For dogs, summer weather can get unbearably hot. They have thick coats which act as a layer of insulation all year round, which makes it difficult for them to keep cool.
Outdoors is the best place for dogs in summer, with the fresh air being able to cool them down as much as possible. Additionally, they can run freely in your backyard and exercise as much as possible.
However, they also need plenty of shade so that the sunlight does not burn their skin. Dogs are capable of suffering from heatstroke, sunburn, and even more serious conditions that come with sun exposure.
To avoid putting your dog at risk, it is important that they always have enough shade to hide from the summer’s sun. But how can you do this when your garden gets very little shade from trees or bushes?
Here is where a dog house will come in handy for hot weather. Dog houses are made from plastic or wood and act as a shelter or safe haven for dogs. Here they can relax and cool down in enough shade.
We have found the best dog houses for hot weather to use in the summer. This will give your dog somewhere comfortable to relax in the summer so they aren’t exposed to the sun all day.
- Pros
- Usable all year round: come rain or shine, this house can be left in the garden.
- Easy to clean: waterproof materials can be wiped clean whenever needed.
- Suitable for all dogs: the largest option can fit dogs up to 100 pounds.
- Cons
- Misleading advertisement: for large dogs, you’ll need to opt for the larger size house.
The best dog house for hot weather on our list today is from Best Pet. This plastic dog house comes in three sizes depending on the size of your dog so that no dog is left out. Whether you have a small or large dog, there is a dog house for your puppy at an affordable price.
While this dog house is made from plastic, there is ample ventilation to ensure that a fresh flow of air is always entering and leaving the house. This prevents the dog house from getting too hot, especially if it exposed to the sun all day.
The plastic used to make the house is also heat-insulated, allowing it to keep some of the summer sun’s heat out. The white and blue coloring will also work to reflect the heat away.
This durable dog house is stable to ensure that it won’t break with your dog getting in and out of it. It has been designed to withstand a lot of damage, so even the liveliest of dogs can enjoy this house for longer. This is a great outdoor dog house that will withstand the sun.
- Pros
- Three sizes: option for small, medium, and large dogs.
- Built for all seasons: designed to be used in heavy rainfall as well as high temperatures.
- Free throw blanket: use as a carpet in the dog house as a comfortable bed.
- Cons
- Thin materials: some customers were surprised at how thin the wooden slats were.
The next dog house is made from wood which is a great material for insulating heat in both summer and winter. It is also slightly raised off the ground which keeps the floor cooler during hotter weather.
This dog house will keep the hot weather out in summer, and the cold out in winter. This means your dog can use the house throughout the year with a similar interior temperature no matter the season.
The roof lifts up for you to be able to clean the house easily, so you don’t have to get in the house itself to be able to reach those inconvenient corners.
Additionally, there is a small window on the left side of the dog house with a plastic covering. This can be removed in summer to allow for better ventilation, which we think is excellent for giving your dog a comfortable sanctuary in hot weather.
- Pros
- Great design: dogs and owners love this dog house, it will make a lovely feature in your garden.
- Separately adjustable legs: use on uneven terrain without giving your dog a slanted bed.
- Heat regulating: keep your dog cool in summer and warm in winter with this dog house.
- Cons
- No option for larger dogs: the largest size only fits dogs up to 40 pounds, which is too small for larger breeds.
The PRECISION PET Country Lodge is a stylish dog house that would look amazing in any garden. The wood will keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it excellent for all-year-round use. The door is also extremely large which will allow the warm air to flow out of the dog house.
The legs lift the wooden floor off of the ground to prevent the wood from rotting in damper conditions. A raised floor also keeps the floor cooler because the air that can flow under the house. The feet are also waterproof to allow for use on grass, and they can be adjusted separately in case your garden has uneven terrain.
Assembly could not be simpler with only four steps to follow, and the peaked roof allows rain to fall right off of the sides. This dog house is available for smaller or medium-sized dogs, but not larger dogs.
- Pros
- Extra-large: the entrance is sized 24.5 x 14 inches which is ideal for small, medium, large, and even extra-large dogs.
- Air ventilation: cool air will always be circulating in this dog house.
- Durable: can be used outdoors all year round, and with even the most excitable of dogs.
- Cons
- Bent plastic: a couple of customers received the dog house with the pieces bent, making it difficult to fit together.
The Confidence Pet XL Waterproof Plastic Dog Kennel is another plastic dog house, again with plenty of ventilation to prevent the summer heat from getting trapped within the house.
There are vents both on the front and on the back of the dog house, allowing air to flow through the interior to keep it cool and comfortable. It also comes at an extremely affordable price compared to some of the wood options on our list.
The plastic exterior is waterproof and suitable to be used throughout the year. The floor is raised enough off of the floor to prevent water from getting into the house during those summer showers.
The roof either comes in brown or green coloring, both of which are good for reflecting heat rather than absorbing it. The white walls will also keep heat out of the house to prevent it from getting trapped. If any were to get trapped; however, the vents would rectify it quickly. This is one of the best dog houses for warm weather if you’re looking for an affordable price point.
- Pros
- Warranty period: the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty to protect your purchase.
- Lovely design: we love the modern grey and white colors with the sunshine detail.
- No tool assembly: set the dog house up within seconds by unfolding it without the use of any tools.
- Cons
- Only for small dogs: cannot fit any dogs over 25 pounds.
Last but not least is this lovely little wooden dog house by MidWest homes. The light grey and white colors will keep heat from being absorbed into the house, and the wood will also keep heat out as well. Not to mention the cute sunshine pattern on the front of it!
This is a dog house for small dogs only weighing less than 25 pounds. The durable dog house is made with water-resistant treated wood and stainless steel hardware. These materials are excellent for all weather conditions, not just the summer.
The base is elevated off of the ground with wooden legs, allowing cool air to flow underneath the dog house and keep the floor of the house cold. This will create a much nicer environment for your pooch and they won’t burn their paws on the floor!
How to Choose a Dog House for Hot Weather
Here we’ll discuss some of the important considerations to take into account when choosing the best dog house for hot weather.
Doing your research before purchasing can prevent you from wasting time and money on something that your dog is not even going to use.
Size
One of the most important considerations is the size of your dog and whether they’ll be able to fit into the dog house you’re looking at. The best dog house for your pooch will be large enough for them to walk around in and get comfortable.
A dog house that is too small will make them curl up tighter and might even make them warmer due to the lack of room. The more roomy a dog house is, the better the airflow around your dog will be.
To find the right size of the dog house, you can measure their favorite dog bed and make sure that the house you choose is at least the size of this.
Color
Using your dog house in the summer, you’ll want it to be made out of light-colored materials. Light-colored materials will reflect the sunlight rather than absorbing it, meaning that the inside of the dog house should remain cooler.
Opting for one with a dark-colored roof will absorb more of the heat and trap it within the dog house, making it a much less comfortable environment for your dog. For a dog house to be used in the summer, look for one made from either white or light grey materials.
Material
Dog houses are typically either made from wood or plastic. Plastic tends to be more durable and usable in winter. However, wood breathes in the summer and is much more breathable than plastic. It is also less likely to trap heat within the dog house.
So, wood is the best material to purchase your dog house in. However, it is possible to use a plastic dog house in the summer, as long as it has air ventilation within the walls.
The plastic dog houses that we have included within our list above all have air vents included to prevent the dog house from getting too warm. However, if you’re looking for a dog house that is not on our list, it is important that it has sufficient ventilation if it’s made of plastic.
Versatility
As we previously mentioned, wood dog houses are best for summer. However, wood can easily get damp and rot if left out in cold and damp weather.
Unless the wood is properly sealed and insulated, it won’t be usable during the winter. It will also need to be replaced before the next summer if all of the wooden beams rot.
However, plastic dog houses can be used all year round. During the rain or snow seasons, the plastic dog house can act as a shelter for your dog.
So, depending on whether or not you want the dog house to be usable all year round or not, you should consider which material will suit you and your pooch best.
Durability
Forget the dog house lasting for many years – if it’s not durable enough to withstand a couple of hours of your dog, you’ll be lucky if it lasts its first summer!
Whether your dog house is made from plastic or wood, it needs to be ready for scratching, chewing, and whatever else your dog gets up to when you’re not around.
Puppies will need an even more durable dog house than an older dog who does little else but lay around and relax all day. The liveliness of your pooch will tell you how important durability is in your search.
With that being said, just because you have a calmer dog doesn’t mean that you won’t need to consider durability at least once. The dog house needs to be reliable enough that it’s not going to break as soon as your furry friend jumps into it.
Conclusion for the Best Dog House for Hot Weather
If you leave your dog outside and there aren’t any shady spots, then you’ll want to get them a dog house. This protects your dog from the sun which can cause overheating and heat stroke due to their fur coats.
A dog’s body tends to run much hotter than a human’s which is why a dog house can help provide shade and keep them cooler.
We found the best dog houses for hot weather, and hope that you were able to make an informed decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are elevated legs needed on a dog house?
No, dog houses do not necessarily need legs to work as a shelter for your pooch. However, allowing the dog house to be elevated off of the ground does make the floor cooler by allowing fresh air to circulate underneath it.
Allowing fresh air underneath the dog house will keep the interior flooring cooler, and therefore keep your dog cooler as well.
It is worth considering a dog house with elevated legs if you’re looking for one to use in the height of summer.
Plus, elevated legs will keep the floor from trapping water below the dog house in winter and reducing its lifetime.
Plastic exposed to frozen conditions can become brittle and break easily, while wood is more likely to rot and become unstable.
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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