Reducing Dampness in Wooden Dog Houses

High-quality wooden dog houses should not harbor a lot of dampness. Cedar especially is a wood that naturally fights moisture damage. It dries quicker than other woods. When you set up a new dog house, you can pay attention to a few additional components besides the type of wood. These other components will help to reduce lingering dampness in wooden dog houses. A dry, clean, and warm environment should make a good home for your beloved pet.

Use straw for bedding. Straw provides cushioning and warmth for your dog during cold winter months. Of course, you will need to replace the straw at times. Do not use dirty or smelly straw, only fresh straw. When it becomes dirty or damp, remove the old straw and place down a new layer of four to five inches in thickness. Monitoring the straw ensures that your dog stays comfortable in a clean and dry environment. Straw is easy to replace and doesn't hold moisture as a blanket would. It is safe and non-toxic material for your dog.

Shop for wooden dog houses with raised floors. You can also build a platform to provide a slight elevation for the dog house. A slight elevation prevents water from running inside and pooling on the floor of wooden dog houses. Furthermore, a slight elevation also creates an air bubble under the houses that aids in regulating air temperature inside the houses. Both of these results enhance your dog's comfort level year round, in cool or warm weather.

High-quality wooden dog houses should come with covers for the doors. Covers keep rain, wind, and snow outside where they belong. If the house you want to purchase doesn't include a cover, shop around for doors that you can add yourself or appropriate materials you can use to fashion a homemade door flap or cover.

Once you've observed the preceding suggestions, you should have provided a comfortable outdoor shelter for your pet. There are a couple final steps you may take to ensure that your dog stays comfortable and healthy.

Just like the bedding, the dog's coat can become dirty or damp. The dog house should keep the dog mostly dry. If your dog becomes dirty or wet while playing or running outside, dry him off.

Secondly, monitor the temperature outdoors. Even when you have taken all precautions, some weather is just too cold. During extremely cold weather, bring the dog indoors until the weather warms up again. You don't have to bring him inside for the whole winter or allow him to sleep on the bed or couch. But be kind to your animal and prevent him from freezing.

Use straw. Buy a dog house with a raised floor or incorporate elevation into its positioning. Keep openings covered. Finally, make sure your dog's coat stays dry, and bring the dog inside during extremely cold weather. Following these tips should prevent dampness from penetrating the dog house and reduce lingering dampness. With less dampness, your dog will remain more comfortable, even when the weather outside is dreary.