One of the reasons why you buy a dog house is to provide housing for your pet all year round. In winter, it is even more important to pay attention to a few details in order to get better protection for your dog. The basic style is not as important as the improvements you can make to keep the weather and moisture and provide a dry and well-ventilated area.
The first thing you can do with almost any dog is to rise from the ground. It should not be very high, it is enough that the water is not visible and provides a small air space between the bottom of the dog and the ground. An elevated floor inside a dog house can also do the trick. You can raise the dog house using bricks around the edges, sticking it around the corners so that it does not move with the bricks.
Roofs must be insulated (more insulated below) and waterproof. You can do it with home tile or even with waterproofing paint or processing. The use of a waterproof seal around all seams and in any place where water can get in also helps. Moisture causes mildew and can destroy many natural materials, such as wood, so you want the dog house to be tall and dry at any time.
You might want to use waterproof paint or spray on all the dog sled inside and out if it is made from natural materials. This will prolong the life and also protect your pet from rain or snow. It also causes the dog house to be cleaned only with a hose and sponge.
Ventilation is important even in cold weather. If your manor style has a hang or any area that can be protected from rain, this is the best place to make a good sized hole for the air flow. One on each side allows the natural flow of air from the breezes from any direction. Make sure that you close these openings with screens to prevent any bugs, insects or unwanted creatures from entering.
As in the homes of people, isolation is very important. Even in summer, good insulation will keep your dog cool. And in the winter it can be literally a lifesaver. Since most dogs are small, high-quality insulating material is still quite reasonable in value. All insulation materials have a value of R, which corresponds to the insulation rating used to measure the ability of an insurance to resist heat flow. The greater the value of R, the more insulation is provided from heat and cold. Thickness or weight is not as important as the R value of any insulating material.
It is also important that any insulating material is dry, moisture can rot and destroy many insulating substances, and even a moisture content of 4% can reduce efficiency by more than 50%. So it is best to choose a waterproof material and one that is not harmful to your pet. A good solution is Dow 1 "x 4" x 8. Extruded polystyrene insulation sheath, having an R-7 rating of about $ 13 per sheet, is easily cut and installed.
Where you place your home, you can also greatly influence. Keeping it in direct sunlight will help extend the life of the dog house. You should also consider the direction of any prevailing wind and find a dog house behind any natural wind. A cement surface or brick surface will help keep moisture in place and give your dog a place to stay away from dirt, which is always good for you and your dog.
If you are just planning a little, you can give your dog a big shelter that will be warm and dry in winter and cool in summer. Waterproofing, insulation and location can help extend the life of a dog house and provide a better environment for a beloved pet.
