With winter approaching, it’s time to think about your pet. If your dog is an outdoor dog, he probably owns a doghouse. However, today’s modern doghouse is very different from those sold just a few years ago. Before the cold weather starts, consider upgrading to a newer model.

A well-built and insulated doghouse can be a good option. When shopping for a dog house for your pet, consider the following:

– Color is important. Choose a color suitable for your climate. Black absorbs heat from the sun and white absorbs very little heat. If you live in a climate with mild winters but scorching summers, you may want to purchase a light colored one. However, if you live in a climate with mild summers and cold winters, a dark-colored house will help keep your pet warm.

– How big is your dog? You don’t want to put a large dog in a small house, or put your small pet in very large quarters. The dog must be able to lie down and roll over in the house. However, a cozy home will allow your dog to use his own body heat to keep warm. To be accurate when making your purchase, measure your dog while he is lying down or sleeping. You will want to measure width, length, and height.

– Buy an insulated doghouse. An isolated home can sometimes cost more, but it is worth the additional expense. An insulated doghouse is built with polystyrene sheeting as insulation on the walls, ceiling, and floor, and is usually covered with panels or some type of material or plastic. When buying an insulated one, find out about the construction. When searching the internet for an insulated doghouse, you can do a good deal of research before making a purchase.

– Make sure you find a house where the floor is raised several inches off the ground. This will prevent water from running inside and will also prevent snow from accumulating and blocking the entrance to the house.

– Is the doghouse made of wood, plastic or some other material? Although you may assume that pressure-treated wood is the ideal material, it is actually very toxic. Pressure-treated wood contains heavy metals, arsenic, and other chemicals that could be poisonous or dangerous to your pet. A natural wood, such as cedar, cypress, or teak, would be a better option.

– Consider a dog house heater. Yes, they make heaters specifically designed for dog and cat houses. Look for a specialty retailer that sells unique pet supplies, such as warmers. Decide if you need a heater powered by a generator or an electrical connection. Most heaters require little maintenance once installed.

– Your new doghouse should be placed in a sheltered location, if possible, and away from the wind.

– Put a flap at the entrance. You can buy a commercially made flap. Other ideas include using a piece of carpet, an old winter coat, or perhaps cutting a flap from an old thermal sleeping bag.

– Don’t forget to line your dog’s house with straw and clean it once a week, if possible. Some people will put a pallet inside and put straw on top. This helps keep your pet off the cold, damp floor while providing the extra warmth from the straw. Hay should not be used because it may contain leaves, weeds, and other unwanted materials that can get caught in your pet’s fur.

For more ideas on how to keep your pet warm in the winter, check the internet or talk to your regular pet supply resource.