Learn what to put in an outside dog house for warmth as well as several other ways to keep your pups warm in the winter.
What to Put in an Outside Dog House for Warmth, and Other FAQs
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Dress for the Elements
Before you decide what to put in an outside dog house for warmth, you need to make sure your dog is adequately prepared for the elements. Smaller dogs and those with less fur may need a little extra help keeping warm, and a winter dog coat, sweater or jacket works well. You might even consider boots for your dog. Remember, if you are cold, your dog probably is as well.
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Keep Paws Clean
During winter walks, all that ice, deicer and salt can build up in your dog’s paws. If your dog then licks them, they could be ingesting harmful poisons. Every time you come in from the cold, wipe down your dog’s paws and check for ice buildup.
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Don’t Leave Dogs Outside Alone for Long Periods
When it’s extremely cold, dogs shouldn’t stay outside for long periods. On cold days, limit outside trips to bathroom breaks and exercise, and shorten the walk, if necessary.
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Create Warming Stations Inside
Ensure your dog has a couple of spots in the house to warm up. A blanket or dog bed works just fine. However, beware of space heaters that can easily be knocked over and heated mats that can burn your dog’s skin. If you wouldn’t let a toddler be around something unobserved, don’t use it for your dog either.
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Keep Dogs on Leash
When you’re out walking your dog in the winter, keep them on a leash. This will prevent your dog from running off and getting lost in a snowstorm or in the cold woods. It doesn’t matter how well trained your dog is, a leash is an important component of keeping him safe.
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Insulate the Dog House
If your dog spends a lot of time outside in the winter months, provide appropriate shelter. The shelter should be secured to the ground, have a sloped roof and a soft place to sleep. The dog house should also be insulated. The floor should be at least 4 inches off the ground and should be insulated with straw to prevent the cold from radiating up from the ground. Wondering what else to put in an outside dog house for warmth? Place another layer of straw on the floor and consider topping it with some warm bedding.
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Keep Dogs Fed and Hydrated
Make sure all dogs always have access to clean, unfrozen water. For working dogs, there are heated bowls designed for outdoor living. While you can feed outdoor dogs more in the winter to help keep their metabolism up, check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
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Bathe Your Dog Inside
If you’re bathing your dog during the winter, do it inside. Being wet will make a dog cold quickly. Once you’re done with the bath, let your dog dry completely before sending them back outside. You wouldn’t send your kids outside with wet hair, and you shouldn’t do that to your dog either.
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Bring All Dogs Inside When It’s Extremely Cold
No matter the breed or age, all dogs should be kept inside when it’s extremely cold, even if they have a well-insulated outside kennel. If it’s cold for long periods, consider moving an outdoor dog inside until temperatures warm up.
FAQ
How cold is too cold for different breeds and sizes of dogs?
Resident veterinary expert at Waggel, Aimee Warner explains how breed and size affect cold tolerance in dogs. “Small breeds such as chihuahuas and toy breeds will begin to show the effects of hypothermia at 45 degrees Fahrenheit, while heavy coats on large breeds can tolerate it up to 20 degrees or lower.” However, size is not always the only factor when it comes to dog safety in the cold. Warner continues, “A slender greyhound will freeze in cold weather despite its size, yet a tiny Pomeranian might tolerate cold conditions better than you’d imagine.”
Warner offers the following general guideline: “I typically suggest bringing in dogs when it falls below 32 degrees for an extended period, breed notwithstanding. For elderly or medically vulnerable dogs such as those with arthritis or heart disease, that temperature should be significantly higher — perhaps 50 degrees.”
What are behavioral signs your dog is too cold, even if they’re not shivering?
Warner shares, “I instruct owners to observe for slight signs of behavioral changes caused by cold stress before shivering even starts. Lethargy is usually the initial presentation,” she says, cautioning to watch for a “normally active dog who will not move or play.”
Warner details further signs that your dog may be too cold: “I also observe dogs lifting their paws a lot, seeking warm surfaces, or pushing against warm sources such as house walls or sunlit areas.” Furthermore, she continues, “Whining or changed vocalization may signal pain, and others become clingy or fussy when cold.”
Warner goes on to explain the most concerning behavioral signs that your dog is too cold. “Most ominously, perhaps, is when the dogs tuck themselves into a ball or attempt to conceal themselves in inappropriate places — like burrowing beneath porches or into unsafe areas. These are often precursors to the more overt bodily signs and mark the window during which intervention is optimal.”
What are some general safety considerations for dogs outside?
Warner shares, “The largest safety issue I deal with as a veterinarian is that owners don’t understand how fast outdoor temperature can be hazardous to their pets.” But temperature isn’t the only consideration. “Beyond temperature, we have wind chill, surface temperature, and length of time they are exposed,” she adds. “I always advise pet owners, if you cannot stand outside without a hat and gloves for yourself, likely your dog cannot either.”
Warner offers some tips for providing adequate shelter for outdoor dogs. “Several of the most important safety precautions involve offering enough shelter that is dry, windless, and the right size — not too large that it can’t hold body heat, but large enough to allow the dog to stand and move around comfortably.” She emphasizes, “Access to unfrozen water is absolutely required because dehydration can happen even in extremely cold conditions.”
What are some common mistake dog owners make when it comes to keeping dogs outside?
“The most common error I witness is owners believing a dog’s coat will be suitable protection without taking into account the individual animal’s needs,” says Warner. “I’ve dealt with numerous instances where owners left double-coated breeds such as Jack Russell Terriers outside believing they’re suitably insulated but failed to take into account the issues of age, health, or acclimatization.” She continues, “Another fatal error is applying human reasoning. Just because a dog is not trying to find cover doesn’t mean they’re happy,” she explains, adding, “Dogs are such stoic animals because they will mostly not express distress until the animal is in genuine distress.” Finally, Warner shares, “There are also owners who provide shelter but fail to check if it’s keeping out wind and moisture, which are more dangerous than the cold.”
About the expert
Aimee Warner is the resident veterinary authority at Waggel, a UK-based pet insurance company, where she delivers expert guidance on a comprehensive range of pet health issues. As a trusted voice in veterinary care, she combines clinical expertise with practical advice that pet owners can implement immediately. She specializes in translating complex veterinary concepts into accessible advice. Her practical recommendations on seasonal pet care, preventative health measures, and behavioral management have helped countless pet owners enhance their animals’ quality of life.
