Keeping Your Dog's Kennel
Cosy During Winter

As pet owners, we all want to ensure that our furry friends stay warm, cosy, and comfortable during the colder months. While installing a heater in your dog’s house might seem like an obvious solution, the cost and safety concerns often make this option less appealing. But don’t worry — there are plenty of other ways to keep your dog’s house warm without resorting to electricity.

Maintaining a warm environment for your dog is crucial for their health. Here are several effective and safe methods to ensure your dog stays warm and comfortable when the weather turns chilly.

Inspect your dog’s house

The first step is to check the state of your dog’s house. Even the smallest cracks can let in cold air and reduce heat retention. Seal any gaps with caulk and consider adding a dog door to keep out the wind. This simple, inexpensive adjustment can raise the temperature inside the dog house by a few degrees.

Add insulation

Proper insulation is key to keeping your dog’s house warm. Use materials that are safe and non-chewable. If the walls are hollow, you can place insulation inside them. Otherwise, cover the insulation with panels to prevent your dog from chewing on it.

Invest in cosy bedding

Start by lining the floor with cedar chips, which help repel fleas and other pests. Then, add blankets, towels, and a comfortable dog bed. This layered approach provides warmth and comfort, ensuring your dog stays snug throughout the winter.

Elevate the kennel

If the ground in your area is colder than the air, elevating the dog house can help retain heat. However, if the earth stays warmer, keeping the house flush with the ground may provide additional warmth. Assess your local conditions to decide which option is best.

Reduce extra space

Large dog houses are great for summer but can be a drawback in winter. Extra space can lead to heat loss, so reduce the open area by filling it with blankets, old towels, or throw cushions. Smaller spaces retain heat better, keeping your dog warmer.

Maximize sunlight exposure

Position your dog’s house in a sunny spot in your yard. Ensuring the largest side of the house faces the sun will help it absorb the most heat, even on cold days.

Move the dog house closer to your home

Placing the dog house next to an outer wall of your home can help block the wind and share some of your home’s warmth. This proximity means you won’t need to run power outside, providing a safer and more energy-efficient solution.

Use black paint

Dark colours absorb more heat than light colours. Painting your dog’s house in a dark colour, like black, can increase the internal temperature by a few degrees. This simple change can make a significant difference in keeping your dog’s house warm.

Heating your dog’s house without electricity is simple, affordable, and can be done in just an afternoon. By combining these techniques, you can ensure your dog stays warm and comfortable all winter long. Remember to monitor the temperature inside the dog house to keep it from getting too warm. With these tips, your furry friend will enjoy a cosy and safe haven throughout the cold months.