Updated 12/30/23
Some of our dogs like to be outside and frolic in the snow no matter how cold it is. Outside dogs need a place to warm up if they need to and sometimes just having a dog house to get out of the elements isn’t warm enough for them. Dog house heaters can be installed to help keep your pup warm on even the harshest of days.
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Related: Using A Dog House Heating Pad For Extra Warmth, Keep Your Dog Warm Using A Winter Coat With A Harness Hole, Best Dog Booties For Winter, The Best Winter Coat For Your Dog
What Are Dog House Heaters?
Dog house heaters are heaters that can be installed inside a dog house that are powerful enough to heat up the house without using too much energy/electricity in the process.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For Dogs To Sleep Outside?
Being outside in temperatures lower than 45 degrees F. will be very uncomfortable for your pup to stay in for any length of time.
What Can I Put In My Outside Dog House For Warmth?
If your dog is staying in an outside dog house, there are several things you can do to keep your pup warm.
- Use a dog house heater.
- Add extra blankets.
- Have a heated pet mat/bed for them to lay on.
- Make sure the dog house is insulated.
Are There Heaters For Dog Houses?
Yes! There are heaters that are specifically made to be installed inside dog houses to keep the area warm for your dog.
These heaters are designed not to get hot to the touch and some even have guards on them to help prevent dog hair from getting inside, creating a fire hazard.
Other features may include rounded edges, a chew proof cord, and automatic shut off for extra safety.
Most also run quietly, so as not to scare dogs who are afraid of loud noises.
What Is The Best Dog House Heater?
The best dog house heater is one that fits the space of your particular dog house without posing any danger to your dog.
It should be able to be mounted in a place that your dog will not be able to get to it or knock over easily.
Dog house heaters should not be hot to the touch in case your dog gets too close to it.
You should be able to control the temperature so that it is comfortable for your dog to be in the area without it being too hot.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Dog House Heater?
As mentioned above, there are several things you will want to look for when selecting a dog house heater:
Size
The heater should be an appropriate size for the dog house you have, keeping your dog warm, but still giving them room to move around.
Mounting Mechanism
Can the heater be mounted to the wall? Do you have to cut through the dog house to mount it or have the plug run out of it?
Edges
Does the heater have rounded edges for safety?
Hair Shield
Does your dog shed a lot? An internal shield can help prevent hair from getting into the heater, preventing a fire hazard.
Cord
Look for a chew proof cord. Also check the length of the cord to be sure it is long enough to reach your outlet. Avoid using an extension cord.
Temperature
Dog house heaters heat up through a specific range of temperatures. Is this warm enough for your dog in the area you live?
Control
Does your dog house heater have a remote control used to control the temperature or does it use manual knobs? This may determine whether you need to go outside each time you want to turn the heater on and off.
App
Is there an app you can use to control the temperature? Apps can give a lot of information including allowing you to view the current temperature in the dog house to see if you need to adjust it in any way to make your dog comfortable.
Timer
Is the dog house heater run on a timer or can it be kept on all day long?
Auto-Shut Off
Most heaters have an automatic shut off when the temperature in the dog house reaches a certain point. This will help save on electricity, as well as kept the temperature more consistent inside the dog house.
Pros To Using A Dog House Heater
- Keeps your dog warm and comfortable.
- Easy to use.
- Built in safety features.
Cons To Using A Dog House Heater
- Not for rambunctious dogs.
- May have to cut a hole into your dog house in order to install it.
- Apps can be hard to navigate.
Best Dog House Heaters
Here are our top 3 dog house heaters. Product information is according to the manufacturer. User pros and cons are noted.
Kiroto Dog House Heater With Thermostat
This dog house heater includes protection from overheating, auto stop when desired temperature is reached, and protection from overheating.
- Temperature ranges 41- 113 degrees F. (5-45 degrees C.).
- Uses 300 watts of power.
- 6 foot chew proof cord.
- Offers protection from overheating.
- Uses Wi-Fi to connect to the app.
- Internal heat shield.
- Auto stop when temperature reaches set temp.
- Uses ceramic heating wire.
- Measures 9 x 10.2 x 5 inches.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to install.
- Keeps the dog house warm.
- Quiet.
- Easy to use.
- App can be difficult to navigate.
Akoma Hound Heater Dog House Furnace Deluxe
This dog house heater has rounded corners, senses when to turn on through a thermo-sensing bulb, and includes a mounting bracket for igloo style dog houses.
- 300 Watts.
- 6 foot chew proof cord.
- Rounded corners.
- Internal heat shield.
- Disperses heat up to 75 feet.
- Thermo-sensing bulb allows the heater to turn on when needed.
- Special mounting bracket for igloo style dog houses.
- Temperatures range of 30-100 degrees F. (-1-37 degrees C.).
- Measures 10 x 10 x 4.5 inches.
Pros/Cons:
- Keeps the dog house warm.
- Can scare dogs that don’t like loud noises.
- Did not include all hardware needed to mount it.
PETNF Dog House Heater With Thermostat
This dog house heater is quiet, doesn’t get hot to the touch, and can run for 24 hours if needed.
- Temperature ranges from 41-113 degrees F. (5-45 degrees C.).
- Uses 300 Watts of power.
- Ceramic heating wire.
- Can control temperature through an app.
- Quiet operation.
- Can be timed to run up to 24 hours.
- 6 foot anti chew cord.
- Rounded corners.
- Measures 9 x 10.2 x 5 inches.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to install.
- Runs quietly.
- Doesn’t get hot to touch.
- Can be difficult to set up the app.
- Some users had difficulty setting up the Wi-Fi.
If your dog is an outside dog, adequate shelter is a must. Dog house heaters can provide your dog with warmth and comfort during cold days and nights.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.