without auto-off technology, electric blankets, or heating pads. These kinds of devices were not made to withstand the demands of heating a doghouse, and they should never be left unattended.

Even when used indoors as instructed, malfunctioning space heaters are responsible for more than 25,000 house fires annually. An additional 500 house fires are caused by electric blankets and heating pads every year.

If you do use a heater that wasn’t made specifically for dog houses, make sure that it doesn’t get hot to the touch, includes an auto-off tip-protection sensor, and wrap the cord in a chew-proof protector before use.

Many powerful doghouse heaters can also be placed outside of the doghouse, further reducing the chances of any mishaps.

How Do You Maximize the Efficiency of a Doghouse Heater?

The products reviewed here are highly effective at keeping dogs warm in outdoor shelters in cold environments. To get the most out of the unit you end up installing, though, it’s wise to take additional steps to maximize efficiency and heat retention. For example, if you’ll be installing an overhead heater, start by lining the floor of the doghouse with hay.

Straw is an inexpensive and widely available material that retains heat while combatting moisture. Just make sure to change it often for optimal cleanliness and effectiveness. As hay absorbs moisture, it becomes less effective at retaining heat. Keep in mind that this approach is not recommended if you’ll be using a floor heater or heated bed, as the close contact with the dry hay could pose a fire hazard.

Insulating the walls, windows, and doors of the doghouse will also increase the efficiency of any heating devices you install. Just make sure the insulation is out of reach because your dogs may be inclined to chew on it. For example, if you want to line the walls with foam, add a second wall over the foam layer to serve as a kind of protective barrier. Vinyl sheets or plywood panels are generally preferred as they’re durable, affordable, and easy to install.

No matter what precautions you take, a heater can only be as efficient as its design allows, so in addition to following the above advice it might be wise to choose an exceptionally-efficient heater like the BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter.

How Can I Heat a Doghouse Without Electricity?

If using electricity to heat your doghouse is not an option, there are a number of alternatives worth considering. Naturally, the best approach will depend on your dog’s needs, the configuration of the structure, and your total budget. Some of the most viable strategies include:

  • Sealing doors, patching holes, and weather-stripping windows
  • Spreading pine or cedar shavings across the floor before laying down thick bedding
  • Elevating the floor so it won’t be in direct contact with the frozen ground;
  • Placing the structure in direct sunlight and orienting the largest sides toward the sun so they can absorb as much heat as possible during the daytime
  • Painting the doghouse a dark color, like black or blue
  • Piping in warm air from your own home through dryer ducts
  • Installing solar panels on the roof to power adaptable heating units without having to funnel electricity from your home

Many of these ideas can be done in conjunction with the products on this list—but be careful not to introduce any flammable materials line wood shavings if you’re combining strategies.

Don’t Leave Your Best Friend in the Cold

Just because your dogs have a thick coat of fur doesn’t mean they can withstand low temperatures for extended periods of time. If you live in a climate where it gets chilly, purchasing a doghouse heater will be a sound investment in your pup’s health, wellness, and continued comfort—not to mention your own peace of mind.

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