While the idea of an igloo-shaped doghouse might seem bizarre, its actually ideal for keeping your furry friend warm during winter. Igloos are designed to trap heat while providing plenty of space for your pup to move around. Make your dog even more comfortable by warming his igloo this winter.
Place the igloo in a location that shelters it from wind and protects it from flooding. If your ground tends to freeze during the winter, consider raising the igloo a few inches off the ground by placing it on top of concrete blocks.
Turn the igloo so that the opening faces whichever direction will encourage warming during the daylight hours. This is usually east or south. If your yard gets windy, face the opening toward a wall, fence or garage to prevent wind from blowing inside the igloo.
Insulate the igloo with hay or straw. These items provide your dog with a soft place to sleep while helping keep warmth in and cold out. The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, recommends against using rugs and blankets, as these items can become damp and worsen cold. If your dog wants a blanket, choose a lightweight one, place it on top of the hay and check it frequently for dampness.
Install a doggy door on your igloo if it does not already have one. Doggy doors allow your pup to move in and out at will, but they help stabilize temperatures inside the igloo by keeping most of the cold out. Doggy door kits are available at most pet and home improvement stores.
Purchase a doghouse heater from your local pet store, or use heated pads to increase the temperature inside the igloo. This is especially important after dark when temperatures drop.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
Sandra Ketcham has nearly two decades of experience writing and editing for major websites and magazines. Her work appears in numerous web and print publications, including “The Atlanta Journal-Constitution,” “The Tampa Bay Times,” Visit Florida, “USA Today,” AOLs Gadling and “Kraze Magazine.”
Igloo houses are designed to withstand temperatures far below zero, but during times of severe weather, dogs should be brought inside whenever possible. Small breed dogs, dogs of lean build and older dogs, especially those that are arthritic, are especially susceptible to the bitter, winter cold. Hypothermia can set in quickly, and even the healthiest dogs can succumb to the effects of the brutal cold. Keeping your dog happy, healthy and warm is easy with the proper tools and preparation. Your dog deserves to be protected from whatever Mother Nature has to offer. He is mans best friend, after all.
Igloo dog houses are naturally insulated by the hard foam with which theyre constructed. Raising the dog house onto a pallet or concrete blocks will further insulate the house and keep the cold from seeping in from the ground below. Bedding also provides insulation, and straw is the best choice. Fabric bedding, such as blankets, quilts and towels, should be avoided, especially in snowy terrains. Dogs move in and out of their dog houses, and tracked-in snow can turn a warm blanket into a freezing and soggy mess.
The best form of insulation is your dogs own body heat. Selecting the right size Igloo house for your dog is imperative. His house should be no larger than what is required for him to be able to stand, turn, lie down and sleep comfortably. If you live in an area of extreme cold, consider heating the dog house, or the dogs bed. Dog house heaters and heated dog beds are available online and at pet product retailers.
When the weather turns cold, the best place for your dog is inside with his family. If that isnt an option, its important to take precautions to keep your dog warm and safe during the bitter winter months. Sadly, cold weather claims the lives of many pets whose accommodations are not suitable to fend off the chill of winter.
The word igloo, from the Inuit word “iglu,” meaning “house,” is derived from the Inuit tribe inhabiting the far reaches of northern Canada. The igloo design served the needs of the Inuit by creating a safe shelter from the fierce Canadian winds. Igloo dog houses share in these similarities in that they are designed to keep dogs warm in winter weather. Their rounded dome shape and elongated tunnel entrance allows a dog to stay warm utilizing its own body heat. Igloo houses are made of sturdy foam that helps stave off the brutal cold that may leach into shelters constructed from other materials.
A kandh exclusive, the lectro-kennel igloo-style heated pad is the perfect add-on for every dogloo or indigo house. the half-round shape covers half the floor surface allowing pets to naturally choose when they want warmth. it comes in three sizes and is easy to clean and waterproof. it uses an internal thermostat to keep the temperature at a desirable 102 when the pet lies upon the pad. the unit is constructed of a rugged abs plastic and a steel wrapped cord to ensure your pets safety.
Petmates Indigo Dog House is a sturdy and spacious shelter designed to provide comfort for pets year-round. The insulated dog house features a heavy-duty construction that keeps pets cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The outdoor dog houses extended, offset doorway helps pets inside from wind and rain. To promote air flow, the vented top of the dog igloo circulates fresh air inside. The raised floors are equipped with side moats that are designed to drain off moisture and keep floors dry. A wide range of pets can enjoy the outdoor pet house, available in medium, large, and extra large sizes to accommodate pets weighing 25 to 175 pounds. For added comfort, pet parents can customize the Indigo Dog House with accessories like the Petmate Indigo Door and Petmate Indigo Pad, available for purchase separately. Patented dome design keeps house stable in high winds.
FAQ
How do you insulate an igloo dog house?
Do igloo dog houses keep dogs warm in winter?
How do you insulate a doghouse?
There are low-cost ways to give your pup a comfortable place to rest. Add cedar or pine shavings to the interior of his doghouse and the wood shavings will hold body heat, giving your dog a warm spot.