Are dog igloos insulated? Expert Advice

Igloo Vs Wood Dog House Comparison

Features

Igloo Dog house

Wooden Dog House

Are dog igloos insulated?

Are dog igloos insulated?

Features

Features

  • Allows for great ventilation
  • Weather-proof
  • Easy to build
  • Low-Maintenance
  • Cheaper doghouse option
  • Easily modified
  • Exceptionally durable
  • Usually pretty large
  • Are dog igloos insulated?

    An igloo dog house isn’t made of snow, as you might have initially thought! Igloo dog houses are actually made of plastic or styrofoam. Their primary purpose is insulation, so the materials & shape work towards the goal of keeping the internal temperature completely stable.

    Igloo dog houses have a dome-like shape which prevents snow & rain built up.

    They typically have a bent tunnel entrance. So, the dog must enter and turn to the right by a bit to enter the main living space. This is so that strong winds don’t enter & chill the interior of the shelter.

    If an igloo is made of plastic, it is usually double-walled. This adds an extra layer of insulation because the air that is trapped within the 2 plastic layers acts to normalize the interior temperature.

    Similarly, styrofoam is also a great insulator because the tiny air bubbles trapped in the foam act the same way.

    Here are some of the best features of an igloo dog house.

    Ventilation: Igloo dog houses typically have a roof vent. This allows for some great ventilation, which is necessary for the summer. In the hot summer months, the warm air inside the igloo can get very stuffy and may cause your dog to overheat.

    Insulation: With an igloo, you don’t have to worry about how to insulate your dog house. Thanks to its unique, weather-proof, dome-shaped design, snow won’t rest on the dog house & make the insides cold. Also, since the main body is typically built with insulating styrofoam or double-walled plastic, the interiors will naturally be kept cold.

    Easy installation: Dog igloos are super easy to build. Sometimes, they come pre-assembled. Or, all you need to do is snap the roof right onto the floor! It should take less than a minute. Thus, a dog igloo is great if you’re running low on time & can’t deal with building up your dog house yourself.

    Low-Maintenance: For a plastic igloo dog house, you never need to worry about buying the right cleaners. Unlike wood, it is usually safe to use any sort of cleaner on plastic. This makes regular clean-up so much easier.

    You also don’t have to change the design of an Igloo dog house throughout the year. For example, you don’t have to paint an Igloo white during the summer to reflect heat; it does a good enough job insulating by itself!

    How much you can expect to spend on an igloo dog house

    An igloo dog house for outdoor use costs $100-$200, while an igloo dog bed for indoor use costs $20-$30.

    What Are the Benefits of Igloo Dog Houses?

    Sturdy structure, protection, and warmth are the main benefits of the igloo dog house. Here is a closer look at them:

  • Structural Strength. The strength of the igloo is well known, and an igloo dog house is one of the strongest dog house designs on the market, with some being able to withstand over 1,000 pounds on top.
  • Protection. Many igloo-style dog houses have an offset door that provides protection from the wind and rain by giving the dog a space to lay down that isn’t directly in front of the door. The strength of the structure also protects against falling objects such as branches or hail.
  • Warmth. By providing the dog a place to get out of the wind, you are providing them a place to keep warm. However, it is recommended you insulate the dog house if your dog is outside for long periods at a time.
  • How Cold Does It Get in a Dog House? Dr. Ernie Ward