Does My Dog Need a Dog House? Vet-Verified Facts, Benefits & Tips

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Should Dogs be Kept Outside?Benefits How to Choose the Best Doghouse Safety Tips

As dog owners, we want to provide our companions with the best care. It is also hard for us to always be around, so we must ensure that our dogs are happy and safe if they need to be left alone.

A dog house can provide shelter from weather when your dog is outdoors and may be useful if your dog spends time outside, but it should not be used as a permanent living space. While not a substitute for indoor housing, it can offer temporary protection from rain, wind, or sun exposure when needed.

Should Dogs be Kept Outside?

Dogs are highly social animals, sharing a common ancestor with wolves, which hunt, sleep, and play together in social groups. Dogs today don’t have packs, but they have their human family. Dogs are domesticated, and keeping them outside for long periods of time can deprive them of the companionship and security that they get from their humans.

If your dog is left outside for long periods, it can be exposed to dangers such as weather conditions, risk of escape, poisonous animals or chemicals, or the chance of being attacked by another animal. There are also many cases of dog owners who have to be away for work during the day and can only leave their dogs outside during that time.

That is understandable, but it’s vital that your dog is made to feel comfortable, safe, and protected from the elements. A doghouse can be an option for providing shelter in outdoor settings, depending on the environment and the dog’s age and needs.

A dog-themed TV show (which is, of course, a favorite of ours) has some of its characters exploring dog homeownership in an episode, and how essential it is for them.

The Main Benefits of a Doghouse

One of the most significant benefits of a doghouse is protection from the outside elements, which can range from cold wind and snow to humid, unbearable heat. Dogs are sensitive to changes in weather, so having a doghouse is always a good idea.

As a dog owner, you may not always be home and available to shelter your dog inside your home if the weather suddenly changes.

1. Winter Benefits

Winter can bring extreme weather conditions, such as wind, snow, and frost, and the combination of some of these conditions can be uncomfortable and dangerous to your dog. A doghouse can protect your dog and help to reduce the chances of hypothermia and the risk of other cold-related illnesses.

A doghouse can provide temporary shelter when weather conditions change and you are not home to bring your dog indoors. If a dog spends time outdoors during colder hours, a suitable shelter can offer some protection from wind and cold, but shouldn’t be a long term solution.

2. Summer Benefits

A doghouse can be a cooler place for your dog to hide from the harsh and intense summer sun. The heat will also tire your dog out quicker during a game of fetch or running around the garden, and a dog house will serve as a resting spot for your dog to cool down and catch its breath.

Air-conditioned dog houses are available for those unbearable summer days, but in this case, during extreme heat, it is generally safer to bring your dog indoors.

How to Choose the Best Doghouse

A doghouse is essential and provides your dog with security and comfort when you are not home, and that’s why the quality of the product should not be overlooked.

Common materials used to construct dog houses include wood and plastic. Plastic may be a better option if your dog is a chewer. It also doesn’t attract insects and is easier to clean and disinfect. Wood is a great option as it is usually warmer, but because of its porous surface, it is hard to clean and will need to be treated with dog-safe chemicals.

Your dog’s house will need to be cleaned and sanitized regularly, and that includes cleaning the inside, removing any debris and grass, and scrubbing every crack and corner. Therefore, it is essential to consider this aspect and what may be an easy cleaning option.

When choosing a doghouse, you must consider your dog’s size. Your dog should be able to stretch out and stand up inside its house to be comfortable. Ventilation is also important; ensure the house has adequate airflow, and choose a lighter color that can reflect the light and keep it cooler. Some manufacturers construct their doghouses with insulation, and an insulated doghouse will stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

The door of your dog’s house should be big enough for your dog to enter and exit easily. Also, check that the roof drains water quickly, so water won’t get in or pool up once it's assembled.

Top 7 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe Outdoors

Sometimes we have to keep our dogs outdoors for longer than we would like to, but there are things you can do to keep them safe.

Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean drinking water, especially in the heat. Make sure the bowl cannot be easily knocked over.
Make sure your dog has enough shade. Dogs can get sunburnt, so they must be protected from the harsh rays of the sun.
When temperatures are frigid, please bring your dog inside. If this is not possible, provide a warming or at least an insulated shelter, blankets, and a warming pad. Check those daily to ensure they are not wet and are working as expected.
During the winter, keep your dog away from any de-icer or rock salt. These can irritate your dog's paws and mucous membranes and can also be poisonous.
If snow is thick, shovel a walkway so your dog can leave its doghouse to go potty. If the snow is neck-deep, do not leave your dog at home alone.
If you need to leave your dog for long periods regularly, consider putting up a fence to keep out other animals and prevent your dog from wandering.
Make sure any sharp tools or chemicals are out of your dog’s reach especially while you are away from home as dogs can get extra curious.

Conclusion

While most dog owners keep their dogs inside with them, and rightly so, a doghouse may seem like a wasted investment. On the contrary, they can be an essential item to provide shelter from the elements and safety and comfort when you are away. Weather can change in a matter of seconds, and if your dog is outside and doesn’t have a way to get into your home, it will need a shelter of its own, especially if weather conditions are extreme. Investing in a quality doghouse for your dog will never be money wasted.