Step 1: Clean It Out
The first step for winterizing your dog house is to give it a thorough cleaning. If possible, take the dog house apart to make it easier to clean inside. Start by spraying the interior and exterior with a garden hose. Then, sprinkle baking soda on the damp surfaces and scrub with a new toilet brush. To ensure you get those pesky corners and crevices, use a toothbrush as well. Baking soda is a nice alternative to commercial cleaners, and can help eliminate odors and dirt without posing a serious health risk to your pooch.
Next, mix a solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. White vinegar is excellent for killing bacteria and mold, as well as repelling fleas and ticks that may be living in your dog’s abode. The white vinegar solution can also prevent fleas and ticks from entering the dogs home during the winter months. Finally, spray the house down with a hose and allow it to dry fully before putting it back together.
A dog’s bedding can be particularly prone to fleas and ticks that look for warmth as the temperatures drop. You should remove all bedding and either replace it or do a thorough cleaning to get rid of the pests. A cup of distilled white vinegar in the washing machine should do the trick!
Step 2: Make sure that is the size of the outdoor dog kennel is appropriate to get insulated by the body heat of your dog:
An insulated outdoor dog kennel must not be more than three times the size of your pet dog. Of course, you will have to change it when your little puppy starts growing up. This size is enough to insulate the entire outdoor dog kennel with your dogs body heat, and it will also allow him to stand up comfortably and turn around when he wants.
You must ask your friend or partner to help you measure your outdoor dog kennel. You must take a measuring tape and hold it horizontally at the door of your outdoor dog kennel. Take a pen and paper and write down this measurement.
Now hold the measuring tape vertically from the top to the bottom of the door of your outdoor dog kennel, write down this measurement on the paper. Now you must get a rubber bathtub mat. And mark the height and width of the door of your outdoor dog kennel on it.
Cut along with these markings. A good quality utility knife will help you cut it within a couple of minutes. Now you must get your hammer and nails.
It would be best if you hung the rubber bathtub mat outside the door of your outdoor dog kennel. You must make sure that there are no holes or openings in this rubber bathtub mat. Now use your hammer to nail the rubber bathtub mat. One nail on each side on the top of the door of your outdoor dog kennel with a nail 4 inches apart between them is enough.
This is the best method to keep out the rain and the strong winds and to prevent the heat from escaping your outdoor dog kennel. If your dog is used to the doors, then it will like and adapt to this method very easily. Otherwise, some practice will help it.
How to keep a dog house warm in winter
According to the American Kennel Club, a dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your dog’s temperature falls below 99 degrees, you should take your pooch to the vet right away.
Therefore, maintaining a warm dog house in the winter is paramount to your dog’s health. Thankfully, it’s easy to do. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your dog stays nice and toasty when the weather outside turns frightful.
Step 1: Make sure your dog’s house is in good condition.
Even the smallest fracture in the walls can let in the cool winter air and prevent heat retention. Seal off any cracks, and consider installing a dog door to block the wind. It’s an easy, affordable fix that can raise the temperature of his house by a few degrees.
Step 2: Insulate your dog’s house.
Insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but make sure your dog can’t chew on it. If his home has hollow walls, you can place the insulation inside. If not, covering up the insulation with panels will keep your furry friend from munching on it.
Step 3: Elevate your dog’s home.
This is only an effective solution when the ground is colder than the air. If the ground in your area stays warmer, leaving the dog house flush against the soil will add warmth. But if the earth turns icy cold as soon as temperatures drop, elevating your dog’s house can help it retain heat.
Step 4: Invest in comfortable, warm bedding.
Cedar chips help to repel fleas and other creepy-crawlies, so lining the floor of your dog’s house with wood is an excellent first step. Once you have a solid, insect-repellant base, you can add blankets, towels, and a cozy dog bed to create a warm and inviting environment for your pup.
Step 5: Fill up excess space.
Smaller spaces retain more heat, and while roomy dog houses are fantastic at keeping your dog cool during the summer months, all that extra space can sap the warmth right out of the air during the winter. Filling your dog’s house with spare blankets, old towels, or throw pillows is a great way to reduce open space, which helps cut down on heat loss when the temperature drops.