A dog house is a terrific idea for your beloved canine companion. Whether your dog stays indoors or out, having his or her own house is very beneficial. It provides a private retreat and a cozy place to sleep. However, selecting the perfect dwelling for your dog takes some thought and planning. After reading this article, you will be able to choose the house that best suits your taste and your dog's needs.

The first step is to decide on the placement of the dog house. If it is to be an addition to your indoor décor, it's best set up in a corner or other low-traffic area of your home. This will provide your dog with a safe, quiet place to relax. If setting up outdoors, a couple of things need to be considered. First, consider the climate. Houses that are exposed to direct sunlight can reach extreme temperatures inside, causing serious and possibly fatal complications to your pet. During colder months, position the house so that the door is facing away from the wind. This will help keep your pet warm and reduce trips to the vet.

Secondly, you need to decide on the type of material you want the dog house constructed of. Plastic and metal absorbs heat and cold air causing temperature fluctuations. This provides a less-than-perfect environment for your pet. Wood is the best material for dog houses, as it tends to be more substantial than plastic and metal. Also, wood has more design add-on possibilities and provides your dog with better protection against the elements due to higher quality insulation. Regardless of the material you choose, make sure that there are no sharp edges that could be harmful to your dog.

The next matter is determining the size of your dog house. Choosing the proper size for you pet is very important. Dogs feel safer and more secure in smaller areas. However, the house should be big enough to allow your dog the ability to comfortably turn around inside the house and lie down completely stretched out inside. A house that is too large will warrant excessive cold air inside during inclement weather causing the body heat around your dog to be lost. Therefore, it is best to invest in a house that is properly sized for your pet's comfort and well-being.

Another thing that needs to be considered is the bedding. It serves the purposes of providing a soft surface for your pet to lie on, which will protect the joints from hard surfaces. Also, it helps to insulate from the underside, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature for your dog. For inside bedding, it is best to choose something that is washable or has a washable cover. For an outside house, cedar shavings are the better choice. The oils in the cedar will help repel fleas and ticks. You can also use a dense, moisture-proof pad because it stays dry and fleas can't penetrate it. The most important thing is to make sure that your pooch has a nice, dry, comfortable place to laze around.

Finally, make certain that your dog house comes equipped with a few added details. Some of the luxury details are more functional than indulgent, such as an elevated floor. It certainly enhances the appeal of the dog house, but it serves several purposes. Elevated flooring provides better ventilation, controls parasite infestation, and protects the house from flooding. Also, choose a house that has a vent at or near the top. This permits an exchange of air, which will reduce humidity and circulate fresh air inside the house. For cleaning purposes, look for a house with a removable rooftop and/or removable bottom panels. This will make cleaning the inside easier and you won't have to crawl inside yourself!

Now that you have the proper information, choosing a dog house will be a cinch. When you head out on your shopping adventure, remember the five basics of finding dog house perfection. Your pet's dog house is more than a shelter, it is a cozy place to snuggle up and escape from the world. Safety comes first, one size doesn't fit all, and it is okay to splurge for what is important.