Once the weather changes, you may wonder what temperature is safe for your dog. If they spend a lot of time outdoors – and no amount of coaxing can get them to come in – you must know how to keep them safe in all types of weather. Whether it's hot, cold, raining, windy, snowing, or a perfectly sunny day, a heated dog house can protect your dog from all the elements while letting them enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. The walls provide a dog palace for your pet – even if they're just in the backyard. The insulation keeps the inside at the optimal temperature all year. Generally speaking, most dogs will be okay when left outside for extended periods if the temperature is at least 46 degrees F. If it's the summer, it should be no more than 80 degrees. In all temperatures, ensure your dogs have access to plenty of clean water and shade. Otherwise, your dog could be at risk of developing severe medical conditions, including hypothermia or heat stroke. Both can be scary for you and your dog and bring costly vet bills, so it may be worth investing in a heated dog house to nip these issues in the bud. If you don't know where to start, that's okay! We'll share the best of the best so you can get your furry friend the heated dog house of their dreams.
Why Do I Need a Heated Dog House?
Many dogs love to be outdoors and refuse to come in no matter how much you try to coax them! If that sounds like your pup, you can make sure they have a safe space to retreat to if it gets too hot or cold for them. These are much more than kennels. Heated dog houses often feature insulated walls and roofs for maximum protection. At the same time, the open door adds just the right amount of ventilation to keep the air fresh without letting in a draft. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, if you are going to keep your dog outside during the winter, a heated dog house is a must. "Make sure that they have unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water (by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, heated water bowl). The floor of the shelter should be off of the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground), and the bedding should be thick, dry, and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment." Pay attention to your dog. Even if they want to stay outside, if your dog is shivering, whining, seems weak, or demonstrates other abnormal behaviors, you want to get them inside as soon as possible to prevent hypothermia. Look for similar signs when it's hot out. If they're overheating, your dog could be panting, crying, and lethargic. An insulated dog house is a good start to protecting your dog from the elements, but it's essential to keep a close eye on their behaviors to keep them safe.
The Best Heated Dog House
There are plenty of options on Amazon for the best heated dog house to keep your dog warm outdoors, and here are our top two. They are both $179.99 and have similar styles and features. It's a toss-up between which is best. Both manufacturers are well-respected, with decades of experience catering to your pets. Here's the download on both to help you make your decision.
Aivituvin Heated Dog House
The Aivituvin Heated Dog House is 100 percent natural fir wood, Styrofoam, and plywood, insulated to perfection to keep your dog at their ideal temperature. This dog house will keep your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer, protecting them from all the elements because the panels are about 200 percent thicker than the average dog kennel. Keep in mind this dog house is well insulated, so it doesn't use any power. Your dog will only feel warmer using it, which is safer and more cost-efficient than a dog house with a heater. It's 44.1 x 26.8 x 29.3 inches, so it should fit most small-to-medium-sized dogs comfortably with room to spare for accessories. Add their favorite bedding and toys, giving them a lovely heated dog house when they're outside – they may not even want to come in after a while! The roof has weather-proof asphalt. It's on hinges, so you can open it from the top and prop it open with the locking arms to easily access your dog without climbing in. The floor is removable for your dog's optimal comfort. These features also make this heated dog house easy to clean when your dog tracks mud and other messes inside.
Photo source: Amazon.com
by Aivituvin
Photo source: Amazon.com
by Aivituvin
GUTINNEEN Heated Dog House
The GUTINNEEN Heated Dog House is moisture-proof and anti-chew and will protect your pets from all the elements when they're in the yard. Dogs love it because it keeps them safe, warm, and cool thanks to the six-sided heat insulation. It locks in the optimal temperature, depending on the season, with plenty of room for them to move around and get comfortable. This dog house is well insulated, so it doesn't use power to keep it heated and cool, which is much safer for your dogs. The roof alone has four layers of insulation, including asphalt, plywood, Styrofoam, and plywood board, while the walls and floors feature thick Styrofoam sandwiched between plywood. Much like other heated dog houses, the GUTINNEEN Heated Dog House offers about 200 percent more insulation than a traditional dog kennel, so your pet will feel safe and protected in their home away from home. The door frame is lined with aluminum to withstand even the toughest chewers, while the adjustable legs help level the heated dog house on all surfaces. Even if your yard is uneven, adjust and set it, so your dog has a flat surface to enjoy that's free from the ground chill. You can even put bones, toys, and bedding inside to keep them comfortable. There's also a removable PVC curtain to provide extra protection from the wind and rain. The inside will stay dry with this curtain on no matter how hard it's raining, though it's important to note that your dog should never be left unattended too long in the yard regardless of the weather. Dog owners love the GUTINNEEN Heated Dog House because it's easy to clean. Prop open the hinged asphalt roof and remove the floor. Give it a good rinse down and pop back into place – your dog's messes will be a thing of the past. Many report that it's easy to assemble – even more so with multiple hands – and they use it for small-to-medium-sized dogs and outdoor cats. They call it a good-quality heated dog house for a great price. The GUTINNEEN Heated Dog House retails for $179.99 and comes in a neutral slate grey color. You can purchase or finance it directly through Amazon, helping make this heated dog house much more affordable.
Photo source: Amazon.com
by GUTINNEEN
Which is Better: Aivituvin Heated Dog House vs. GUTINNEEN Heated Dog House
A dog owner can't go wrong with either of these heated dog houses! They are nearly identical in price and features, so your dog will feel protected and secure in either dog house. The insulation in both promotes the ideal temperature, while the easy-open roof and removable floors help you keep it – and your dog – clean. They both have leveling feet to help keep the structure straight on terrain, while the removable door flaps keep the inside dry. These structures are basic, so they allow you to customize them based on your dog's needs. Both are big enough for small-to-medium breed dogs and outdoor cats. You can add water, toys, a pet bed, and more to keep them comfortable when in use. These heated dog houses are similarly rated by customers, with the GUTINNEEN ranking slightly above for its ease of assembly. Otherwise, it just depends on your preference! Both can be the best dog house for you and keep your dog warm. Some dogs take to the heated dog house quickly, while you may have to coax others with liberal treats. Be patient with your dog as you teach them the benefits of using their home. Before long, you'll have trouble getting them back inside!
How to Keep Your Dog House Warm in the Winter
A heated dog house will be a game changer if you have a pet who loves to enjoy the outdoors, no matter the conditions. Once it starts getting cooler, you want to make the house as warm and comfortable for your dog as possible, lining it with blankets, toys, and fresh water. Here are some tips on how to make your heated dog house even better for the winter.
1. Make Sure the Walls are Insulated
The Aivituvin Heated Dog House and GUTINNEEN Heated Dog House have insulated walls, which are essential to keeping the chill out. If you want to add more insulation, grab some thick, weather-resistant foam and staple or glue it to your walls. If you have a playful dog, cover it with other wood to prevent chewing. This may add inches to your walls and slightly reduce the interior size. If your dog is already tight, ensure your walls come pre-insulated to maximize the space. Insulation will make all the difference in the cold weather.
2. Raise It Off the Ground
Everything's cold during the winter, especially the ground, and the chill will creep into the floors and walls if your dog house touches it. To prevent this, raise your home off the ground. The Aivituvin Heated Dog House and GUTINNEEN Heated Dog House both have adjustable legs that help boost the floor and level it on uneven surfaces. You can put the house on top of a pallet or concrete blocks to keep it lifted. Your dog will notice a difference when you lift it because there will be less moisture and condensation on the floor. It also promotes circulation and prevents any mess from flooding the house. Don't make it so tall that your dog has difficulty getting in. Even a few inches can make a huge difference.
Photo source: Amazon.com
3. Use Blankets or Kennel Pads
Line the bottom with blankets, rugs, carpets, and other dog bedding to help capture any chill and warm the floor. You can also use heated kennel pads to keep your dog toasty when in the heated dog house. These can be electric powered, and many have automatic shutoffs. However, it can be dangerous when you use a heating pad and expose it to the elements, so make sure it is rated for outdoor use. Safety certifications are necessary if you use power to heat your dog house. There are also self-warming kennel pads and a heated mat that heat to your dog's natural body temperature. Once they leave the heated dog bed, it will cool down again, so your dog can always readjust for their optimal temperature. These items provide extra warmth to prevent your dog from getting too cold, but if they start shivering, it's time to bring them in. Blankets and pads can only do so much if it's a cold temperature.
4. Add Draft Protection
Draft protection and removable doors are other great features that help your dog keep warm. They'll stop strong winds that chill your dog to the bone, helping preserve the temperature inside your heated dog house. Without protection, it will be hard to keep the warm air in thanks to the constant airflow. Your dog may not like how stiff the PVC is to get through, so you may have to experiment to get a door that they feel comfortable entering and exiting.
5. Maximize your Positioning
Where you place your dog house is just as important as the type of dog house you have, so make sure that you position it so the opening faces away from the direction the wind blows. That way, even with draft protection, you can minimize how much the wind is blowing inside your heated dog house. Your ideal positioning may change from season to season, so in the winter, consider placing the house in direct sunlight to absorb the sun's rays or underneath overhangs and other surfaces that can help block the wind. If you're worried about where you've put the heated dog house, place it and test it out. If it's big enough, climb inside and experience the warmth yourself. Observe your dog as they sniff around the house. Adjust the placement and reassess if they're shivering after a gust of wind.
A Word of Caution on Heated Dog Houses
If you live where there's wildlife, you'll want to keep an eye on your dog's safety. Other wild animals may seek shelter in the heated dog house to escape the elements. Your dog may tussle with them, leading to injuries and disease as most wild animals are unvaccinated. As you monitor your dog's time in their heated dog house, keep out other critters that could harm your dog, including coyotes, possums, raccoons, skunks, and more.
Photo source: Amazon.com
The Final Say on Heated Dog Houses
A heated dog house is essential if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, though don't be scared away by the name. Heated dog houses are insulated, promoting the optimal temperature regardless of the season. The asphalt roof absorbs the sun's rays, so the structure won't overheat in the summer. The insulated walls don't just protect from the elements. They help keep your pup warm or cool so they can enjoy it all year. A heated dog house can quickly turn into a heated cat house. Regardless of what kind of pet you have, it ensures they feel protected. Just make sure to provide access to clean water. Even if they are genrally safe, don't leave them unattended too long. Most dogs are indoor creatures now! Aivituvin and GUTINNEEN are among the best heated dog houses, and you can't go wrong with either. Your dog will love having a cozy space of their own in the yard, and you'll feel more comfortable knowing your dog can stay safe from the elements.
