As the cool sets in during these autumn months, many homeowners are taking advantage of their last opportunities to winter-proof their houses. From installing storm windows and insulation to improve energy efficiency, to sweeping chimneys and sealing driveways, this time of year homeowners are increasingly aware of the need to prepare for the cold months ahead. As you survey your domicile, you may want to take your dogs’ house into consideration as well. If you don’t think your dog house is as warm and inviting as your own, it might be time to invest in housing. Don’t worry, you won’t need to take out a sub-prime mortgage to afford it, either.
When shopping around for a new dog house, four important factors should be considered when making a final selection: ease of maintenance, appropriate size, energy efficiency and price. To make cleaning and maintaining your dog house less of a chore, a litany of dog house manufacturers are building houses with removable roofs, so as to make them easier to clean. You’ll want to look to make sure floor panels are securely joined to prevent grass and weeds from growing into the dog house. The dog house should also be elevated off of the ground. Even a couple of inches can mean a world of difference when preventing mold and mildew from the damp ground. http://www.americas-
The next factor to consider would be choosing the proper size for your dog. While it may be tempting to get the Taj Mahal of dog houses, dogs really prefer to be in more confined, cozy areas. You should measure your dog to make sure he can stand up once inside and can enter and leave comfortably. You’ll want to make sure you measure your dog horizontally across his front shoulders and vertically from the back (dogs lower their heads when passing through openings, so it’s not necessary to have an opening that is head-high for the dog). There are several sizes of dog houses to choose from, so whether you have a Yorkshier Terrier or a Great Dane, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit. http://www.petfrenzy.com/
Energy efficiency is just as important for the dogs’ house as it is your own. Today, there are several options available for high-efficiency dog houses. If you live in a more temperate climate, a traditional, wooden dog house should work fine. If you live in a colder climate, you might want to look into a dog house with extra insulation and an offset door to protect your dog from the elements. In areas where it gets extra cold, you may also want to consider installing a dog door or flap in the front of the dog house to keep snow and cold precipitation from entering. When the temperatures really start to drop, you may even want to consider purchasing a climate control unit for your dog house. A relatively inexpensive solution, climate control can both heat your dog house in the winter, and cool it on the hottest summer days. Even better, a climate control unit (http://www.americas-
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the price of the dog house. Plastic dog houses can be found at most pet stores. However, by shopping online, you will be able to find lower prices on a wide selection of dog houses in a variety of materials such as cedar. One good place to start your search is www.americas-
