Do you own one of the small dog breeds that think the only tolerable place is in your arms or your lap? When you are outside enjoying the nice weather, wouldn’t it be great if he or you had a nice bed to be on?
What if it rains, and you must remember to bring in the dog bed? Well, you’re in luck! Some outdoor dog beds are being sold now that are weather resistant, yet they still retain a quality of comfort for your dog.
There are many situations where outdoor dog beds are very beneficial to have. Camping is one. If you are the type that likes to hike and camp in the great outdoors, they have dog beds with a waterproof underside to keep your pup off the damp ground; the top of the bed is soft, with just enough thickness for the dog to be comfortable. In addition, these beds roll up for easy portability.
If your dog is kept exclusively outside, you must make preparations so that he can be comfortable, no matter the weather.
The first thing for you to do is decide where you will place the doghouse. Place it so that the opening does not face the direction you get most of the wind. Place the doghouse on a covered patio so that he will have greater protection from the sun and bad weather).
Secondly, always elevate the doghouse. Again, the elevation can be simple and inexpensive. You can place it on a pallet, bricks, or a couple of 2×4’s.
This is very important in the winter and spring months. It will prevent water from filling the doghouse when it rains and help keep the snow out.
But most importantly, when a doghouse sits on the ground, it ‘leaches’ the cold or the heat from the ground into the doghouse itself; the dog will be just as cold or hot as if there was no shelter. The act of elevating the doghouse creates air circulation under the house and will enable your dog to be more comfortable.
In the colder months, place an outdoor dog bed in the house. This will give your dog needed insulation and a comfortable place to be. Also, consider adding a ‘door’ or ‘flap’ to the entrance to the house; this will further help to keep the dog insulated from the weather. (During the summer months, you may want to remove the dog bed and replace it with a thinner bed with minimal thickness for comfort).
Usually, ‘outside’ dogs are larger breeds; the larger breed dogs are more prone to arthritis and joint problems as they age than the smaller breeds. Giving them comfort and insulation when they are younger will greatly help to reduce the problems that aging brings to the larger breeds.
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