About Heaters for Dog Houses

Types

• Dog house heaters come in a variety of types. One is a boxy or rounded unit that heats the air with a special light bulb or heated coils. These units usually sit on the floor or can be mounted on the wall.
  Another type is a heated pad or bed, similar to an electric blanket for people. These can be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall of the dog house.

Features

• Dog house heating devices are run on electricity. This means an outdoor, secure outlet is needed to run them.
  Some of the heaters come with automatic thermostat adjusters, which will heat up or cool down depending on the outdoor temperature. Automatic adjusters are also available to attach to those devices that do not include them.
  Some heaters are safe for the dog to actually lie against, while others must be placed away from direct contact with the animal.
  The most advanced heaters also double as air-conditioning units so the pooch can be equally comfortable in the sweltering summer months. Of course, the more features that come with the unit, the more expensive the unit will be.

Misconceptions

• Dog house heaters are not only for the rich. Nor are they for those who completely spoil their pets. They are necessity to keep pets comfortable--and alive. Basic dog house heaters start as low as $50.
  No one should ever just plop an electric blanket or home portable heater into the dog house. That is asking for trouble. A home heater needs at least 3 feet of space surrounding it to be safe. Unless a dog lives in a mansion, that fact alone deems it unsafe for pet havens. Regular heaters, too, are a fire hazard if they are knocked over, cannot be leaned against and will not work mounted to a dog house wall.

Benefits

• The biggest benefit from a dog house heater is peace of mind. Those who invest in one will never experience a sleepless night under their own cozy covers wondering if the dog is freezing to death outside. Dogs don't have to upset their normal outdoor routine, either, when they aren't forced to spend the night inside the boring people house.
  Laundry costs will also be cut as folks will no longer need to pile tons of blankets in the dog house only to wash that tonnage later. A pet, especially one as loyal and loving as a dog, deserves constant comfort.

Warning

• As with any electrical device, a secure electric connection is imperative with dog house heaters. Fires can start if the cords are frayed, are not used with the proper outlet or get chewed up. This can also electrocute the pet.
  Extension cords always add an extra element of danger.
  Scalding or overheating the pet is another danger. If the heating device does not have an automatic temperature control, the dog house should be checked daily to see if it's too hot in there.
  If using a heating pad, the dog should have floor space in the house that is not covered by it. This way he can choose to use it or leave it alone if he doesn't need it.