Our dogs are part of the family. As such, it’s necessary to give them the very best in life, and that often includes purchasing an outdoor shelter, or dog house. While most of us purchase our pooch with the intention of keeping them indoors, it’s still a good idea to purchase a well made dog house. Depending on personality, your dog may absolutely love the outdoors so a solid shelter is a must. Then, there are those who intend for their dog to be on guard duty most of the time. If this is the case, then the dog will require a durable, weather resistant and insulated dog house.
Sometimes, first time dog owners have no idea about how their dog will weather the elements. Sadly, there are some who think because a dog has fur, it will be able to tolerate weather extremes, and that is simply not the case. Many dogs are brought into veterinary offices, suffering from heat stroke or frost bite. So, as you can see, selecting the perfect dog house has important implications for the health and comfort of your pet.
Now that you have a good idea on how important it is to find the right dog house for your pet, it’s time to start looking over some of the best dog houses on the market. Our article of the 10 Best Insulated Dog Houses in 2022 & Buyer’s Guide is designed specifically to assist you in finding the perfect dog house, one which your dog will be able to use for years to come.
When you read the dog house reviews listed below, consider the needs of your pet, their size, will you need a heating cord portal, or will you prefer wood or plastic. For those of you who are searching for a shelter for outdoor feral cats, think of ease of cleaning and maintenance. All the the items listed in our dog house review, are from reputable, well-respected manufacturers who take the health and well being of your dog seriously.
Contents
- 10 Best Insulated Dog Houses in 2022 Reviews:
- 1. Suncast DH350 Dog House
- 2. ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace with Floor Heater
- 3. Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Norfolk Wooden Dog Kennel
- 4. Petmate Indigo Dog House
- 5. ASL Solutions DP Hunter Insulated Dog House
- 6. ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Large Dog Palace with Floor Heater
- 7. Boomer & George Large Dog House Lodge with Porch
- 8. Climate Master Plus Insulated Dog House Extra Large by Northland
- 9. Climate Master Plus Insulated Dog House Medium Size
- 10. Happybeamy New Outdoor Insulated Dog House Large
- How to Choose the Right Dog House for You
- What Size
- Materials
- Doorway Opening
- Elevated Base
- Ventilation
- Heating
- Purchasing a Dog House as a Feral Cat Shelter
10 Best Insulated Dog Houses in 2022 Reviews:
1. Suncast DH350 Dog House
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Your dogs are your very best buddies, so doesn’t that mean you give them the very best? An part of that means furnishing your beloved pet with a spacious residence of their very own. The Suncast DH350 Deluxe Dog House is built for dogs up to 100 pounds, and measures 33 x 38.5 x 32 inches. Each dog house is well ventilated, easy to clean and maintain. The Suncast DH350 is constructed with a durable plastic, resin material. When it’s time to clean, simply remove the roof and you’ll be able to clean it inside and out. This dog house is easy to assemble, all you do is snap one piece to another, and you’re done! Each purchase comes complete with a set of letters, so you can spell out your pups name on the dog house.
2. ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace with Floor Heater
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The ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace with Floor Heater has the charming look of a classically designed barn. This lovely Dog Palace comes completely insulated with 4 inches of Styro/EPS insulating foam, so your best friend stays warm in the summer and cool in the winter. This model measures 38.5 x 31.5 x 47.5 inches when assembled, with 30.5 x 24 x 35.5 inches inside, and comes with a portal for a heater cord in case you wish to add a heater later the dog house. Features include an easy pass through door, raised and slopped flooring, and a window panel in the door. The sloped flooring comes with a drainage hole which ensures that water you use when cleaning the interior, just drains out.
3. Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Norfolk Wooden Dog Kennel
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The Pets Imperial, Extra Large, Insulated Norfolk Wooden Dog House has insulated walls which are 150 percent thicker than its competition, and Is the perfect home for your medium to large sized dog. This insulated dog house, or outdoor kennel is manufactured with “Tongue and Groove” wood construction, with a thick layer of Styrofoam, and plywood. This works to keep your canine pal cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Features include a removable floor, easy to open roof, and 2 support rails. This dog house is meant for larger breeds, but just to be sure, measure your dog from toe to tip of their head, to make certain that he/she will be able to stand upright while inside, and not be cramped. Once you’ve done that, match that with the following measurements: The outside measures 46 x 31 x 32, and the interior is 41 x 26 x 28 inches.
4. Petmate Indigo Dog House
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The Petmate Indigo Dog House has a lovely, imaginative and quaint design of a sweet and simple igloo. With its integrated drainage system, this durable, easy to assemble ‘Igloo’ will work to keep your dog cool in the summer, and warm in winter. This dog house is built with ‘Structural Foam’, which is manufactured with insulated properties. The plastic also contains “Microban”, which ensures that your doghouse will be free from any mold, mildew growth and nasty smelling bacteria. The top roof ventilation is made with a rain cover, to let air in, and keep rain out. For those of you who live in cold, frosty climates, Petmate sells an insulated, cushion base which fits inside the structure, this is sold separately. This dog house has a doorway which measures 14.5 x 15.5 inches. This house is for large dogs 24 inches at the shoulder maximum, and measures43.8 x 34 x 25.8 inches, overall.
5. ASL Solutions DP Hunter Insulated Dog House
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The ASL Solutions DP Hunter Insulated Dog House is a great solution to help keep your best friend warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This model comes with a sloped floor, complete with drainage hole, which makes regular cleaning a snap. Simply hose it down, the water, filth and debris runs down the drainage hole, and let air dry. This sweet, quaint dog house will look lovely in your back yard, and stands 5-1/2 inches off the ground to keep your dogs bedding dry and warm. Manufactured with LLDPE plastic resin, protected with UV-8. Insulation is made from four inches of Styro/EPS insulating foam. For example, for outdoor temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the interior will be a warm 70 degrees, and at 0 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the interior will be 30 degrees. Convenient window panels open to let the air in for hot months, and close for cold, wintry months.
6. ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Large Dog Palace with Floor Heater
The ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Large Dog Palace is not only a fabulous dog house, but this package also comes with the floor heater, and is perfect for those of you who live in colder climates. This Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace by ASL measures 38.5 x 31.5 x 47.5 inches and is perfect for medium to large sized dogs, giving them plenty of room to stand, sit, turn and lie down. This design is attractive, and comes with an insulated ‘pass through’ door, with each of the 6 plastic wall panels filled with 2 to 4 inches of Expanded Polystyrene, or ESP foam to help keep your pup warm in winter, and cool in summer. After testing, it was found that if the outdoor temperature was 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the interior was 70 degrees. The base of the dog house is elevated off the ground to improve insulation. The electric floor heater is included in the package and measures 18 x 18 inches.
7. Boomer & George Large Dog House Lodge with Porch
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The Large Dog House Lodge from Boomer and George is a wonderful, and attractive addition to your backyard or garden area. What makes this dog house so special, is that it comes with a nice, sized porch/deck where your beloved pooch can relax outside without having to touch wet or snowy grass. Unlike other dog houses which are made from plastic resin, this model is manufactured with durable, fir wood. Fir is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, rot and insect infestation. This spacious, roomy dog house measures 67 x 38 x 31 inches, andallows for plenty of room for your dog to stand, sit and turn around. Features include: Raised floor, window for ventilation, sloped shingled roof, and an offset door which protects your dog from the elements.
8. Climate Master Plus Insulated Dog House Extra Large by Northland
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The Climate Master Plus Insulated Dog House by Northland is a charming addition to your garden landscaping. While this dog house looks rather simple and traditional in design, it is actually quite modern in its build. The Climate Master Plus is constructed with Northlands very own, patent-pending “PanelAbode” Panel System. PanelAbode makes the Climate Master Plus durable, stable and able to resist scratches, dampness, and insect damage. As for the roof, this model comes with a patent pending “Slide Lock” system, which makes the roof easily removable, no tools necessary. This easy to clean, maintain dog house can be assembled in under 10 minutes. Features include: Weather seals, raised feet, vented ridge cap, powder coated aluminum frame, durable acrylic door panels, lock, and all weather door. Outside dimensions are 44-3/4 x 47 x 49-1/4 inches, interior measures 36-1/2 x 38 x 43-1/4 inches, and the doorway opening is 16 x 23-3/4 inches.
9. Climate Master Plus Insulated Dog House Medium Size
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The Climate Master Plus, Insulated Dog House, medium size is made for dogs and cats which weight in at under 35 pounds. This is simply perfect for any of you who are part of one of the many neighborhood ‘neuter and release’ programs for feral cats, as you’re able to have a durable, weatherproof and insulated backyard shelter for these cats. The outside measures 25 x 29 x 25-1/4 inches, and the interior measures 16-3/4 x 20-1/2 x 19-3/4 inches, door is 9 x 12 inches, with the assembled house weighing in at 49 pounds. Constructed with Northlands own PanelAbode, this Laminated Engineered Panel System means your new dog house will be durable and resistant to damage from the environment. Features include: Powder coated alum frame, elevated feet, vented ridge cap, weather seals, lock, and acrylic clear door panels. The roof is made to be easily removable using Northlands own, patent pending Slide Lock Technology for easy care and maintenance.
10. Happybeamy New Outdoor Insulated Dog House Large
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The New Outdoor Insulated Dog House, large size, by Happy Beamy has an adorable, old fashioned, traditional design of a classic barn structure. This dog house is designed to keep your best friend warm in the winter and cool in the summer via 4 inches of Styro/EPS insulating foam for all wall panels as well as the door. Made for medium to large dogs, this dog house measures 38-1/2 x 31-1/2 x 47-1/2 inches outside, and 30-1/2 x 24 x 35-1/2 inches inside. For ventilation, it comes with a window which can be opened in summer, and closed in winter. The floor of this model is elevated above the ground 4 inches, so your dogs bedding will be warm and dry no matter the season or elements. Features include a heater cord portal, sloped flooring, drainage hole, and clear acrylic door window. Purchase of a heater is optional. However, without the heater, the insulated Dog Palace by Happy Beamy will raise the interior temperature 25 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
How to Choose the Right Dog House for You
After reading our review of the10 Best Insulated Dog Houses in 2022 and Buyer’s Guide so far, you should have a good idea of what you are looking for, and what will work best for you and your dog. Keep in mind that just because a dog has fur, does not mean it is automatically insulated from the elements, and many dogs suffer and die if kept outside without shelter. So, it’s wise to consider the climate you live in as well. Below, we’ve included some basic considerations which will assist you in finding the perfect dog house for you.
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What Size
Your dog should be able to stand, sit, turn around and lie down with comfort. if the dog house is too large, your dog will not be able to stay warm. If the dog house is too small, your companion will be cramped and extremely uncomfortable, and most likely prefer to sleep outside where they can stretch out. If you are fortunate enough to live near a pet supply store that allows pets inside, then take advantage of that. Bring your dog with you, and have a salesperson help you find the prefect dog house by letting your dog try them out.
It is strongly recommended that you actually measure your dog before you go shopping for a dog house. In other words, don’t trust your ability to try to imagine your dog in the house while at the store, or shopping online. This is not precise and will probably result in a dog house which is much too small. When measuring you dog, start from the floor to the top of their head. If your dog has upright ears, then measure to the top of the ears. Many recommend that the ceiling of your dog house should be at least 3 inches taller than your dog, so it will be able to stand up properly, turn and lie down without being cramped or strained.
If you are purchasing a dog house for a puppy, carefully consider not only the breed of the dog, but also the gender, as males tend to be larger than females. Make sure that you purchase a dog house which your puppy will be able to grow into, or you’ll be purchasing another within the next 9 months.
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Materials
Our next consideration is the materials your dog house is made from. Before we continue, please do not use one of those portable, metal dog houses. These are also known as “Dog Boxes” and are meant to house dogs when they are at dog shows, not for year round use. Metal will cause your dog to freeze in the winter, and be suffocatingly hot in summer.
Wood dog houses are very common. Wood has many pros such as providing excellent insulation, looks very nice in your yard, provides great protection against the environment. As long as you make certain to choose a dog house made from cedar, then fleas or ticks should not be an issue.
Plastic dog houses are light, easy to transport from one area of the yard to another, do not need to have protective sealer applied, and are extremely easy to clean and maintain. Keep in mind that plastic can absorb heat in the summer, so only purchase a plastic dog house that is constructed with insulation proven to keep the temperatures warm in winter, and cool in summer.
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Doorway Opening
Pay close attention to the door with regards to the size of your dog. No matter how roomy and spacious the interior, it’s not much good if your dog cannot get through. If the door is too large, it will let in the elements.
Fortunately, most of the dog houses sold on the market take this into consideration when they designed their dog house. Also, remember a door in the center of the dog house is a ‘no no’.
All dog house doors should be offset, as this offers greater protection from the elements, and privacy for your pooch. Some dog houses come with deflection panels which prevents the cold from entering.
Roof
Look for a dog house that has a durable, but easy to remove roof if possible. This makes it simple to clean and maintain your dog house.
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Elevated Base
Only choose a dog house that has an insulated, raised floor. The space between the ground and base is called, “Dead Air Space”, and provides much needed insulation, keeping your dogs bedding warm and dry. Also remember, bugs live in the soil, so you want to ensure that your dog house base does not come in contact with it, to minimize the chance of flea and tick infestation. If wood is your material of choice, be sure to select a wooden dog house which is made of cedar, so it will be both insect and rot resistant.
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Ventilation
Think of your dog, locked in a hot car in summer. Now, think of that same effect occurring within the dog house. To prevent such terrible overheating, your dog house must have adequate ventilation. While the door will offer some ventilation, you really want cross ventilation, so the clean, outdoor air enters one opening, and exits another. This will always keep the dog house fresh, and eliminate the possibility of stale air.
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Heating
Dogs get cold, and can die from exposure to the cold. This is especially true of older dogs, pregnant and short haired breeds. As such, it’s necessary to not only have an insulated dog house, but a heater as well. Some dog houses on the market have the ability to accommodate heaters, and come with a portal for the heater cord.
If you live in a cold climate, of course your dog house should be heated, especially if your dog has short to medium length hair. Types of heating units include panel heaters, vortex heaters and heating pads.
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Purchasing a Dog House as a Feral Cat Shelter
Today, many communities have a ‘catch, neuter and release’ program which they find useful in helping to keep the rodent population down. As a result, many people are purchasing dog houses to convert to feral cat shelters. If this is the reason you are shopping for a dog house, then perhaps consider choosing a model that is not only insulated, but easy to clean. Models, where the roof tops can be removed, with sloped floors and drainage holes, should work out fine.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our10 Best Insulated Dog Houses in 2022 & Buyer’s Guide. This guide was designed to help you find the best dog house for your needs, offering you a diverse collection of makes, models and styles from igloos to barns. Both plastic resin, insulated dog houses and wooden ones were represented, each with their own benefits. As long as you size the house, consider the materials, heating possibilities, ventilation and ease of cleaning and maintenance, you should end up with the perfect outdoor shelter which will comfortably house your dog or cats, for many years to come.
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