What to Remember When Building a Dog House
Thirty years ago, the thought of building your canine a house brought with it images of a hammer, nails, and several heavy planks of wood. After an entire weekend spent building (and cursing), you might have finally managed to erect a semi-livable dwelling for your pooch. Luckily, the process of building a doghouse is simpler today than it used to be. There’s still effort involved, but many pet supply stores sell kits to make the job problem-free (or nearly so).
Below, we’ll provide several useful tips for building your pooch a house that will keep him dry, cool in the heat, and warm in the cold. We’ll also describe a few potential problems with regard to the doghouse’s size and insulation.
Keeping Moisture Out
Most owners start building with the thought of making sure the roof is waterproof. That way, rain is kept out, which allows the canine to keep dry. But, there is a far more important consideration when it comes to moisture control: bacteria.
Depending on where you live, high temperatures may be accompanied by humidity. That can cause moisture to gain entry into your pooch’s house. If humidity rises high enough, the bacteria can become airborne. This can lead to bronchitis and other respirator problems.
Use wood to build the doghouse; it breathes and therefore prevents moisture from accumulating inside. You can also use canvas-based door flaps to provide ventilation.
Temperature Maintenance
Some owners go to great lengths to build their pooches the equivalent of a mansion. Not only do they make it airtight to keep the place warm during the cold months, but many even install heating units. It’s entirely unnecessary.
Have you ever watched someone walk their dog in 30-degree temperature and wondered how the pooch could stand the cold? The answer is because canines have a built-in heating unit: their hair. It protects them from the cold while providing ventilation during the hot months. Don’t feel bad about letting your pooch stay in his doghouse during the winter months. As long as he’s protected from the wind, his hair will keep him warm.
Size And Insulation Issues
There is a direct correlation between your dog’s ability to keep himself warm and the size of his house. The problem with a lot of the houses is that they’re far too big. If you allow too much space inside, your dog’s body heat will be less able to keep him warm.
While your dog is lying on the ground asleep, measure a rectangular box around him that allows four to five inches of space on all sides. That is all the area he needs inside his doghouse. Nothing more.
Also, if you decide to use insulation (which is unnecessary), make sure it is not not exposed. If it is visible, your dog might try to eat it. That can lead to intestinal issues. A better approach is to simply use two layers of wood, leaving a pocket of air between them; no insulation required. That provides ventilation, which allows humidity to escape.
Building a doghouse does not need to represent a major construction project. Use the suggestions above to build a sturdy house that your dog will find comfortable and protective from the wind and sun.
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Tags: building a dog house, choosing a dog house, Dog, dog house