Many dog breeds can live outdoor during the winter if they are provided with insulated dog houses.  The insulation can help keep the temperature inside your dog’s house constant and comfortable whether it is hot or cold outside.  The size of the dog house should be in proportion to the size of the dog so their body heat can help maintain the inside comfort of the dog house.  Your dog’s house should be just big enough for them to stand up, turn around and lay down in.

Dogs should be acclimated to outdoor living when they are young and the weather is warm.  Allowing your dog to spend some nights outside and some nights inside could lead to a lower resistance level and illness.  If you live in a climate where the temperatures consistently drop below zero, you might consider adding a heater to the dog house or providing your dog with additional bedding as protection from the extreme cold.  If you live in an area where the temperatures consistently get in the triple digits, you might install an air conditioner to keep your dog comfortable and protect them from the extreme heat.  Installing a dog door will also help maintain the inside temperature of insulated dog houses.

There are many types of material that are used in building dog houses such as cedar or plastic.  Choose the type of building material that is appropriate for your particular climate.  You want to provide your dog with the maximum protection from the elements in a structure that will withstand your climate and last for years.

When deciding which type of insulated dog houses to purchase, consider how easy it will be to keep clean.  Dog houses that are made of plastic typically have built-in drainage holes in the floor which makes them easy to clean.  Regardless of which type of dog house you purchase, change the bedding every one to two weeks.  Keeping the bedding clean and fresh will help keep your dog healthy.

Insulated dog houses don’t just keep your dog warm during the winter; they also help keep them cool during the summer.