When doing research to find the best outdoor dog kennel for your climate the first thing that comes to mind is winter. Yes, we will discuss all things winter, but first let’s not forget that the other three seasons offer elements of surprise and potential danger to our pets.
BEST OUTDOOR DOG KENNEL FOR SUMMER
The heat this summer, I be like…
If you live in a summer like climate the majority of the year or experience summer for an all too short period of time there are many things to consider. Heat and excessive drought have plagued much of the west and parts of the southwest this year leading to drying conditions and water rationing. Staying cool in the heat is a necessary element to keep our pets safe.
Please turn on the air conditioning.
Shade is a huge priority during peak heat conditions. Ensure that a roof is in place or a reflective cover much like the one Advantek has created. This Pet Gazebo is one of the best outdoor dog kennels available. The reversible tarp roof reflects heat in summer and when turned over keeps heat trapped inside during winter. Keeping our pets hydrated is a necessity. We aren’t all that different when it comes to basic needs. Having water available and in the shade will allow our pets to consistently have access and stay hydrated. Remember that unlike us, dogs can’t sweat, but just like us, they can sunburn if their skin is exposed or their coat is too short or fine during the summer. A box fan only circulates the hot air around, and since our dogs can’t sweat, it doesn’t help to cool them off. In extremely warm climates, an insulated dog house might be the best option for our pets. The best outdoor dog kennel for your climate might add a little to the electric bill but ensuring the safety of our pets is priceless. Connecting a cooling mechanism to a dog house will keep our pets safe during the heat and even the…
Wait for it…
Wait for it…
THE BEST OUTDOOR DOG KENNEL FOR SPRING AND FALL
Fall and Spring are essentially the same, but in opposite directions. These seasons are transitions and some days it may feel like summer and other days it may feel like winter but, at the very least, temperature conditions aren’t the biggest concern here. With transitional seasons violent weather may arrive. Hurricane season peaks in September and October for those of us that live along the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean, whereas Tornado weather accelerates in Spring in the Plains and Midwest. With such severe storm possibilities, hail, dangerous cloud to ground lightning and damaging winds can occur. Make sure to follow your local forecasts and weather service to ensure your pets do not have to battle Mother Nature when she is this angry. As the onset of winter approaches the first frost or hard freeze is usually observed September through November.
Average first frost
If your pet is primarily an outdoor pet there are some things that should be done to winterize your kennel. Gravel is the preferred ground for pets. It drains precipitation better and is easier to sweep. Cement or other flat ground accumulates ice and snow much faster than gravel and once our pets start to run around on the snow it will compact, become ice and be much more difficult to remove. Spring and Fall have a lot of nights that freeze and then thaw during the day. Don’t forget that urine can freeze. If a frozen puddle occurs our pets could do damage to the pads of their paws if they get stuck on the ice. Installing wind barriers is a great benefit to ensure you have the best outdoor dog kennel for your your climate and your pet. Pictured below is a kennel with a clear plastic tarp encased around it. Preventing wind chill is a big way to keep our pets warm. Fall is also the perfect time to remember that with winter on its way, it’s time to stock up on food and treats so that if the power goes out or a storm traps us in our homes we can sustain living until a thaw or help arrives.
Plastic wrap around the prevents wind from coming in.
THE BEST OUTDOOR DOG KENNEL FOR WINTER
Look, winter isn’t all that bad, even with the polar vortexes and massive snowfall amounts the last few years, truth is, our pets like to play around in the snow. Exercise is still needed in the colder months, but just like with ourselves and our children we need to be careful .
Expect the Unexpected
Inclement weather in winter is nothing to take for granted. Subzero wind chills, temperatures and snowstorms can be of major concern to our pets. Within the kennel itself, four walls and a roof is needed. If one side is open, close it off with a tarp. Any doors that can be open and lead to drafts and drifts coming in need to be shut. Just like a leaky window with a draft in our home, the best outdoor dog kennel will be able to prevent those pesky winter winds from sneaking in. Our pets can be exposed to frostbite with out proper precautionary measures. It’s much better to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the dog kennel. Blankets on the floor help preserve some heat. If possible, one of the solutions to make yours the best outdoor dog kennel would be to heat the floors. It would be common to see pets resting on the floor instead of in their beds as they fell the warmth from the heating elements. A few ideas to have the best outdoor dog kennel for your climate would be to convert an area of the garage or patio so it feeds off heat from the house. Plastic is not the best material for any season as it offers no insulation.
I’m not smiling because the clothes keep me warm. I’m smiling because I look silly and am plotting my revenge.
We always want to ensure our pets are safe from all the elements that occur. We’re all concerned about the health and safety of all our family members and by learning about the climates we live in can only help us stay cool or warm and happy.
Now. I am adorable.