If you want your dog to be happy and healthy, you need to provide some kind of shelter for it, especially when the temperature falls. Many people like the idea of building a dog house outdoors as it helps keep the interior of your home free from fur. It is also an effective solution if you have a small house. Your dog may like wandering outside, playing all day long and enjoying the new smells, but he needs a place to rest when he’s tired. This is more important during winter months when your dog is at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Even if you own a cold weather dog breed, he needs some shelter from the ice and snow so that his health is not jeopardized. In this article we will tell you how to insulate a dog house.
To insulate a dog house, you will need a few items such as:
- Insulation Material (Styrofoam sheets or polystyrene foam)
- Plywood Sheets
- Nails and Hammer
- Sandpaper
- Saw
- Caulking
- Measuring Tape
To start with, you need to choose a dog house or build one. If you already have one, make sure it is big enough for modification. By insulating the house, you will reduce the interior size considerably. It is better and also easier to insulate a dog house that is not furnished.
Next you need to choose a suitable insulation material for your dog house. If you are doing this yourself, you may need to choose a material that is easy to manage and install. Many people find it easier to work with rolled insulation materials as it can be easily cut using a pair of scissors. There are several other insulation materials that can be used depending on your preferences.
There are many factors you need to consider when choosing the insulation material. The weather and climate condition in your area will have a great impact on the type of material you choose. The common type of insulation material is Styrofoam sheets or polystyrene foam. Choose the material that can be useful in effectively keeping the dog house warm.
After you have selected the insulation material, take the measurement of your dog house. It is essential that you insulate the floor along with the wall as a lot of heat escapes from the floor area. If the floor can be lifted and removed, it will be easier to insulate it.
If you cannot remove the flooring of the house, mark the accurate measurements of the floor on plywood and cut it out. You must ensure that the plywood fits in the floor space when the insulation material is installed.
Now take a pair of scissors and cut the insulation material as per the measurement of the dog house. First do the flooring. Take the insulation material and make sure it snugly fits the floor. Now nail the insulation material securely to the ground.
Repeat the same process for the walls too. Cut out insulation material to fit the walls. You must be very careful when taking measurements because if you cut them too small, the entire purpose of insulating the dog house will be lost.
After you have nailed the insulation material to all the four walls and the top too, ensure that they are fitted securely. You need to now seal the gaps with the help of caulk. When caulking, make sure you use enough to seal the gaps between the walls, floor and ceiling perfectly so that heat does not escape.
Let the caulking dry completely before allowing your dog back into the dog house. Always use a good quality caulk because if it smells bad, your dog will not like his house.
Let’s not forget the front door, if the dog house has one. You may install a heavy vinyl flap door at the entrance so that your dog can open it easily and also protect him from chilly winds.
Conclusion
When you are done, look for any rough edges inside the house and use sandpaper to make them smooth. Now that your dog bed is ready; how about furnishing it with a nice dog bed to keep your pooch comfortable? Place a nice dog bed or soft quilt inside the house for extra warmth. The thick pad of the dog house will absorb the heat and keep him cozy. Your dog will be happy in an insulated house and you will be happy knowing that your dog is warm and safe.