How to Make a Warm Shelter for an Outdoor Dog

Keep your pet warm in the winter with a warm dog house.

When the temperature drops, your outdoor dog may need protection from the harsh temperatures, wind or snow. If you can't keep your dog inside at all times, it is a good idea to build a warm shelter where he can rest. Pet and home improvement stores sell expensive, heated dog houses. If that's not in your budget, you can modify an inexpensive dog shelter to make it warm.

Things You'll Need

• Dog house
• Cushions and blankets
• Infared heat lamp bulb
• Cinder blocks
• Cedar and wood chips

Instructions

1. Purchase a premade dog house at a pet or home improvement store. Look for one that is a dark color, which will absorb the sun's heat during the day. A sturdy wooden dog house will shield your dog from the wind better than a plastic one.

2. Place the dog house on top of cinder blocks in a spot in your backyard that is shielded from the wind. Keeping the dog house off of the ground will let the coldest air flow underneath it. Place the house in a spot in your yard that is not shaded, so it will receive the most sunlight and heat during the day.

3. Add cedar and wood chips to the floor of the dog house. These will radiate heat. Line the dog house with warm blankets and a thick cushion. Many breeds of dogs enjoy burrowing into cushions and blankets for warmth. If you place any hay inside the dog house, remember to constantly check and make sure it is dry to prevent skin rashes.

4. Install an infared heat lamp bulb in the dog house if you live in a snowy climate. It will provide enough warmth for your dog without overheating him or running the risk of electrical problems. Make sure to wrap any cords in PVC pipe so that your dog does not chew through the wire. It can be turned on or off depending on the weather so that it won't get too hot on days that aren't as cold.

Tips & Warnings

• Feed your dog more than normal in the winter. He needs extra calories to keep him warm.

• Pick a dog house that is big enough for your dog to walk into and turn around in, but it should not be too big. Too much extra space will cause lost heat.

• Make sure there are no gaps in the wood in the dog house where air can leak in. Caulk any gaps that you see.

References

• Pet Tails Website: Do You Need to Winterize Your Dog?
• Only Dog Beds Website: Building an Insulated Dog House
• I Love Dogs Website: Keeping Your Dog Warm in the Winter
• All Animal Depot Website: Infared Clear 125W/120V Heat Lamp Bulb Keep Pets Warm
• Vet Info Website: Five Ways to Keep Your Dog Warm in Cold Weather