Outside temperatures can drop drastically in winter, and if you have a dog that stays mostly outside, you may be searching for heated dog houses to keep your pooch warm. As far as heated dog houses, there aren’t many to choose from. Most heated dog houses do not use a form of “heat” per se, but rather have raised flooring, insulation, a door to keep out cold air, and is made from plastic or sturdy wood material for extra warmth.

It’s not advised to use electricity, gas, or batteries for a heat source for safety reasons, as dogs may chew on the cords, or a heat source could become a fire hazard. If temperatures are frigid and below freezing, you should bring your dog indoors. Nonetheless, we’ve ranked five heated dog houses based on consumer reviews. We’ll discuss what to look for and how to keep your dog safe in such conditions.

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The 5 Best Heated Dog Houses

1. Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House – Best Overall

The Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House is perfect for large dogs but can also be used for small and medium-sized dogs. The remote-controlled heater is built-in and can be adjusted from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It offers 2 to 4 inches of insulation on the sides, roof, door, and floor. It offers raised flooring for drainage to keep your doggie dry and add warmth, and the double-hinged door is removable. This heated dog house requires an electrical source for the heater.

An extra-large dog with a shoulder height of 26.5 inches will have no problem getting through the door. The inside measures 38 inches in diameter with a maximum height of 39.5 inches, making it perfect for smaller dogs to enjoy with their doggie companions. This heated dog house comes in brown or tan.

If you’re looking for a true heated dog house, this one should suit your needs. It is expensive, but it’s easy to assemble. A downfall is if you lose power, the heater will not turn back on automatically when your power is restored. Another downfall is the heater may stop working after a few months. However, given the heated features and ease of assembly, this dog house is the best overall heated dog house.

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2. Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House – Best Value

The Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House is smaller than our best overall pick and is more suitable for medium to large-sized dogs with a shoulder height of 26.5 inches or less. This dog house comes complete with a Palace Central Heater that comes with a remote to set the temperature as needed. The heater temperature ranges from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the insulation is 2 to 4 inches that are located on the sides, floor, door, and roof for extra protection.

The floor is raised for added warmth, and it also has a drainage system to keep your dog dry should it rain. The door is double-hinged and removable for training purposes.

This dog house is pricey, and some buyers have trouble assembling the house. Considering the price, it may not be constructed well, and the heater may not last. However, if you’re in the market for a heated dog house, this is the best-heated dog house for the money.

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3. Pets Imperial® Norfolk XL Insulated Dog House – Premium Choice

The Pets Imperial® Norfolk XL Insulated Dog House is made from high-quality engineered fir wood and is super sturdy with support rails underneath the floor panels. The access door is covered by PVC plastic strips for protection. The access door is plenty big enough for your doggo to enter/exit with dimensions of 1’ 3″ W X 1’ 6″ H. The dog house can handle a dog weight of up to 154 pounds.

A nice feature of this dog house is that you can remove the floor panels for cleaning.  The roof is retractable for easy access to remove the floor panels, and there are three sections that fit snugly back into place. The panels also have plastic, rot-resistant feet that are adjustable on the bottom so you can secure the dog house on whatever surface you place it on for stability.

The walls are insulated to keep warmth in, which consists of timber, Styrofoam, and plywood, and the ground is raised 2 inches for extra warmth and to keep the flooring dry. You also have a choice of cedar or grey. This dog house does not have a heater inside, but you can purchase a thermostatic dog bed to put inside. Some consumers state the panels easily crack and are not pleased with the quality of the hardware. It’s also expensive.

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4. K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty House – Best for Puppies

Even though the K&H Pet Products Outdoor Multi-Kitty House is for cats, it also works well for puppies or small dogs. It’s easy to assemble and clean and has removable door flaps. This house is made of weather-resistant polyester and has an insulated design. It comes with a 20-watt heated pad that has been safely certified by Met labs for protection against water damage and other hazards and has two exits.

This house does require an electrical source, but the heated pad will keep cats and puppies or small dogs warm. The exterior is not waterproof, so you’ll want to keep it in an enclosed area in extreme conditions, such as a garage or covered porch.  This house is also affordable and budget friendly.

This house is not waterproof, so you definitely want to keep it in a covered area from the weather elements. Some consumers claim the heated pad doesn’t work or may not last long.

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5. Aivituvin Outdoor Heated Dog House

The Aivituvin Outdoor Heated Dog House is similar to our third pick but comes at a more affordable price. It has an asphalt-covered retractable roof for easy cleaning, and the roof is slanted to keep the house dry in inclement weather. The door is protected by PVC flaps to keep the cold air out, and it has plastic, adjustable feet for stability.

A standout feature of the dog house is that it’s constructed with an anti-chew doorframe, and if you’re not completely satisfied, you can receive a full refund. It comes in a lovely grey color, and all six sides of the house are well-insulated with thick panels.

The house can get hot inside, so it’s best to avoid placing it in direct sunlight. This dog house is not heated with a heat source but uses thick wall panels for insulation, which may not work for all doggies and situations. It also may be difficult to assemble.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Heated Dog Houses

As you can see, there are not many heated dog houses on the market to choose from, and some are only insulated with thick-paneled walls. So, what is best for you? Let’s consider what to look for in a heated dog house to suit your needs.

Insulated vs. Electricity

You can probably tell from our reviews that most of the products are advertised as “heated,” even though not all require a heat source. A component to consider is if you feel safe having a heater plugged into an outlet for the dog house.

Most dogs, especially those with thick coats, will do just fine in an insulated dog house without a heat source. Some people have fire hazard concerns with using a heater; in this case, ensure the cord for the heater has a protective coating to prevent chewing or a possible electrical fire. Keep in mind that if you lose power, the heater will likely not turn back on when power is restored.

If you choose to use a heated source, you can purchase a heated crate mat for added warmth to place inside an insulated dog house. You can also opt for a thermostatic dog bed that only heats when your dog lays on the bed. If you do decide to go with a heated dog house, look for ones where the heaters are tested by Met Labs or some other reputable, certified source to ensure safety.

Material

Most heated dog houses are well-insulated, and as we’ve stated, most dogs will do fine with only thick, insulated walls. Look for houses that are made from quality wood or a thick plastic.

Some houses come with insulated foam for extra warmth, and if you need to ensure your dog is warm, look for this feature. You’’ also want to ensure the house is weatherproof if you plan to place it in the outside elements.

Raised Flooring

The flooring should be raised to keep the floor dry should it rain or snow. Raised flooring also helps keep the flooring warm. If the dog house you’re considering doesn’t have this feature, you’ll need to place the house in a covered area, such as a garage, covered porch, or sunroom, to ensure your dog stays warm and dry.

Ease of Cleaning

Most heated dog houses will come with removable floor panels and a retractable roof for easy access to remove the panels for cleaning. Your dog will be going in and out of the house, and he’s bound to track in dirt and other debris. Keeping the dog house clean for your pooch is essential and will encourage him to use it more than not.

Consider the Climate

No dog house will truly protect your dog from extreme cold. You should bring your dog inside when the weather dips to frigid temperatures, especially below freezing, to prevent possible hypothermia. If your dog is shivering in the dog house, bring him inside, even if it’s in your garage. You can also provide a heated bed in the garage if that is the designated area for your pup when it’s extremely cold.

Never leave your dog out in the extreme cold. If you have a heated dog house outside, it’s essential to monitor your dog for signs of hypothermia that include shivering, pale gums, lethargy, trouble walking, muscle stiffness, and cold body surfaces.

Conclusion

We hope our reviews of the best heated dog houses help you in making a purchasing decision. To review, the Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House has a remote-controlled heater, 2 to 4 inches of insulation, raised flooring, a double-hinged door, and accommodates extra-large dogs for the best overall heated dog house. For the best value, the Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House is smaller than its CRB model but has the same features, is suitable for small to medium-sized dogs, and is more affordable.

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Featured Image Credit: angel6000, Pixabay