There are lots of benefits that you could have when you have a dog in your life. From the exercise you get by running and playing around with them to the emotional support they can provide you with, it’s not surprising that we consider them as man’s best friend.
This is a contributed post and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
However, you need to remember that your dogs should also benefit from having you in their lives. That’s why as much as we have a better home because of them, they should also have a home of their own, and that’s possible with an outdoor dog house.
In this article, we’re going to teach you why you need an outdoor dog house and a few considerations if you ever want to build one on your own.
Why You Need an Outdoor Dog House
Dogs naturally love to stay outside. With all their energy right at the beginning of the day, they would need to spend it on different kinds of activities. While some of these activities may involve you playing with them, other times, they just really need to run outside. That’s part of their nature.
However, because of their playful nature, an integral part of playing outside is getting dirty sometimes. Digging up the ground or just running around your backyard presents themselves with consequences such as getting your home dirty. One way to prevent that is by having an outdoor dog house where your dogs can stay after playing around.
During the summer, instead of running around in your backyard, you might find your dog just wanting to rest and avoid going out because of the heat. An outdoor dog house provides enough shade for your dog during this season. This also prevents your dog from digging up the ground in an attempt to find a spot to lay down, one that’s not heated.
What to Consider Before Building an Outdoor Dog House
If you want a dog house in your yard, you always have the option of building your own. However, not every dog house is the same. There are quite a few things that you may need to consider before building one. Don’t worry since we’ve listed them down below.
Your Dog’s Size
Dog sizes vary according to their breed. This also means that their behavior and the amount of space they need for their activities differ accordingly.
Obviously, a bigger dog needs a bigger dog house. Consider what breed of dog you have and how much space you think would be adequate that your dog won’t feel suffocated by the amount of space around him or her.
Your Dog’s Breed
Aside from the size of your dog, you may also need to consider their breed. Some dogs have thick fur, which means they might have more specific needs than others. Dogs with thick furs, such as Siberian huskies or Alaskan malamutes, would feel warm easily, and that can be a problem during summer. Make sure that you have contacts for professional services that install and repair air-conditioning units. This is an essential addition to your outdoor dog house to prevent canine diseases often caused by extreme heat.
Your Pet’s Habits
You know your pet’s behavior better than anyone. Ensure you conduct a proper observation of your dog’s habits before you build an outdoor dog house.
If your dog tends to pant a lot, this may mean that your dog will need proper ventilation in the dog house to provide enough air. If your dog likes moving around or playing with a toy, make sure that the dog house is spacious.
Weather
The weather is another essential thing that you need to consider when building an outdoor dog house. Keep in mind that you also need to provide proper insulation and warmth for your dog during winter.
On the other hand, summer means it would be rather hot. As such, you may need to remove the dog house’s door to ensure that the heat is not trapped inside.
Location
The location of your dog house also plays a vital role in its life span. What that means is if you build an outdoor dog house in a spot where rain pours heavily on it, and it catches direct sunlight on sunny days, chances are it won’t last longer than you want it to. Make sure that you pick a spot that has the most shade.
We all need a roof over our heads to protect us from the different weather conditions of our environment. If we really love our dogs, they should also have the same. Make sure that you invest in an outdoor dog house and that you know how to build one for your dog.
