“How to Make a Doghouse a Happy Home”
Modified from an article by Frances Ingraham
New York Times News Service
Doghouses date back to the mid-1800s. The most common building material is still wood, although modeled plastic doghouses are available. The latter need no waterproofing, but can become very hot in summer. A doghouse should be large enough to accommodate your dog so that it can stand, stretch and turn around, but not so large that is body heat won’t keep the inside warm in cooler weather.
All doghouses should be set at least 2 inches off the ground on bricks, a platform or cinder blocks and built of sturdy materials with insulation to protect the animal from wind, snow and rain. The roof should be waterproof and flat to help keep the dog’s body heat in and serve as a secure roost or vantage point.
Provide a slight overhang to protect the entrance. A hinged roof will make it easier to clean the shelter or treat it with fleas spray.
Ready-made doghouses of cedar or Dogloos, made from molded plastic, can be found at most fencing and feed stores. They cost between $60 for a mid-size dog to $150 for a very large dog.
Dogs may feel confined inside today’s smaller individual doghouses, so consider a structure in which each end is hinged to open. This can also aid air circulation on a summer day.
Some plans call for an interior wall that creates an entry hall, which protects the sleeping area from direct wind. The divider wall can be removed in warm weather. If there is no hall to create protection, the entrance opening should be offset and cut to one side instead of the center; that should keep wind from blowing directly on your pet.
A protective canvas or plastic strip flap will help to keep the elements out. If possible, the location of the doghouse should be changed with each season to keep your dog comfortable. In winter, the doghouse should be placed on the southeast or east side of your house to get the winter sun.
Among the more pampered pet options you might consider for a custom-built doghouse are skylights, a synthetic-turf patio, window boxes, a heat source, air conditioning and picture window of shatterproof glass or thick scratchproof plastic.
Before buying a doghouse, make sure that it’s appropriate for your animal. Doghouses are not recommended for older dogs, dogs that are small or thin-coated, and puppies. These dogs should be inside, especially in hot or cold weather.
Dogs shouldn’t be left in a doghouse if the temperature dips below 20 degrees, according to the Humane Society of the United States. At these temperatures, dogs can experience hypothermia or frostbite. Some people bring their dog in the house at night during winter and leave it outside during the day. This makes it very difficult for the pet to adjust - he’ll either be cold when outside or hot when inside. He can’t have a hair coat appropriate for both 20- and 70-degree weather at the same time.
Bedding material is important to keep your pet snug and warm in cold weather. Cedar shavings or straw (not hay) are best and should be changed or freshened up on a regular basis to keep the house clean. Shy away from fabric bedding in the doghouse, as it will hold moisture.
Outdoor dogs are prone to insect bites and stings, often don’t get enough exercise or attention and sometimes suffer from neglect, even lack of food and water. If you have a pet, be sure it is properly cared for, even if it is outdoors.
Never tie your dog to his house (a fenced area around it is a good idea), and always keep a fresh water source nearby. To maintain the dog’s body heat, the amount of food you feed should be increased by 25% or more in cold weather.
