Winter is tough on animals that spend most of their days (and nights) outside. A warm dog house for winter helps them survive the cold. Our Capitola vet shares tips for choosing the right dog house to keep your pet comfy all winter long.
A well-insulated, durable dog house with a raised floor provides the best protection from cold temperatures and snow. A raised floor also prevents moisture from seeping into the house on rainy days, which can make your pup very cold.
The best dog houses for winter have thick walls and a door that shelters your pet from cold drafts. It’s also important that the dog house be large enough. A general rule of thumb is that the dog house should be 25 percent larger than your pet’s length from tail to nose to give him room to move around and lay down comfortably.
If your dog is small, consider adding a fur-lined blanket to help keep him warm. Small dogs need more warmth than their larger counterparts because they don’t have the body fat or thick coat that larger dogs do to retain heat.
Another way to make your dog’s dog house warmer is to add wood shavings or straw. The natural materials are easy to find, inexpensive, and promote good air circulation so your pet doesn’t get too hot or suffocate. If you do choose to use straw or hay, be sure it’s fresh; avoid any that smell mildewy.
Veehoo 47" Dog House, 2-in-1 X-Large Dog House Outdoor Indoor Weatherproof, Outside Elevated Dog Cot Bed Dog Tent Shade, Three-Sided Breathable Mesh Windows and Sunshades, CWC2435CP
$73.59 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
LEMBERI Durable Waterproof Plastic Dog House for Small to Large Sized Dogs, Indoor Outdoor Doghouse Puppy Shelter with Elevated Floor, Easy to Assemble (Gray, 42''L*38''W*39''H)
$99.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BXEBUI Dog House Indoor Memory Sponge, Foldable Dog House Kennel Bed Mat with Cushion for Small Medium Large Dogs Cats, Winter Warm Cat Nest Puppy Cave Sofa Pet Products (XL)
$39.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
DRATO Indoor Outdoor Waterproof Dog House,PP Material,Puppy Shelter with Air Vents and Elevated Floor,Sturdy Dog Kennel for Small to Large Sized Dogs, Easy to Assemble (Blue, 38.62×36.26×38.07 Inches)
$78.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
YITAHOME Large Plastic Dog House Outdoor Indoor Doghouse Puppy Shelter Water Resistant Easy Assembly Sturdy Dog Kennel with Air Vents
(as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
YITAHOME Large Plastic Dog House, Waterproof Indoor Outdoor Doghouse for Large or Small Dog, with Air Vents and Elevated Floor, Easy Assemble and Clean (Gray, 41''L*38''W*39''H)
$99.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Elevated Dog House for Outdoor or Indoor - Waterproof Dog Tent Cat House, Dog Sunshade Tent, Pet House with Removable Cover, Suitable for Medium Cats Dogs
$39.89 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Yokaniwa Dog Shade Shelter Outdoor 4'x4'x3' Tent for Large Medium Dogs, Outside Sun Rain Canopy Pet House for Cats Pigs Livestock with Waterproof Roof Ground Nails,Black
$69.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Pet Teepee Dog & Puppy Cat Tents Tipi Bed Portable Houses with Thick Cushion for Pets Up to 15lbs
$36.99 (as of October 12, 2025 17:11 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)