Here are the basic settings every doghouse should have:

Raised threshold at the entrance of the doghouse (this will ensure that cool air from the ground outside do not enter the floor of the doghouse).
Insulated interior partition (this will guarantee even higher thermal insulation and thermal comfort for your dog).
Roof in the form of a lid (the roof must be tucked into the doghouse like a lid. This guarantees a perfect seal).
Standing legs of the doghouse (these will create a space between the bottom of the doghouse and the ground).

Litter inside the doghouse

Litter is very important for your dog in the winter. As suitable litter we recommend natural litter for dogs, a suitable material is the straw. In winter, the dog will make his bed in this litter, which will help him maintain his body heat. Litter must be changed during the winter - depending of use. It is also possible to buy a dog bed. It must be made of materials that do not retain moisture and mold.

Cover the entrance

One of the most important things you can do to winter a doghouse is to cover the entrance to the doghouse with the proper material. We do not recommend a PVC curtain, you can use an old carpet or a blanket that you fix at the entrance. The entrance curtain prevents cold air from entering the doghouse directly and is therefore a very useful tool to increase your dog's thermal comfort in winter.

Dog house heating

If you have an older or sick dog, you may want to consider heating the doghouse. But the heating element must have sufficient power. It's no good if the heating element has too much power (over 80W for larger dog houses). The difference between the temperature in the doghouse and the outside temperature is then too great. The heating element should also be protected with a cover so that the dog cannot touch the element (already temperatures around 60°C can burn a dog).

Possible health problems

If your dog is exposed to extreme temperature variations, he does not create his good winter coat. It is the same when you take the dog home in the evening and during the day leave it in the garden in winter. Without a suitable doghouse, that part of the day when you're away from home it can't survive.

If you are not sure

In general, when temperatures are close to 0°C, you should ask yourself if your dog can withstand low temperatures. If you are not sure - it is better to offer him a warm place in your house.

Also, don't forget to feed him well with a good food before and during the winter season. Thanks to it, the dog can create his good winter coat.

How to prepare a doghouse for winter

As soon as the temperatures approach the freezing point, we must prepare the doghouse for the arrival of winter