How to Make Your Dog's Doghouse Comfy

Think of your dog̵7;s house as you would your own. Your dog sleeps and relaxes in his house. An uncomfortable doghouse would be like you living or sleeping in a room that did not feel comfortable to you. Before you let your dog make a doghouse his home, help him out and make it as comfortable as possible in cooler months, as well as warmer months.

  1. Proper House Size

    • Get a doghouse that is large enough for your dog. Dogs need space to sprawl out and get comfortable. If you have a puppy, find out how big he will grow and get a doghouse that can house the puppy properly while he grows. Once the puppy reaches his full size, get a new doghouse if the old one is too small. Ensure that the doghouse has a large opening so the dog can easily walk in and out of the house. Smaller holes on the side or roof of the house provide adequate ventilation while the dog sleeps. The doghouse also needs a floor. The floor helps keep the dog off the ground during cooler months and inclement weather.

    Bedding

    • Place comfortable bedding and pillows in the doghouse. Old comforters or your dog̵7;s favorite pillow help him feel comfortable in his house. During cooler months, provide more blankets so your dog does not get cold. When warmer months arrive, remove blankets as needed so he does not overheat. Another option is to get a heated doghouse for areas that get extremely cold during cooler months or at night.

    Toys

    • Put a few toys in the doghouse. If this is a new doghouse, your main goal is to make the house as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Placing your dog̵7;s favorite toys in the house helps him understand that the doghouse is a safe place. Even if your dog has used the house for awhile, keeping your dog̵7;s toys in the house gives him something to do during down time.

    Proper Insulation

    • If you build your dog̵7;s house yourself, you must have it properly insulated. Without proper insulation, your dog can get too cold during cooler months. When you buy a doghouse, look for houses that are properly insulated. Solid cedar wood houses and thick plastic houses provide plenty of insulation for your dog.

    Materials and Cleaning

    • Always use untreated wood or materials that do not irritate your dog. Just like humans, certain materials can irritate a pet. If you notice your dog getting rashes or skin irritations and you have a new doghouse, remove your dog from the doghouse and see if the irritations go away. Keep the doghouse clean. Once a week, clean the doghouse with warm soap and water. Let it dry fully before putting blankets and pillows back inside.