The Best Dog House Heaters (Review) in 2020

What to Look for When Buying a Dog House Heater

• Safety

Dog house heaters come in different shapes and sizes and most of them are powered by electricity. The idea of your pooch sitting on or next to a heater can be a little daunting but these items were tailormade to be used by animals and their safety features can vouch for that. For example, self-warming beds rely on natural thermostatic heat as well as dog body heat in order to raise the temperature of the bed to optimal levels. Heating panels or air-conditioning units are equipped with both a thermostat and a thermal cut off that prevents the device from overheating. Chew resistant wire is also a must when it comes to dog house heaters and so are nontoxic fabrics. Keeping an eye out for these little details will help you choose the safest heating product for your pooch.

• Size

The size of the heating unit you intend to buy also matters a great deal, because the last thing you need is a furnace or pad that is too small for your pooch and his outdoor kennel. Investing in the wrong size will cost you extra money and will also fail to provide your dog with his fair share of warmth during winter. Knowing the dimensions of your dog house will give you the opportunity to buy a heater that packs enough power to heat up this space. Likewise, a heating mat with a large surface area provides much needed comfort for medium and large dogs.

• Cleanliness

If your pooch is a fan of playing in the rain and leaving muddy pawprints all over your floors, then you will most definitely need a heating mat with a washable slip cover. The best thing about having this outer cover is that you can clean it in the washing machine so you can provide your pooch with clean bedding inside his heated dog kennel . Some heating pads come with water resistant fabric and this is also a great choice for dogs who enjoy lounging outdoors for a change.

• Quality

Sometimes, you can judge a book by its cover and this is the case when it comes to quality heaters. If you purchase a poorly made unit, the wires and fan may show signs of trouble early on, and the unit itself may be prone to overheating. Nowadays, you can easily find quality heating pads and units made of durable components that can handle high temperatures. Glass reinforced plastic covers and stainless steel cords are two examples of top notch materials that are used in heating lamps and dog beds. Fabrics such as fleece and polyester are the covers of choice for heating mats since they provide comfort and durability for your pooch. Beds with orthopedic foam  are also one more example of heated products that offer your senior dog joint support and warmth at the same time. However, if you do have a highly active pooch on your hands, then opting for a bed with a non-slip bottom will help keep it in place.

• Portability

Dog owners in need of a practical and transportation friendly heating system will find heating pads a more suitable option for their pooch. Therefore, the issue of portability also dictates the type of dog house heater that you intend on getting for your dog. These flat heating pads are available with thermal interiors that help preserve his body temperature during winter car rides and vet appointments.

Why Do I Need a Heater for Dog House?

Cold weather breeds such as Siberian huskies and American Eskimo dogs have a double thick coat that was made for snow and harsh weather. If your dog is not included in this category, then he will definitely need a kennel heater in winter, especially if he spends a good chunk of his day outdoors or within the confines of his dog house. Cold weather in general is not an issue, especially if your pooch was a healthy adult, however, once the temperature drops below 45°F, sensitive breeds will start to feel the stinging cold and become uncomfortable as a result. Newborn puppies, senior dogs and those with a thin coat will need a sufficiently warm environment once the temperature dips below 32°F. This also applies to puppies who are prone to illness and dogs recovering from an injury. Providing adequate heating for your pooch becomes paramount in such an unforgiving climate. Therefore, installing a dog heater and adding insulation to his kennel is  the least you can do to make sure that he stays warm and healthy all season.

Different Types of Dog House Heaters

• Electric Heaters

There is nothing like coming home to a warm and cozy living room and this is exactly what electric heaters do. They warm up the room and are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes to match your room size and personal preference.  The same concept applies to dog house heaters. These heaters were specifically designed for animal enclosures and kennels. Some of them are shaped like a flat screen television while others are more curved  and can be mounted on the wall. Their wattage and heating capabilities also vary according to their size and they also have thermostats you can set.

• Lamp Heaters

Lamp heaters are mostly used in farms to provide heat for chickens and baby lambs but they are also ideal companions for kennels. Heat lamps for dog houses are made out of a solid ceramic element and their bulb emits natural sun like infrared heat that does not interfere with sleeping patterns. This radiant heat source needs to be placed out of reach of pets since it can become hot to the touch when on.

• Heated Beds

These beds are ideal for dogs who need to be in direct contact with their heat source. They also make a great foundation for kennels and can be placed anywhere around your house, especially in drafty rooms. Most of them are made of premium rubber that is tough enough to last and some of them even have an internal thermostat to regulate the temperature of the bed.

• Microwavable Pads

These heaters provide instant warmth for your pooch and they consist of a thermal gel placed inside a circle shaped  pad. This pad can then be placed inside the microwave for a specified number of minutes. It is incredibly practical and easy to use.

• Solar Powered Dog House Heaters

Environmentally friendly and cost effective in the long run, these heaters rely on the energy of the sun to power them. A solar panel system is the way to go if you need to provide round-the-clock heat for your pooch without worrying about  fire or electrical hazards. These panels are usually installed on the roof where they soak up the heat from the sun and send it to a network of water filled tubes.

Tips for Heating a Dog House During the Winter

• Elevate the dog house to avoid contact with the cold ground. This will prevent it from getting flooded during a thunderstorm. If cold water enters the house, then it can ruin the warm bedding and may cause an electrical hazard as well.
• Insulation is a necessity during winter so investing in a wooden structure with insulation panels covering the walls, doors and roof will keep your pooch warm and comfortable. You can also use standard or EPS foam for good measure.
• Lining the floor of the house with straw is always a good idea. You can replace the straw with wood shavings and place a rug on top of it for added insulation.
• Fixing cracks and holes before the wet season begins can be done using poly fil glue or any water proof type caulk.
• Never place the dog house in the middle or near a stream of cold air. Relocating the kennel to the garage or any other covered area can act as a wind breaker.
• Install a dog flap

Best Dog House Heater FAQ:

Q: What is a dog house heater?

A: A dog house heater is a device whose sole purpose is to produce heat no matter the size or location of your kennel. There are many types of heaters as discussed above and they are specifically designed to provide a safe and  warm environment for your pooch.

Q: When should I heat a dog house?

A: If you live in an area where the temperature is most likely to fall below 45°F and if your dog is not a winter breed, then heating his dog house becomes essential. This also applies to dogs with thin coats, senior dogs and newborn puppies who are at risk of getting a cold during winter.

Q: Are heaters bad for dogs?

A: Quality heaters that meet local and international safety standards are very safe, especially if they were installed and used in the correct manner. All you need to do is follow the instructions carefully to avoid any future issues. However, it is important to note that mini dog houses are not exactly ideal for heaters since they offer very little space between the heating unit and the dog.

Our Top Pick:

The Mica Panel Heater from DeLonghi comes in a sleek modern finish that can be mounted on the wall or wheeled from one room to the next with ease. This lightweight and portable heater has a thermostat and multiple temperature settings and is able to heat up a three hundred square feet room. The thermal cut off feature and internal tip over switch contribute to the overall safety of this unit. Moreover, the DeLonghi offers silent and noise free heat that will wrap your pooch in a fuzzy blanket of warmth thanks to its 1500 watts heating power. All in all, this is a premium product that can give you peace of mind and portable warmth at the touch of a button

Sources:

1. How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Dog?, PetMD

2. Add a Heating Element to Your Dog House, DoItYourself.com

3. 22 Ways To Heat, Warm or Insulate A Dog House For Cold Weather, The Daily Shep