Many people like to keep a dog as a companion. Whether it is a large dog, a medium-sized dog or a small dog, the dog breeds raised by each family are different, but the experience of helping the beloved dog to choose a dog house must be indispensable. In particular, medium and large dogs are more likely to be kept outdoors. In order to allow dogs to live comfortably and safely outdoors, it is extremely important to choose a sturdy dog house that can shelter from wind and rain, and isolate high temperature and humidity. When purchasing online or in physical pet supplies stores, in addition to considering the size and comparing prices, the material of the dog house is also the key to making the dog live comfortably. Next, this article will explain the precautions for purchasing, and select 10 popular products on online shopping platforms. Parents of hairy children are welcome to make more reference.  

Tips for buying an outdoor dog house

Dogs are also members of the family. When choosing a dog house for them, whether it can bring a comfortable life that is warm in winter and cool in summer and protected from wind and rain is also an important consideration. Readers can refer to the following content as a basis for purchasing, and evaluate the place where the dog house is placed to select the desired products.  

Small space but a sense of security

Whether it is placed indoors or outdoors, the width of the dog house is the most suitable for the dog to turn around freely. Especially in the dog house placed outdoors, it is enough to provide enough space for the dog to sleep, and a properly limited space can bring a sense of security. If the dog house has too much space, you can adjust the sense of space inside by placing blankets, flannel toys, etc. It’s just not recommended to raise it outdoors from puppyhood, and it is still recommended to wait until the adult dog needs to consider purchasing.  

Choose items that can withstand wind, rain and moisture

When raising the dog outdoors, you must think about the placement of the dog house and take into account the changes in the climate. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to choose a sturdy product that can protect against wind, rain and moisture.  

Sloping roof for good weatherproofing

Even if the dog house is placed as far as possible out of the rain, it can still get wet from the unexpected wind and rain. It is recommended to choose a product with a sloped roof or a small eaves at the entrance, both of which have a good rain protection effect. If you are still worried that the rain will splash into the dog house, you can also consider installing a plastic rain cover at the entrance as a reinforcement.  

Elevated bottom design can effectively prevent moisture

If the dog is to be kept outdoors, it is important to have good moisture protection measures. In order to minimize the impact of moisture from the ground, you can choose a style with a raised design at the bottom of the dog house, or a product that is coated with moisture-proof paint so that the bottom plate is not too thin. If you can’t find a satisfactory product, you can also use bricks and other materials to raise the dog house, and try to keep the distance from the ground to achieve effective moisture-proof.  

Common dog house material properties

Among the outdoor dog houses sold on the market, “wooden”, “plastic” and “steel” are the most common ones. These three have their own strengths and have some points to pay attention to in use, so choose and buy Be sure to fully understand the characteristics of the material before, and then I will explain it to you one by one.  

Wooden: Comfortable all year round

Wooden dog houses are always very popular. Whether it is a hot summer or a cold winter, wood can bring a comfortable living feeling, and if the material is strong enough, the durability will be relatively improved. However, if weak and inferior wood is selected, or the protective paint is not reliable enough, it will easily lead to wood corrosion and rapid deterioration and damage. In addition, due to the hygroscopicity of wood, it is also necessary to pay attention to whether the protective paint has waterproof function, especially the bottom of the dog house is most susceptible to moisture. It is recommended to choose a style with waterproof paint or a plastic lifting foot at the bottom.  

Plastic: easy to clean, affordable

The characteristic of the plastic dog house is that the material itself is water repellent, light in weight, easy to move and easy to clean; when it is dirty, it can be restored by simply rinsing with water, and there is no need to worry about rusting. In terms of price, it is cheaper than other materials, so it is quite popular. It’s just that plastic has a special smell, which is more intense and may cause discomfort to dogs with sensitive noses. In addition, the plastic material will deteriorate and deteriorate after a period of use, but as long as you avoid placing the dog house in direct sunlight, the aging speed can be slowed down. But also because the price is relatively cheap, it is recommended to buy new products every 2 to 3 years for replacement according to the use of the dog house.  

Steel: strong and reliable

If you raise a large dog with greater activity, it is quite suitable to choose a sturdy and reliable steel dog house. Because the material itself is heavy enough, it has good stability and excellent durability. It should be noted that although the style with wheels is convenient to move, it may also make the dog uneasy. In addition, due to the characteristics of metal materials, steel is easy to be cold in winter and hot in summer, so the placement must be carefully selected; in addition to the problem of water rust, choose products with waterproof and anti-oxidation paint would be ideal.  

Ease of cleaning is also important

Generally speaking, if the dog house is placed indoors, it will be cleaned frequently in order to keep the overall cleanliness and smell fresh. But when many people keep their dogs outdoors, they just feed, change the water and go out for a walk every day. In order to provide a good living environment for dogs, cleaning the dog house is the most basic condition, and it is best if it can be cleaned every day. In addition to cleaning the urine and urination, it is also necessary to remove other dirt stuck in the gaps, so as not to be more difficult to remove over time. It is recommended to choose a style with a larger opening, or a style that can open the roof directly from above, which can make the cleaning process more convenient; or choose a plastic product that can be cleaned directly by rinsing with water, which is also a good way.                    

Frequently Asked Questions about Buying an Outdoor Dog House

After reading the above instructions, I believe that everyone has some ideas on how to choose an outdoor dog house. At the end of the article, several difficult and miscellaneous diseases that may be encountered are gathered, hoping to help you clarify your doubts.  

Can an indoor dog house be used outdoors?

Although the styles of dog house products are basically the same, most of the styles designed for outdoor use will consider waterproofing and other aspects, unlike indoor ones, which can be completely based on aesthetics. It is recommended to confirm the main specifications of the product before purchasing. If the conditions are met, it is no problem to use it outdoors. Or you can buy a pet air cage that is also made of plastic, the width is the dog can turn around in it, and the length is 1.5 times the length of the dog.  

Can a DIY dog house be difficult?

There are quite a few owners who choose to make their own dog house, and even find a lot of design drawings on the Internet. For beginners who want to try woodworking, it is a relatively easy topic to get started with. And if you want to have a unique dog house, but you are not sure whether you can control it, there are also manufacturers who provide customized services. If you are interested, you can search a lot.  

How to choose a dog house or a dog cage?

Generally speaking, a dog cage has more gates or fences than a dog house. At present, it is to prevent dogs from accidentally running out of the house. But if you have a way to keep your dog from going out, or if your dog has a stable personality and won’t run around, you can choose an open dog house to give them more freedom.  

Summarize

The ideal outdoor dog house can bring the dog a comfortable and stable living feeling, but no matter what material and style you choose, you must always clean the environment inside and outside the dog house, so that the dog will be happy to live in; The independent environment of the dog house can lead to a happier and healthier life with the family. Owners who want to buy can find their exclusive fortress for their dogs through the introduction and popular rankings of this article.