5 Best Heated Doghouses of 2022

Choosing or Creating a Heated Doghouse?

For most dogs, living outside in the winter is not a good idea. But there are times when a heated doghouse can come in handy — say, to break up long periods of indoor time.

“Working, ranch or sled dogs that may be far from their home, barn or kennel may also be good candidates for heated doghouses to give them a sheltered place to rest and sleep away from the elements,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club.

What to Look For in a Heated Doghouse

Safety comes first, says Klein. Here’s what to look for to keep your dog safe.

• Good materials: The house should be weatherproof and easy to clean and disinfect. A roof you can lift makes this easier.
• Good insulation: This helps keep the cold out in winter and keeps the house cooler in summer. Be sure to cover all insulation with plywood, because it can be toxic if ingested.
• Electrical cord safety: Make sure cords are well covered with a protective coating to prevent chewing, electrocution and fire.
• Size: Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably, but otherwise not have a lot of extra space. “Instinct tells them to find a cozy spot that is warm, provides shelter from the elements, and is safe from predators,” says Klein. “[And] it’s easier for a dog’s own body heat to keep the house warm if it’s not too large.” This usually equates to the height and length being about 1-1/2 times your dog’s dimensions, and the width about the same length as your dog. Measure from the floor to the top of their head, or ears if they’re a little taller, and from the tip of their nose to the base of the tail.
• Entrance: Ideally, the door will be offset to one side, or have a small vestibule to help keep wind, rain, snow and sun from directly blowing or shining inside. The door only needs to be tall enough for your dog’s shoulders to clear, and just wide enough to accommodate your dog at their widest point.

Note: It’s best to place an outdoor doghouse on a platform off the ground for drainage and better air circulation.

Outdoor Doghouse Precautions

Heated doghouses are best used when a person is also outside, especially during the day, says Klein. “There is a saying that if the weather is too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for animals for any extended period of time and they should be brought inside,” Klein says.

Here are more recommendations:

• Always consult a veterinarian to see if it’s okay for your dog to stay outside, even just part-time.
• If they’re going to be outside for a while, slowly acclimate them to the environment.
• Dogs will burn more calories in colder temperatures, so slowly acclimate them to those diet changes as well.
• Check on them at least twice a day for frostbite on their noses, ears and paws. Remember that wind chill can cause deadly hypothermia.
• Don’t leave dogs housed or unsupervised outside for any period of time when it’s below 45 F, except well-acclimated double-coated Arctic sled-type breeds.
• Check their water bowls at least twice a day to make sure they aren’t frozen. Or buy a heated bowl.
• Keep the doghouse clean.

Who Should Not Use a Heated Doghouse?

According to Klein, only double-coated dogs acclimated to cooler temperatures should spend any amount of wintertime in a doghouse. He also says never leave these dogs in a doghouse in winter:

• Short-coated or hairless breeds;
• Elderly dogs or those with serious medical concerns like arthritis, spinal or cardiac conditions;
• Puppies and young dogs, because they are more vulnerable and need ample socialization with humans.

“Keeping most dogs outside all night, even in a heated doghouse, is not encouraged,” he says. “And keeping a dog in a doghouse is not a reason to ignore or mistreat a dog.”

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