Houses that Will Keep Your Dog Cool

During extreme temperatures, dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors need a place where they can go and be safe from the heat or the cold. With summer coming up, if your dog needs a new house (or a house, period), it's time to start considering a purchase that will keep your dog both cool in the upcoming months, and warm when things start cooling down. Let's examine a few different doghouses so you can decide which one best fits you and your dog.

The Dogloo

This popular doghouse is manufactured by Pet Mate. Because it's made of plastic, it's extremely light and easy for one person to move, clean, and set up. It also has a unique look that many people find appealing, especially if they prefer ultra-modern styles. The domed roof keeps water and snow from accumulating, and a quick hosing-off is all it needs to stay presentable.

The latest models include an adjustable vent on top, which promotes airflow in all kinds of weather. However, there are many different models of Dogloo and it's easy to find one used if you check sites like craigslist and freecycle. I used an older-model Dogloo with one of my dogs for many years, and it always stayed dry and temperature-appropriate.

Pet Zone Cozy Cottage

If you're less into "modern" and more into "cute," this style of doghouse, which is shaped like a traditional wooden house but is made of insulated plastic, might be for you. It looks a little bit like a playhouse - so if that's the aesthetic you want to go for, then it's the perfect choice. Like the Dogloo, it's designed to be insulated in all kinds of weather, and is built to stay dry in rain and snow. However, little nooks and crannies in the design make it a little harder to clean. It might require a scrub brush every now and then.

Ware Ultimate A-Frame Dog House

If wood is more your style, look into something like this. For about the same price as a plastic model, this waterproofed doghouse has a nice hardwood look and is raised off of the ground to better control temperature inside. It has a classic design that will look fantastic in any yard. It will need a more careful cleaning than plastic houses, since it's not typically a good idea to soak a wooden doghouse and leave it to air-dry.

Generally speaking, wooden doghouses are just as good as the plastic versions, if not better, at staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However, they can be a little more time-consuming to clean, and might be more attractive chewing targets for mouthy dogs - and the resulting splinters can be dangerous. However, there's a reason wood is still a very popular material for doghouses. It looks great, and it will last for years.

Ware Economy Dog House

These kennel-style doghouses have a flat, slightly sloped roof that is usually removable. Unlike the more deluxe A-frame version, this kennel is not designed for optimal water resistance, so if you live in a wet area you will need to cover it with something to keep the water out. It's made out of hardy plywood, and if aesthetics are not a priority, then this house makes perfect sense.

DIY Doghouse

If you've got the woodworking skills and the time to make your own doghouse, it can end up being cheaper than investing in a ready-made wooden house. Not to mention the fact that you can make it exactly to your specifications, right down to the paint color. With the use of basic tools like a table saw, radial saw, power hand saw, jig saw, router, drill, and 1/4 sheet sander, plus the plans linked to above, you can easily create your own doghouse in a few weekends.

General Tips

Wood and plastic both have their pros and cons, but avoid metal. Yes, there is such a thing as a metal doghouse! They're uncommon, and for a good reason: metal doghouses don't do a great job of holding in heat during cold weather or keeping things cool in the summer.

If you're buying a doghouse, it makes sense to invest in quality. $100+ might seem like a lot to spend, but do you really want to replace your doghouse every year because it can't stand up to the elements? Your dog and your wallet will thank you in the long run.

The best way to keep the inside of a doghouse clean and insulated is to line it with wood shavings. They're easy to change regularly, and they allow dogs to "burrow" like they love to do. They're better than a blanket or pad because they absorb odors, can't be shredded up, and are easily replaceable. You can always add extra during cold weather so your dog can stay nice and toasty.

Sources

"Types of Doghouses." All About Doghouses.