If you’re a dog lover, you can attest that your home is not complete without a furry friend. However, there are many things to consider before bringing a new puppy into your family. You’ll need to make sure that the environment will be suitable for both you and your pup.
If you live in an area with cold winters or if you have young children, it’s important to ensure that your home is safe and secure from potential hazards such as falling objects. It’s also vital to protect your pup from the elements during those harsh months of winter.
Here are six simple steps you can take to ensure that your dog stays warm and healthy in the winter:
Step 1: Choose a sheltered location
The first step toward keeping your dog safe and warm in the winter is choosing a sheltered location. Ideally, you’d like to find a spot that offers plenty of room for your dog to run around and play.
It’s best to avoid locations that get too much direct sunlight because they may cause overheating problems. If possible, choose a location that’s near a source of natural light. This way, your dog won’t spend as much time exposed to cold air.
Step 2: Buy some warm and comfy bedding
Your dog needs something soft and warm to lie down on.
Unfortunately, most homes don’t offer a space that’s big enough to accommodate your dog. That’s why it’s important to buy a bed that’s large enough to fit your dog comfortably.
The most comfortable dog beds sold today are made of polyester fiberfill. They’re lightweight and durable, making them ideal for indoor use. However, they aren’t very warm.
To remedy this problem, consider purchasing a bed with a fleece lining. The fleece will trap body heat inside the bed and provide extra warmth.
Step 3: Cover the doghouse
If you’ve chosen a sheltered location for your dog, then you should probably cover him up to protect him from wind and rain. A tarpaulin works well for this purpose.
Simply cut the tarp into strips and secure them to the sides of the doghouse using rope or twine. Make sure that the tarp extends at least halfway over the top of the shelter so that your dog has protection against snow and ice.
Step 4: Keep the doghouse weather-resistant
It’s important to protect your dog from the elements. In particular, try to keep the roof of the doghouse free of snow and ice.
When the temperature drops below freezing, water can freeze onto the roof and form icicles.
Ice buildup can damage the roof and leave holes that allow moisture to seep into the interior of the doghouse.
Step 5: Install a heating system
You might think that installing a heating system sounds complicated. After all, how could you possibly install a heater without professional help?
Fortunately, you don’t have to hire an expert to install a heating system. With a little bit of effort, you can easily build a small propane heater yourself. All you need is a propane tank, a regulator, a burner, and a hose.
- Start by buying a propane tank.
- Then, connect the tank to the regulator.
- Next, attach the regulator to the burner.
- Finally, connect the burner to the hose.
Now, simply turn on the burner until it reaches the desired temperature. Once the burner heats up, you can use the hose to spray hot water on the walls of the doghouse to create steam.
Steam helps prevent condensation from forming on the walls. Condensation can lead to mold growth and health issues.
Step 6: Keep an eye on the entrance
You’ll want to regularly inspect the entrance of the doghouse for signs of animal intrusion. You’ll also want to clean out any debris that collects there.
If you notice any signs of animal activity, such as droppings or urine, remove them immediately.
Conclusion
Doghouse shelters are great ways to give your dog a safe place to stay during cold months. By providing your dog with a warm, dry home, you’ll be able to ensure his comfort and safety.
Just follow these simple steps to construct a doghouse that will keep your pet warm and cozy through the winter.
