Dog House Kennel – Buy Off-the-Shelf or Build Your Own?
A dog house kennel is a very important aspect of a pet’s sense of security, health and well being. If your pets are anything like mine, you will know they’re very particular regarding their comfort and safety. And a well designed home will go along way in fulfilling these needs. Some things to consider when determining whether to buy pre-made or build-to-suit are location, appearance, ease of assembly, maintenance and longevity.
Dog houses (often called dog kennels) come in many shapes and styles and the choices of sizes range from kennel-size to large, medium and small. Besides size, there are several styles, materials and accessories to consider. Some style options include: ranch, flat-roof, igloo, cabin, raised platforms, and cottage style. They can be constructed with insulated materials that retain the inside warmth and heated with special heaters according to the animal’s needs.
Prefabricated igloo style plastic dog kennels are popular with many pet owners because they are very low maintenance. An igloo dog house also has an excellent ability to retain warmth. If needed, heated pads can be used for extra comfort. A heated dog house is necessary for areas of extreme weather conditions. Heated pads are available in sizes where your pet is able to lay on or off the pad at their convenience and need. A dog house heater can provide overall warmth and they are designed with controllable thermostats and are safe and economical to use.
Besides heaters there are other accessories ranging from simple door flaps to automatic pet doors, multiple rooms and skylights, and even an optional deck! Even if you don’t opt for some of the more elaborate options make sure that the model you choose is designed so that it can be well ventilated to dissipate heat or moisture.
There is an option that’s sort of between pre-fab and build-your-own that pet owners are becoming more aware of recently. There are many varieties and styles of kits available that are easily assembled with a minimum of mechanical ability. They are shipped in a knocked-down assembly and all that needs to be done is connect the pre-finished sections together. The choices are broad and with the cost of lumber rising steadily, are not so much more expensive than the complete do it yourself option.
If you choose to build your own, dog house plans can be obtained for any size, shape and use of materials. The most important aspect of building your own is to ensure that all nails are safely embedded and cannot injure your pet during use. When using lumber for a wooden dog house, it should always be sturdy enough for outdoor use and the design should enable platform capability so you can raise the floor to protect the animal from rain runoff and isolate him from the cold ground during winter. A wooden house will definitely last longer if it is not resting directly on the ground. If you are considering wood, a cedar dog house is excellent due to its ability in avoiding decay and rot, and cedar is a natural insect repellent.
The safety of the animal is paramount as well as the comfort to be provided by a well built dog house kennel. Care and well being for your pet is most important. If your pooch has allergies or other sensitivities you may want to consult with your veterinarian on the type of materials you should choose. For instance, is wood or plastic a better choice, or what about paint and stain finishes or the type of insulating material?
If you do not have access to a properly fenced in area for your pet you should look into backyard dog runs. When an enclosure is placed around a dog house it provides a safe and secure area for your pet. Even if you have a fenced in yard you may not want to let your pooch have access to the whole yard. Dog pens are a great way to confine your pet to a smaller area and are a much better option than chaining your canine which can be very dangerous! Also often called a dog kennel these enclosures are available in many different shapes and styles to suit any breed.
Dog house kennels are available for both indoor and outdoor environments. If you are looking for an indoor dog kennel or house there are many different options to choose from. Wooden dog kennels are popular with many design conscious dog owners. They are available in many types of furniture styles and finishes which makes it easy for a pet owner to find one that will blend in seamlessly with their home décor. If you have a puppy or an adult dog that likes to chew or claw a wire crate may be a better choice. These types of indoor dog houses can be adorned with fabric dog crate covers which come in a variety of colors and patterns making it easy to find one that will match your home’s furnishings. If you plan on using one of these wire crates in combination with a dog pen a cage cover will provide a little more privacy, warmth and a cozy den-like feeling for your pooch. If you don’t have the room for a permanent indoor house or if you are just looking for a more temporary solution you may want to try a collapsible dog play pen.
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Tagged With cedar dog house, dog house, dog house heater, Dog House Kennel, dog house plans, heated dog house, igloo dog house, wooden dog house
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