5 Best Dog House Heaters For 2023

A dog house heater is any apparatus whose function is to emit heat and produce an alteration in temperature and insulation that can protect your dog from winter temperatures. Finding the best one for your dog’s situation is important for both their health and wellness, and the decision should come only after a good bit of research. But there are plenty of options to choose from. How can you tell which is right for you?

Top 5 Best Selling Dog House/Kennel Heaters

There are so many dog heating products on the market that when shopping for the right heater for your dog, you should take all the pros and cons of each options into consideration. Based on features like security, safety, usage, and effectiveness, here are the 5 of the most popular and frequently purchased options for dog house/kennel heaters available on the market. You’ll recognize a few of these names from the list of the top 5 best above:

• Akoma Heat-N-Breeze Dog House Heater
• Vornado AVH2 Whole Room Vortex Heater
• DeLonghi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater
• DP Hunter Dog Floor Heater
• Cosy Products CL-PW Warmer Safe Pet Heater (200 watts)

Advancements in technology over the past decade have led to an almost overwhelming number of marketable options when it comes to space heaters and kennel heating technology. Light bulb space heaters, solar powered dog house heaters, microwaveable pads, even fully insulated kennels are just a few of the many choices available for you and your pet. Here are the top 5 best dog house heaters for this winter:

1. K&H Manufacturing Lectro-Kennel Heated Pad

• The extremely efficient K&H lectro-kennel heated pad is soft, inflatable, and easily transportable. While other heating pad surfaces are more firm and unyielding, the K&H lectro-kennel heated pad will mold itself to fit the form of your sleeping pup. Both arthritic and geriatric dogs will benefit from this type of design, but any dog trying to sleep on a comfortable and warm surface will find this pad ideal.
• It also uses very little power: with the Lectro-Kennel pad, there’s no need to worry about turning it on and off. Once plugged into an outlet or power source, this pad powers up and starts emitting heat as soon as your dog lays down. And when it doesn’t sense your dog’s weight anymore, it stops.

2. Akoma Heat-N-Breeze Dog House Heater and Fan

• With the presence of a convenient mounting template, the the Akoma is compatible with just about any dog house. It stays cool to the touch, even when it’s on and functioning, and also includes a built-in sensor that conserves energy by automatically turning off when not in use.
• Also comes equipped with an 8 foot power cord, so powering the heater safely and at a reasonable distance from the dog house itself allows flexibility of location that can further protect your dog from harsh weather conditions with the enabling of ideal dog house placement.
• The unit itself is relatively quiet, and the noise won’t disturb your dog’s slumber. Not only is the Akome a heater, but it also serves another purpose; as a ventilator. This means that even when it isn’t working as a heater, it still functions as a dual-ventilation system that can bring fresh air in and facilitates air circulation, even in summer months. Pet owners everywhere agree that this heating unit is unrivaled in quality and definitely worth the money.

3. K&H Deluxe Lectro-Soft Heated Outdoor Bed

• This is the first ever orthopedic outdoor heated bed, and another great product from the manufacturing collaborators at K&H Pet Products. It is constructed from high quality vinyl and PVC materials, and is soft, comfortable, and water-resistant.
• The K&H Lectro heating pad is available in three different sizes, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Its reasonable yet minimal surface area allows it to fit almost anywhere and accommodate any dog, regardless of size.
• But perhaps the best thing about Lectro-Soft heating options is a built-in thermostatic control that helps regulate the temperature and keep your dog comfortable without overheating.
• Purchase of the pad comes with a free fleece cover, removable bolster, and a 1 year warranty.
• The Lectro is also extremely durable, and pet owner reviews of this product often point out its exceptional ability to withstand the active paws and jaws of their dogs.

4. Delonghi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater

• The Delonghi Mica Panel Heater has a lightweight and sleek design, and turns off automatically when it begins to give off too much heat.
• Includes two thermal settings and six different in-between functions, as well as ‘micathermic’ technology, which allows an even dispensation and flow of heat, helping to distribute the heat to all corners of a room, kennel, or garage.
• This Delonghi heater even has a safety cage around the unit that ensures your pet won’t get too close to the source of the heat.

5. DP Hunter Dog Floor Heater

• Another thermostatically controlled pad, this heater comes equipped with an electric fuse to keep the temperature within a moderate and effective range. Pets can lay directly on the pad and never be at risk of overheating. It is also waterproof, and proven itself to be durable even in sub-zero outside temperatures. But it can also be used indoors as well.
• Because it is waterproof, dogs who are not yet housebroken, or those older pets with difficulty controlling their bodily functions often find this pad as a viable option. And its power cable is wrapped safely in a thick tubing that protects the cord from your pet chewing through the wires.
• Made domestically, the DP Hunter is a durable, long-lasting and effective heating option typically sold in a small size (just 0.75”x18”x13”), however there is also a larger size available for a slightly higher price.

Honorable Mention:

“Sharon’s Cozy Pet Warmer” Pet Comfort

• Sharon’s Cosy Pet Warmer provides low-grade radiant heat, measuring in at only about the size of a computer monitor. Because of its low wattage and soft distribution of heat, it is a perfect option for elderly dogs. Also perfect for cats and other small pets.
• This small heating unit is perfect for smaller spaces where other alternatives may not fit. You are able to either prop it up with the feet included with the purchase, or you can mount it on a wall. It can be mounted safely in kennels and dog houses, and is designed to reduce the risk of electric shock.
• It is also portable and safe, clean and weather resistant, and comes with a six month manufacturer’s warranty.

The winter season brings with it changes in weather and climate that affect us all. Our clothing thickens, our ability to withstand outside temperatures decreases, and our efforts to insulate the interior of our homes increase.

Especially in geographical regions that experience heavy snowfall and frequent below-freezing temperatures, our dogs deserve the same chances for warmth and protection from the weather as we afford ourselves.

One of the biggest mistakes any dog owner can make is assuming that a dog’s fur coat is sufficient protection against the winter elements. But this is just not true. Even the thickest fur coats may not be enough to ward off the chill of the winter months.

A dog’s coat does help them retain a certain amount of warmth, but conditions like frostbite may emerge after being exposed to the cold for too long. Subjection to extreme temperatures can cause ice crystals to form in a dog’s veins and arteries, which, when ignored, can lead to circulatory problems and may even turn into other serious ailments like frostbite or nerve damage. In these cases

Do I Really Need To Heat a Dog House? If So, When?

Our pets experience the same world that we do, but lower to the ground and subjected to the elements in a way that is often more direct. Since heat rises, it is easy to forget how cold the floors and backyards of our own houses can become when the weather changes. And while humans can wear multiple layers of clothing, dogs are pretty much stuck with whatever thickness and warmth their natural coat provides.

Small dogs should never be subjected to cold weather temperatures outside, and female dogs who are pregnant also must be especially careful about exposure to the elements. Remember, the thickness of a dog’s fur coat does improve his/her ability to ward off cold temperatures, but perhaps less so than you may think.

Even your dog’s age matters. Older dogs have slower metabolisms, and thus have a more difficult time staying warm. The discrepancy between indoor dog house and outdoor dog house also matters. All of these factors must be considered together before you invest in any heating equipment or technology.

What To Look For In a Good Kennel Heater

A good kennel heater keeps the kennel insulated and provides warmth. Ideally, there is some sort of thermostatic monitoring function that regulates the emittance of heat, and turns off the heating function as needed.

And perhaps the most important factor to keep in mind when shopping for a kennel heater relate to the type of dog for whom you are purchasing the heater. When shopping, you should always consider your dog’s size, fur coat, and general amount of time spent outside. Once it is time to look for a heater, you should evaluate every option’s safety, quality, and objective characteristics.

The Most Important Fundamentals of Dog House Heating

Before you spend money on heating a dog house, you’ll want to set up a basic situation and positioning of a dog house that will facilitate the heater’s effectiveness. There are a few things you can do first to maximize your purchase as you move towards buying dog house heating equipment. The fundamentals of heating any dog house include:

• Safety

  • One of the most critical aspects of any dog house heating system is safety. While the objective is to keep your dog warm, it is also important to remember that dogs cannot sweat. Because of this, the best heaters on the market include a built in thermometer with the capacity to monitor the temperature and maintain a safe balance between warmth and intensity can make all the difference for your pet.
  • Whatever heating unit you think may be the best fit for your dog house, first consider its safety features. This includes presence of a thermostatic monitor and automatic power-off function, as well as durability against general wear and tear, water damage, and electric shock.

• Size

  • Everybody wants to provide as much space as possible within a dog house, to keep your dog comfortable and with room to stretch and lay comfortably. Because of this, size is also important. This doesn’t mean just size of the heater itself, but also the size of the dog, kennel or space, and the magnitude of the unit’s reach when producing heat.

• Location

  • Temperature regulation begins at the ground level. This doesn’t mean you should necessarily purchase extravagantly sized heating pads that reach across entire rooms, but it does mean choosing a good location to place your dog house, as far away from the cold and wind as possible.
  • When strategizing where to put your dog house to minimize the effects of cold weather, there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll want to find a location out of the path of blowing gusts of wind, so that it does not fill the dog house and undo the work of your heater. Wind chill is often even colder than the overall air temperature, and even your best efforts to keep your dog warm can be thwarted by a cold wind through a dog house door situated in front of a constant and active wind.
  • You should also try to find a raised, elevated area of your backyard upon which to place a dog house. Especially in regions with heavy snowfall, after the snow melts, the cold water left behind can gather in pools and can seep into the walls. Higher ground, or at least raising it onto a structure or platform can prevent this water from flooding your dog’s house, and keep both your dog and your house high and dry.

Heating an Indoor Dog House vs Outdoor Dog House

When it comes to keeping different dogs warm and cosy, different options that work better for indoor dog houses as opposed to the outdoors. for those who spend their days and nights outdoors. Outdoor dog houses require more work and attention in areas of focus like location, structure, and built-in insulation. This is also why you may want to consider simply bringing your dog inside before you spend money on a heating unit for an outdoor dog house. It all depends on your situation.

But even inside a well-insulated home, the floors (especially tile and wood floors) can be cold and uncomfortable to the paws and belly of your sleeping pup. This is where heating an indoor dog house is always a good idea.

Kennel Heater vs. Dog Heating Pads

The main difference between a kennel heater and a dog heating pad is a matter of surface area covered. Kennel heaters are built to fill the entire kennel space with heat waves that can insulate and provide warmth for hours at a time.

Dog heating pads can also help ward of the cold for your pet, particularly in cases of dogs who have little more than a thin coat of fur to protect from temperature changes. Because they really only provide direct warmth, heating pads are generally considered  best used inside.

Using a Kennel Heater vs. Fleece Dog Coats vs. Dog Seaters

Beyond kennel heaters, there are other alternatives out there. Two other sound options for keeping your dog warm without having to spend the big bucks on a dog house are fleece dog coats and dog seaters.

Dog seaters, like dog house heating pads, provide heat over a focused surface area that can help your dog sleep, nap, and rest comfortably, even as the floor below them undergoes colder temperatures.

As long as your dog doesn’t mind wearing clothing, fleece dog coats are another nice way to add another layer to their fur coats. They can be a helpful and easy approach to protecting and insulating your dog’s legs, back, and hindquarters.

Other Ways To Cold Weather Proof a Kennel

And without space heaters or heating pads, there are a few other basic ways to protect your dog during the cold winter months. A few quality DIY options for those looking to insulate a dog house and keep their dog warm without the use of electronics or space heaters. These can include:

• Location

  • Even without a heating unit, simple location tactics (away from the trajectory of blowing winds, raised above the ground to protect against flooding, etc.) can go a long ways to ensuring that your dog stays warm and safe.

• Bedding

  • Sufficient bedding inside the kennel can bolster your dog’s ability to stay warm, especially when they are curled up and trying to sleep comfortably. Lining a dog house with straw and wood shavings can help to insulate the floor, and provide comfort in the same way a heating pad does. But there have been cases of hay or straw infested with fleas, ticks, and small bugs that can lead to heartworms or other health issues that can make a dog sick and an owner regret not exploring other more industrial options for insulation. If you do decide to go this route, be prepared to change out the bedding frequently (once every 2-3 weeks, if not more) to avoid infestations and unwanted visitors.

• Water

  • • Just as freezing temperatures cause snow, your dog’s water bowl can be also affected by the drop in temperature. At the very least, this means multiples trips to change out the water in their water bowl and keep it from freezing.

   

  • There are water bowls available for purchase that keep the bowl slightly heated and warm enough to keep from freezing. That way, your dog can stay healthy and hydrated without constant supervision, even in sub-zero temperatures.

• Insulation

  • Insulation in the walls of your dog’s house will also help you get the most out of a heating unit once you settle on the best option for your dog.
  • Fiberglass rolls, foam board, styrofoam sheets, even loose fill insulation can serve as alternatives to installing a heating unit. Also, making sure that the dog house includes a door can help insulate the dog house and protect your pet from strong winds and other elements of winter weather like snow, rain, and hail. Using materials like old carpet

Dogs are faithful friends and loyal companions, and they deserve comfortable living conditions, even when the weather gets cold. Cold weather health risks for a dog can include serious and life-threatening conditions like hypothermia, frostbite, nerve damage, organ failure, and even death.

Even without purchasing additional heating appliances, it also possible build your own dog heater using household items and DIY materials easily purchasable at any local hardware store. Industrial heating generator units and other generic heating lamps can also sometimes be converted into effective dog house heating options. The problem with these options is that they can present health and safety risks that further prove the usefulness and necessity of heaters designed specifically meant to be used inside dog houses.

The truth is that the only way to properly ensure that your dog stays warm is to spend a little bit of time and money finding the best option for you and for them. So before the weather changes and temperatures drop, take the necessary steps to invest in a dog house heater will keep your dog happy and healthy, even through the cold months.