Diy cold weather dog house: keep your dog warm in winter

When the winter weather sets in, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing our homes. Our pets’ dog houses are no exception. I looked around and got some amazing advice from various DIYers on the best DIY cold weather dog house and how to keep our dogs warm in winter.

Video: DIY Keeping Dogs Warm in the Winter

Although no dog should be left outside for extended periods of time in extremely cold weather, sometimes it’s necessary for your pooch to spend more time outdoors than expected. When that happens, you’ll want to make sure that your dog has a safe, warm place to hang out until it’s time to come back inside.

Top Dog Tips editor in chief Samantha has previously written about cold weather preparations for your dog. It was a great article, but I thought that we all can use some advice for dogs who live in our backyards, and need a DIY cold weather dog house in there.

DIY Cold Weather Dog House: How to Keep Your Dog Warm in Winter

Keep Your Dog Warm in Winter

Why your canine needs an insulated dog house for winter

You may think that since dogs are animals with fur, they’ll do just fine in their regular dog houses during winter without any trouble. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, and our loyal companions need assistance from us with insulating their homes, and making those dog houses winter-proof.

Why do dogs need cold weather dog houses? Because just like us, dogs are at risk of frost bites, hypothermia or simply getting cold. Surprisingly, even dog breeds that should deal well with cold weather such as Huskies are often looking for a warmer place to rest in during cold winter months.

Hypothermia. Your canine can develop hypothermia when his body temperature will go down to unusually low levels, which is common during very cold days in winter. Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that can result in your dog’s nervous system being negatively affected. The rate of your dog’s heart and the blood flow speed will lower as well, putting your dog at further health risks.

Frostbite. While hypothermia in dogs is dangerous, frostbite for dogs can become an even bigger problem. This is mostly because many pet owners are very late to recognizing frostbites in dogs due to their long coats, and they often realize this when it’s nearly too late. Many things can go wrong in the dog’s body when they develop frostbite, and the best way to avoid this is to take precautions, such as insulating your dog’s house.

Here’s an awesome example of an insulated DIY cold weather dog house that was modified and not built from scratch. Check out the video here where the puppies are having a huge amount of fun in wither.

Example of diy cold weather dog house in action
Winter puppies at getyourpitchforkon.wordpress.com

Planning phase for the DIY cold weather dog house

There are several options when it comes to providing a great DIY cold weather dog house that will serve as an ideal winter home for your pet. Such an undertaking isn’t for everybody, but it also doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds once you have all the necessary information from other, more experienced DIYers.

We all understand that most people choose to purchase pre-­-made dog houses, available at most pet stores, feed stores, and online. However, if you’re handy with tools, or just feeling adventurous this winter, you may wish to try out some Do It Yourself solutions.

What are your options? Your dog may already have an outdoor shelter that you’ll want to modify so that he can better withstand the frosty elements. Alternatively, you could construct an entire DIY cold weather dog house from scratch, keeping an eye on designs that include insulation and other features for the cold weather season. Both options are fine and doable, and the below DIY tips will help you either way.

Where to start? Begin with planning your DIY project well. One of the first things to consider before taking on this sort of a mini­--dog-house-­-building project is how you want to position your future DIY cold weather dog house in your yard.

Here are some things that you need to take into account:

  • Avoid low lying areas that may flood when it rains or when snow melts. You don’t want your dog to have to splash through puddles and get wet paws in the cold. Plus, the added moisture inside the DIY cold weather dog house could make any bedding uncomfortable, smelly or moldy.
  • If your dog is a jumper and loves escaping form your backyard, pick a spot that’s not too close to your fence. The house could provide just enough of a height boost to allow your dog to leap the fence from its rooftop.
  • It’s a good idea to position the dog house’s opening so that it faces the door to your own house. This way, you both can keep an eye on each other from your respective shelters. Your dog will feel more comfortable knowing they haven’t been abandoned and you’ll be able to check on your dog with a quick glance.
  • Does your yard get bombarded with strong crosswinds in the winter? If you can determine the direction the strongest winds come from, plan to put the dog house’s door facing the other way. This will help to ensure that your dog won’t get blasted with arctic winds when they are trying to get cozy.

winter dog next to dog house guarding

DIY modifying an existing dog house to make it winter-proof

If you plan to modify an existing dog house, there are several resources available that will help to step you through the process. A few of them are mentioned below, following a quick rundown of materials you may need to collect before you start dismantling things.

Insulation. Most online instruction videos and plans call for rigid foam insulation, like this one. You​ will likely be able to find this at your local hardware store. Fiberglass batting, like this one, is another​ option, although not as popular.

Whichever you decide to use, be sure that the insulation won’t be installed somewhere your dog will be able to get to it. So, if you use a design that calls for insulation in the dog house’s floor, make sure it’s entirely concealed by plywood or other barriers.

Hardware. Whenyour DIY dog house plans call for staples, screws, or nails to hold things together, galvanized aluminum or stainless steel is your best bet. Galvanized metals have been treated with a coating that makes them resistant to corrosion.

See here for more details​ about these materials if you have questions. ​And this is how to tell if the nails​ you may already have in your toolbox are galvanized or not. You’ll also want to make sure any nails or screws are the proper length. Sharp points that poke through to the inside of the dog house are a safety hazard.

Bedding. The floor of your dog’s new home will need to provide insulation against the cold, especially if your building plans don’t include rigid foam or batting underneath. Luckily, there is a wide range of options for the dog house’s bedding.

Depending on how much cleaning up you’re prepared to do in your new DIY cold weather dog house, materials that most DIYers use are usually old quilts, cedar chips, or straw bedding, all of which must be changed regularly. Of course, you can always spend a little extra on a proper dog bed, but you need to be okay with what will happen to the bed eventually.

Heating. Just as bedding options vary, so do the heating methods​ for your DIY cold weather dog house, like it says in this article. Not every dog house​ will need a heating element, but if you want to add one in, there are a few cautions to observe.

It’s important to remember that wires should be concealed where your dog can’t chew or get tangled in them. Any heading pads that sit on the ground should have an automatic shut off or be on a timer. More information about heating can be found on AVMA’s site​. The best option seems to be a product that uses your dog’s own body heat, called a self­--warming dog bed​, such as this one.





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Designs for your DIY cold weather dog house modifications

Now that you know about some of the materials you might need to get started with your DIY cold weather dog house, it’s time to pick out a design that works specifically for your case. Below are a few resources for winterizing existing dog houses if you want them either for inspiration, or to guide you through the process.

  • Stephanie Mitchell’s ​article on SFGate suggests a pallet or cement blocks to put​ some space between the floor of the dog house and the ground. Her instructions call for rigid foam insulation and a heavy vinyl flap to cover the door.
  • Phyllis Benson’s ​contribution on the Daily Puppy is house mod that involves a​ vapor barrier under the house, roof insulation, and carpeted walls. If you have a slow internet connection, be aware that this site has a few popup ads that could slow you down.
  • This​ article on DoItYourself.com gives perfect advice focused on the walls of the dog house. The author mentions using rolled insulation, as it cuts easily with a pair of scissors. They also suggest sealing up any gaps with caulk.

You can see that all the advice given about modifying a dog house to prepare it for winter is very similar. Like I mentioned above, there are a few major factors that constitute a dog house to become winter-proof: proper insulation, essential bedding and heat source. These are the only parts that you need to focus on if you’re trying to modify your own dog house.

To check all the boxes of those three major factors, here’s what you need to do in a nutshell to make sure your dog’s house is ready for winter:

  1. Install Styrofoam sheets
  2. Install a dog house heater
  3. Provide warm dog bedding

Surprisingly, it’s not that difficult to modify a DIY cold weather dog house and ensure warmth for your pooch. So let’s take a look at these three “to do” check-boxes and how to do them easily and quickly.

how to install styrofoam on dog house winter
Styrofoam being installed for insulation.

How to install Styrofoam sheets in your winter dog house

Those who want to learn how to place Styrofoam sheets of polystyrene insulation into their DIY cold weather dog house will be happy to learn that it’s actually very easy. What the Styrofoam sheets of polystyrene will do is trap your dog’s heat and keep it inside the dog house even on very cold days.

Here are the steps you need to take to install Styrofoam sheets in your wooden dog house of the square shape:

  1. Remove the front wall from the dog house so that you can take measurements.
  2. Mark all the dimensions into the panels of the Styrofoam insulation material.
  3. Simply cut out those foam panels based on the dimensions.
  4. Take a staple gun, and staple those foam panels onto the outside of the dog house.
  5. For safety, check that the staples didn’t go through into the inside of the dog house.
  6. Do the same for the front of the house, and obviously cut a hole for the entrance.
  7. Remember to smooth all panels with sandpaper to avoid rough edges.
  8. Now, cut out panels of 1/4-inch size plywood to cover the foam panels on the house.
  9. Make sure plywood panels are at least 3 inches wider to cover the foam fully.
  10. Finally, staple the plywood panels on top, and you’re done.

This is the very basics of modifying an existing wooden dog house to make it into a DIY cold weather dog house. After you’ve done this, remember to check for any staples anywhere, rough edges and other things that your dog can potentially hurt himself on. You can also choose to paint the house, or add another wall inside of the house for aesthetics, but that’s not necessary.

You can also follow this guide for an alternative method or additional details if you like specifics. And here’s a video explaining the concepts of this DIY build.

How to build a dog heater for the dog house for cheap

Pet parents who don’t mind spending the extra cash to make sure their dogs are warm during winter can simply purchase a dog heater for the dog house. These things are fairly popular, they’re safe, and you don’t need to get yourself into any trouble installing them. However, they cost money, with the cheapest one going for around $100.

Dog owners who feel like saving that extra $100 and wanting to put their DIY skills to the test will enjoy this short guide on how to build your own dog heater for the house using a simple paint can. Bear in mind, there are other options for dog house heater builds out there, so look for them if you wish- I chose this one as the most appropriate option.

So how do you build a heater for a dog house out of a paint can? You will need quite a few things in order to build your own heater, as well as the tools to build it. I would this is more for a somewhat experienced DIYer, because the electricity is involved and some skills can come in handy.

Materials that you will need:

  • Old can of paint that’s been washed clean
  • Working extension cord
  • 100-watt flood light
  • Some kind of lamp base
  • Wire clamp
  • Corner brackets
  • Different types of nuts and screws

Video: Dog House Heater

Tools that you will need for this:

  • Drill and drill bits
  • Hole saw
  • Jigsaw
  • Wire strippers

As you can see, you will need to trust your electrical skills to avoid putting your dog at risk. It’s not really complicated per se, but you do have to be careful, follow the guide and know what your doing in terms of electrical safety.

Here are several guides on how to do this:

  • DIY 100-watt Dog House Heater from Instructables
  • DIY Heating Element to Your Dog House from DoItYourself
  • How to Build a DIY Dog House Heater from eHow

Finally, for an alternative (kind of) method, watch the video below to make sure you understand exactly how this is done. You’ll see how easy it is to create a heater for your DIY cold weather dog house, and all you need to do is be careful about following the instructions.

How to provide cheap dog bedding for the winter dog house

At this point, you’ve already taken two of the most important steps to making sure your DIY cold weather dog house is ready for the winter months: insulating it with Styrofoam, and installing a dog house heater. This is roughly 80% of the job done and will keep your canine fairly warm in winter.

For the extra level of warmth, and those nasty extra cold days in December, January and February, you can also provide your Fido with warm bedding. Having something to lie down on that’s not the cold ground of the dog house will provide that additional level of insulation that finishes up the DIY winter dog house construction at 100%.

Once again, you have two options here: either buy something for your dog (which can be either a warm bed, or something electrical with an additional source of heat), or make your own bedding for the dog house. If you choose to buy bedding, then you can pick anything from decent dog beds to heated dog mats that start at approximately $40.

If you want to create your own dog house bedding for cheap, then many owners will suggest to go with straw as your base material. This is a popular choice, and you can buy stray hay in most local farm supply stores. One thing to remember is to never let this thing come in contact with your heater so that it doesn’t catch on fire. But during my research, I found a few possible cons to using hay straw for dog bedding in the house.

  • First, this article suggests choosing long-stem grass hay, which is different from the regular stray hay that most pet parents go for. The two hays – aside from both being plant-based – have almost nothing in common and are two different things. Long-stem grass hay will be better for the dog because it’s allegedly healthier and it maintains its structure and warmth better.
  • Second, another article from PetEducation advises against using either one of those options due to the possibility of infesting your DIY cold weather dog house with sarcoptic mange, fleas and ticks. It’s difficult to say how much truth there is to that, but you can never be too well-informed. Instead, the article suggests using wood shavings as your dog’s house bedding. They will probably be more expensive and harder to clean, but it’s a safer option overall.

Feeling super adventurous and confident in your DIY skills? Then go ahead and try building a DIY cold weather dog house from scratch. Below, I’ll provide you with some great online guides by experienced DIYers that will set you on the right path to getting your very first winter dog house right.

dog sleeping in bed in dog house

Building a DIY cold weather dog house from scratch

If mods aren’t what you’re into and you want to start from the ground up, the web is awash with free plans, designs, and instructions on how to create a DIY cold weather dog house from scratch. I went ahead and selected a few that specifically address the need for winter-ready features.

  • Ron Hazelton’s​ custom insulated dog house seems to be the most popular How-To article when it comes to DIY help. The plans can be downloaded for free and not only can you view a video along with the written instructions, but there are separate videos for each step in the process. His measurements work off of the size of your own dog for a truly custom fit.
  • On Insulated Siding YouTube channel, you can find this​ DIY video. It’s main features​ are insulated siding (of course), a hinged roof with tiles, and is built using precut wood panels. This is a great video for people who already have some handyman experience, as it gives a quick summary of the process rather than detailed steps.
  • Examiner has a detailed article here​​. It includes step­--by-­-step directions for installing Styrofoam sheeting for insulation and for making a heat source from a paint can. There are also videos and instructions for making a complete dog house from start to finish.

It’s best to follow either one of the above DIY guides to build your very first DIY cold weather dog house. Try to avoid experimenting with your first construction as you do not want to put your pet in danger after you’re done with the project. This is the reason why I chose not to instruct you guys in this article on how to build your own winter dog house but instead link to some credible sources.

Finally, I would highly suggest watching the below video for more tips, advice and proper guidance on building the dog house for winter months. Very good information overall for anybody looking to get some inspiration and ideas.

Good luck with whichever method you choose! Taking the time to gather your materials beforehand and do a bit of research will set you up for success. Before long, your dog will have a cozy hideout to be proud of.

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