Source: ezinearticles.com
A dog house is the most important thing for you as an owner to purchase for your dog, especially if he spends a lot of time outside. The dog house keeps your pet sheltered from the elements as well as providing him a warm, safe place to relax. The type of house you choose varies with where you are located, what kind of dog you have and how the weather is in your area.If winters are very cold in your area, choose a dog house that is heated or one that you can accommodate a heated mat. The house should also be well insulated and waterproof. If summers are very hot in your area, choose a dog house that is well ventilated, place it in a shady area and equip it with a Cool Bed, especially if temperatures get above 100 degrees. If your area is prone to wind and rain, you might also want to consider a house with a weather flap, to help keep out the elements.Select a size that will allow your dog enough room, but also small enough to keep him warm. The house should be big enough to allow your dog to easily enter, turn around and lie down (the same as your dog's crate). If the dog house is too big, your dog's body heat will have trouble keeping the house warm. Measure your dog from, Grooming Dog Supplies, the ground to the top of its shoulders, the door should be no less than 75% of this height. The height of the house should also be no more than 50% taller than the height of your dog from his head to his paws. The length, Grooming Dog Supplies, and width of the house should be more more than 25% of your dogs length from his nose to his flanks (don't count his tail).When installing your dogs house you will want to take a few things into consideration. You will want to keep it in a shady area so it doesn't get too hot in summer. You may have to relocate the dog house to keep the wind from blowing in it in the winter. Position it away from the bottom of a hill or slope as rain can cause the house to flood as, Grooming Dog Supplies, it flows down the hill. You might also want to consider elevating the house to help keep out parasites and provide some insulation from the cold ground.There are a huge variety of dog houses on the market, ranging from the very basic plastic ones to luxury dog houses complete with windows, heaters and air conditioners. The type of dog house you choose is determined by your location and your budget. Take the time to shop around and find the perfect house for you and your dog.
Olivia Martin is a pet care consultant for PetSupplies4Less.com, which offers discount pet supplies, including pet cat supplies and dog products to pet owners. A pet owner herself, she understands the ins and outs of caring for your furry companions.