How to Use a Small Heating Pad in a Dog House

Because dog houses are located outside of the main home they are cold in winter months. These cold temperatures cause many pet owners to worry about their dog's health. Although there are small heating systems that are available to heat dog houses, they are expensive. A viable alternative to keeping your dog warm is to place a small heating pad in the bottom of the dog house. Heating pads are relatively inexpensive and are easily replaced if the dog destroys it.

Things You'll Need

  • Heating pad
  • Dog bed
  • Tape measure
  • PVC pipe
  • Hand saw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the mat inside the dog house so that it lies flat on the floor. Position the mat in the location where the dog usually sleeps inside the dog house.

    • 2

      Lay a blanket or dog bed over the heating pad to protect the pad from damage caused by the dogs nails.

    • 3

      Measure the amount of exposed cord from the end of the mat to the door of the dog house using a measuring tape. Cut a piece of PVC pipe to that measurement using a hand saw. Slide the end of the cord through pipe. This prevents the dog from chewing the wire, as well as accidentally unplugging the heating pad.

    • 4

      Insert the electrical plug from the heating pad into the end of an outdoor extension cord. Run the extension cord to an external electrical outlet and plug it in.

    • 5

      Turn the heating pad on low until the dog adjusts to it. The internal thermostat will maintain the temperature throughout the day.

    • 6

      Watch your dog carefully for two to three days to evaluate how it is adjusting to the heating pad. You may need to move it to another section of the floor if the dog doesn't like the pad in its sleeping spot.