Buying A Dog House

The benefits of purchasing a dog house are to protect your dog against the elements such as wind, rain, cold and heat and to provide your dog with a special place to call his own.

Making the right decision involves knowing the types of dog houses on the market, how much you want to spend, the right size house for your dog, the climate you live in and the style you prefer.

The styles include classic Snoopy, log cabin, igloo, etc. and range from simple to fancy. There are plastic, metal and wood dog houses. Wood dog houses are the most common. The entrance may be centered or off-centered. The roof may be asphalt shingle, metal or wood. It may have a flat roof or pitched roof. Some may have or have the option to have insulated walls, heating/cooling system, rain shielded doors, flow through ventilation, raised floors, pitched roofs and/or adjustable feet.

Insulated walls will keep your dog warm and cozy during the colder months and cooler in the summer months. Good insulation also helps prevent high winds from entering the dog house. Flow through ventilation and heating/cooling systems also help to keep your dog warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Rain shielded doors help to keep rain and snow from seeping inside. Raised floors will help keep your dog comfortable when the ground is damp or cold. In areas with a lot of rain or snow, a pitched roof will extend the life of the dog house. Adjustable feet will allow you to level the dog house on uneven terrain. If you live in a mild climate some of these options may be a moot point. However, knowing them will help you make an informed decision.

If you are keeping your dog outdoors for extended periods of time in harsher climates it is important to have a warming/cooling system and good ventilation. Insulated walls, flow through ventilation and a heating/cooling system are recommended. Many of the newer dog houses are equipped with an air conditioning and heating system. Your dog house should also be waterproof to keep rain and snow out and to extend the life, in the case of wood dog houses where water is known to break down their structure. However, some wood dog houses are treated to prevent water corrosion. Another option is to buy a plastic dog house which is already waterproof. The greatest advantage of wood dog houses is that the wood acts as an excellent insulator against the cold and heat. In addition, wood dog houses constructed of cedar are known for resisting wear and tear much better and deterring insects like fleas and ticks.

There are varying opinions for determining the right size dog house for your dog. The standard guideline is that a dog house should be just large enough to allow your dog to stand up, lie down and turn around in comfortably. This is the guideline supported by The Humane Society of the United States and a number of other animal organizations. A dog house that is too large can cause the dog house to be too cold in the winter and too warm in the summer.

Buying a dog house for the first time can be overwhelming. Knowing the types of dog houses and options available, the different styles, how to determine the right size for your dog and how much you want to spend will simplify this process and help in making an informed decision.

About the Author:
Bernadette Degnan is the owner of Dakota Dog Products. The company's products include quality dog beds, dog crates, dog houses, pet gates, strollers and more. If you're interested in viewing their products please Visit Dakota Dog Products!.

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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