Our children and our pets are beloved to us, and their well-being is our major priority. With winter approaching soon, it is a good idea to consider the comfort of your pet on cold winter days and frigid winter nights.
Some pet owners believe that dogs, because of their fur, are immune to the cold winter temperatures. This simply is not true. A dog's fur is often not sufficient enough to keep it warm during the winter. Even a dog house with straw or blankets inside may not be enough to keep your pet warm.
Investing in a dog house heater for your pet might be a great solution. A heater operates on standard home electrical current. You may also be able to find a dog house heater that will run on propane or a generator. A licensed electrician can usually install a heater and implement any upgraded electrical systems that might be needed to accommodate your new dog house heater.
Bring a pet indoors is a great idea but not always a practical one, even on the colder winter nights. Some pets are not house trained or simply do not like to be inside. This is when it is most important to give your pet a cozy and comfy outdoor home.
Every dog house needs a bed of straw. At least once a week, remove all old straw and lay a bed of fresh straw on the floor. Some people will put a pallet in their dog house and cover it with straw. This helps keep your pet off the cold floor and adds the warmth of straw to make things even cozier. Remember, hay is different from straw and is not suitable for a dog house. Hay contains bugs, weeds, leaves and other undesirable material that won't make your pup a happy pooch.
Be sure to cover the front entrance with a well-built flap of some type. Carpet squares, often available for free or minimal cost at carpet supply stores, make excellent flaps or doggie doors. Water-proof and well-insulated old sleeping bags can also be used either as bedding or as a heavy-duty door flap. In addition, be sure to place the house in a position where it will not endure direct wind.
The size of your dog house should promote body heat as a natural heating method. A pet's own body heat can be quite beneficial in help your pet stay warm. You do not want to put a puppy or small breed of dog into a large one. This would prevent your small dog from using its own body heat to help improve warmth. You want to choose a dog house that is only marginally larger than your dog, while allowing enough room for your dog to turn around in and lay down in.
By following a few simple steps, you can keep your beloved pet a happy dog, even on the cold winter nights.
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