If you own both a dog and a yard, it is only natural to think about getting a dog house. These houses are great for providing your furry friend with the needed protection regardless of whether you keep your dog outdoors at all times, or alternate depending on your needs.
Since the main goal of these houses is protection, choosing one that can meet all general requirements is a must. Portable, durable and roomy enough are the three main things you should look for in a dog house if you want to get the best out of it. But let’s not forget about insulation as well. An effective dog house should be able to protect it from extreme temperatures, wind, rain and snow.
Except for these factors, the size of the house should also be taken into account. Your dog needs to be able to stand, lie down or turn around inside the house with ease. That being said, let’s see what the main dog house types are material-wise as that is closely related to portability, durability and insulation.
- Wood is one of the most commonly used material for building dog houses mainly because of its durability and appeal. Additionally, wood is great at absorbing odours and a great insulator which means that it can protect your dog from different weather elements. The main downside is that these houses are heavy and cannot protect your dog from the annoying fleas and ticks.
- Plastic is another commonly used material. Although way lighter than the wooden houses, the plastic ones are not good at absorbing odours which means that they can be a bit smelly. However, if you don’t mind that, you’ll reap the benefit of them being extremely easy to clean (with only water and soap), and the fact that ticks and fleas cannot inhabit them.
- Metal has also become a popular type of material used for designing dog houses. These houses are chew and scratch proof, hence impossible to destroy by dogs. Contrary to wooden houses, metal ones can absorb more heat, but they are still a popular choice because of their lightness and ease of cleaning. So, if heat is the only problem that stops you from not investing in a house like this, consider placing the house in a shade. Simple as that.
All of these houses allow for installing flooring and bedding in order to make your dog feel as comfy as possible. Keep in mind that floors should be installed slightly higher at the rear of the dog house in order to allow better drainage.