Does anyone know of a way to help keep an outdoor pet warm in their doghouse besides just using straw?

Question

I have a year and a half old Jack Russell....med. size. He has been an outdoor dog and I am wondering how to keep him more comfortable during the winter months. I work long hours during the day and it is not possible for him to be in the house.

Answer 1

Heat lamps, very carefully installed, are inexpensive and work well. But be careful, the lamp must be hung so the dog can't reach the cord to chew, and the lamp puts out a lot of heat, so the dog must be able to get away from the source. I typically put the lamp outside the dog house, at the door, to heat the air moving into the dog house. We use these at our local animal shelter for the dogs staying outside.

Additionally, you can raise the dog house off the floor and put straw underneath the house as well, this keeping the floor off cold concrete or cold, wet dirt. Also, face the dog house away from the wind, and hang a cloth or piece of flexible plastic at the door that will fall closed when the dog enters, keeping most of the air out.

Another factor is dog house size. Most people seem to want large houses for their dogs, with large doors. The dog house needs to only be big enough for the dog to lie down and curl up. Extra width and height is just more dead air that his body heat must warm. The door should only be as tall as his *body* plus a couple inches for moving room, and only as wide as his body plus a couple of inches for moving room. Place the door above ground level, leaving a "lip" at the lower part of the dog house to naturally block wind. When the dog is lying down, that lip protects him.

Whew! Lots of trouble! But worth it, and though it may take a little effort, there's virtually no cost to making the house more comfortable.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Does anyone know of a way to help keep an outdoor pet warm in their doghouse besides just using straw?
I have a year and a half old Jack Russell....med. size. He has been an outdoor dog and I am wondering how to keep him more comfortable during the winter months. I work long hours during the day and it is not possible for him to be in the house.

Answer 3

The doghouse should only be big enough for him to lie down, any more size is going to be colder. If possible get an insulated house. Staple or hang a piece of canvas over the doorway like a flap to keep wind out. The house itself should be out of the wind if possible and the door facing away from the wind. Some straw on the floor or some old blankets help keep the cold ground from sucking the heat out of the house and the dog. Two dogs in one house will keep each other warmer as well. Make sure there is plenty of water to drink, it is essential to have water for good health and not a block of ice.

Answer 4

There are a few real keys to dog training, whether you are trying to train your dog to come when called, sit, stop barking or any other behavior. Understanding their importance is critical to achieving rapid results that are long lasting and help develop the bond between you and your dog. Read more here https://biturl.im/aU7R4

The first is simple; you must win your dogs mind. If you don't achieve this first then you will be struggling the all the way. When I talk about winning your dogs mind what I really mean is that your dog looks to you for all the decisions. Before you do anything else watch one of the amazing video sites that show you the 5 Golden rules to establishing yourself as the pack leader. If you aren't putting these in place then you are setting yourself up to fail. Just at the crucial point where you really want your dog to listen they will go and do their own thing. For sure your dog may play ball occasionally or even most of the time, you may even have a dog that is obedient 99% of the time, however if you want a dog who always listens to you and does as you ask then you need to win your dogs mind.

The second key to success is to motivate your dog. It is really important that you discover what it is that your dog enjoys both in terms of exercise and play but also in terms of a reward. If you can make the experience enjoyable then you will both achieve more and look forward to training.

Some dogs love to fetch, others love agility, and other dogs simply love obedience training, or swimming out into water and retrieve. At least to start with find out what your dogs love is and help them develop this, what I am saying is work with your dog. The other point to recognize is to make training enjoyable reward your dog.

Answer 5

Go to Petsmart and get an electric heating pad that is made for dog houses. This will keep your outdoor friend warm. Jack Russells are not that big and do not have very warm coats maybe you could try him in the house before you decide. They are just not meant to be outside dogs.

Answer 6

We have 7 feral cats that have been spayed and neutered living on our carport. In the winter, my husband goes to Lowe's Home Improvements and purchases 4' x 8' insulated foam boards and makes cat houses out of them and seals the edges so no wind can come in. He puts a "front" and "back" door on each box so the cats will have a way to come and go. We place fleece, wool, old sweaters, etc clothing for them and this year might put hay for warmth instead. Since 3 of the walls of the carport are open, we put up extra long shower curtains to help block out the wind, pull down shades and this year will put up insulated drapes over all of this to help hold in the heat. Last year, we ran a kerosene heater for them at nite to knock off the chill and it stayed at least 15 degrees warmer in there than outside. This year, we have purchased a small fire pit for them to burn small pieces of wood for heat. If we could figure out a safe way to give them heat, we would do it. We have checked on those heat lamps, but, not sure about the safety of those. If anyone can give me more ideas, please let me know. Good luck with your kitties!!!

Answer 7

Get some thick cloth or something to insullate the inside of the dog house, you can like nail it to the inside. Then get a spot light and hang inside the dog house and turn it on at night. Also, hang a piece of plastic about half way down the front of the dog house and possible line the outside of his pen with it, it cuts down on the wind so your lil pup doesn't get too chilly. Since he's a small dog, you can also get him a doggy sweater to wear and wash it out every once and a while....for my lil boston terrier we bought him a hoodie for a 18 month old and it fits perfect.

Answer 8

Some people I know have used a light bulb inside the doghouse. The dogs dont seem to mind the extra light...and I guess the heat from the bulb makes a difference in the temp. inside. (I live in Canada and our winters are very cold sometimes)
This appears to be a cost effective and simple way to heat a dog house

Answer 9

Do not use warm water bottles, as they eventually will turn cold and then actually make your dog lose his body temperature quicker. You should make sure that the dog house has closure on all sides, including a flap for the doorway. Also, a plug -in heated mat is necessary, sold at most pet stores.

Answer 10

Heat Lamps For Dogs