Best dog bed to keep my dog warm outside?
09 Jan 2009
Whats the best way to keep my dogs dog box warm during the winter? Right now I put straw in her box and put a blanket over top of that so shes comfortable. Is this good or should I buy her some kind of dog bed? Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
You sound pretty much on target with what you already do. If the doghouse has an open door front we would attach like a blanket or burlap feed sack over it so the COLD wind and snow wouldn't blow so directly in fido's face. It's not perfect but it helps and fido will be greatful for any assistance. It also allows them to easily go back and forth to eat and drink and potty. They can use their nose to nudge back in just the same way they learn to come out of their warm bed. Good luck!
11 Responses
2009 Jan 10
lots of blankets.
my dog loves to burry himself.
but, obviously, the safest answer is to bring him inside…
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2009 Jan 10
I have 21 Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, and we keep them outside all winter. Up here in northern Minnesota, it can reach negative 60 at times.
Best thing to do is give them a dog house (you said 'box') or a wood 'box' that is covered to protect them from the wind. The type of dog house we use are called "dogloo's" they look like igloo's. The shape of them keeps the heat in in the winter, and they stay suprisingly cool in the summer.
We use straw, and no blankets. They will move the straw around and curl up. Just be sure the straw stays dry, and they will be plenty warm.
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2009 Jan 10
keep a lot of blankets, not old towels cause those absorb the cold air and get cold. if you have a few bucks to spare go to wal mart and buy some cheap thermals and line the bottom and sides of the bed with it and the dog will be warm as butter.
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my dog's warm body
2009 Jan 10
anything with fleece
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2009 Jan 10
Plenty of clean dry straw does the trick! Make sure the dog house is not facing towards wind and has plenty of protection. It can get mighty cold in winter.
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2009 Jan 10
You sound pretty much on target with what you already do. If the doghouse has an open door front we would attach like a blanket or burlap feed sack over it so the COLD wind and snow wouldn't blow so directly in fido's face. It's not perfect but it helps and fido will be greatful for any assistance. It also allows them to easily go back and forth to eat and drink and potty. They can use their nose to nudge back in just the same way they learn to come out of their warm bed. Good luck!
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2009 Jan 10
I used to use a long extension cord, and put a heating pad under thick blankets cover the door with a flap so the warm doesnt get out….. Im sorry but 60 degrees below sounds like animal cruelty to me that is awful.
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2009 Jan 10
blankets and "dog beds" freeze ! they will get dog body moisture and freeze … dogs belong inside with the family…if you want an outside animal get a cow. then put him in a heated barn… there is NO warmth in straw and pillows. very very crewl treatment for a dog. imo. try sitting out there with your dog on his pillow for 10 minutes then x that by a whole winter. only dogs that love the cold like newfys and st's and sled dogs should be out. so if you have one like that forgive me. but i hope you see what i ment.
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even winter lovers should have a heated "dog house"
2009 Jan 10
kind of depends on the breed. have had shepherd, lab, and malemute. had houses for all, and if it rained they might go in it. my lab had pups one winter and wouldn't have them in the house, but had them beside it. -20f and my malemute was basking himself in the ummm sunlight. my shepherd used it more than any. he loved the house in wet weather. if the dog is very shorthaired, you should read up on it. if your dog is an outside dog, you don't have to worry much unless it goes down in temp and stays down. then no house will do but yours until it passes. for some dogs, it seems their metabolism seems to be such that cold doesn't really fizz on them, while others are apt to be sick and dead by 0*and down
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2009 Jan 10
Your house
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2009 Jan 10
I don't have an outside dog, I do have 2 cats though that absolutely REFUSE to live in a house. So during the winter I fix them up a place in the shed with hay, blankets, and a plant "grow" lamp to keep them warm. You need to go out every couple of days and shake out the blanket to keep it soft, they can get stiff and uncomfortable to lay on if the wrinkles get pressed in by the animal's body. It isn't cruel to have your animal live outside if they are well cared for, and it sounds to me like you are concerned for your animal's health and well being.
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