Saturday, June 16, 2007

5 Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dog House

Article Title: 5 Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A
Dog House
Author: Crissy Whitmire

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.

About The Author: http://TotalBackyard.com is your complete
source for dog houses, storage sheds, gas grills and more.

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