Best Insulated Dog House

Here is a sensitive question to start off this piece – “Why do people choose to own dogs and then make them live outside all the time without exceptions?” This is animal cruelty to an extent and there are laws against it! Aside from that, leaving your pets outside all the time exposes them to dangerous animals, insects, and extreme weather conditions. The only way your pet can stay outdoors and be safe is when you provide it with one of the best insulated dog houses available for them. Note that these dog houses are not the ordinary types that a lot of us are used to. If that is the case, then what is it?

To put it simply, it is a basic dog house designed to deflect rain, wind, and hold in some extra warmth in the cold weather. Ordinarily, an insulated dog shelter is packed with a lot of dry, clean, and comfortable bedding materials to provide a little more warmth and coziness, which can go a long way, especially if your pet is a puppy or an old frail animal.

However, these days, you do not have to bother with bedding materials to make sure your pet is safe from cold and heavy sun. All you have to do is purchase any of the recommended products on our list and your pet will be just fine. They may not come with bedding and all that stuff, but they are made with excellent material that offers just as much as beddings could offer (or even more).

How Did We Pick the Best Insulated Dog House?

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Best Overall

Suncast Outdoor Dog House with Door

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Why It is Better?

Why Do You Need an Insulated Dog House?

If you truly care about your pet, you would want to get a dog house for it. But while you are at it, why not get the insulated type? They are within the same price bracket but are more functional and longer lasting than the ordinary types. Here are some of the reasons why you should invest in an insulated house for dogs.

  • They are a home away from home for your dogs: Leaving a dog out with no proper shelter is considered a form of animal cruelty. If you will not let your dog live indoors, then it is your responsibility to get a suitable shelter that feels like home. An insulated dog house helps them feel warmer and relaxed just as if they are indoors.
  • Extra protection during harsh weather conditions: When getting a dog house, it is always important to consider the comfort of your pet. Getting an insulated dog house is highly recommended in all cases, especially if your dog is short-coated and you live in a cold region. 3. The insulation feature of the barn will help to keep your pet safe from heavy sun, rain, and snow. Depending on how cold or hot it gets, you may.
  • Healthier and stronger: According to a research, dogs that are put outside with no shelter tend to be stressed out and are more likely to develop behavior problems like unnecessary aggression, barking, running away from home, digging, and disobedience. Getting an ordinary dog house can help to an extent, but not as much as the insulated ones that are grander and more relaxing. This would help them relax more and live an overall healthier life. There are special features in most insulated house for dogs that contributes to a healthy lifestyle for your pet, but the one that stands out from the rest is the extra protection from weather elements, especially in cold weather conditions.
  • More convenient and easier to manage: Dogs are like children in that they are naïve, innocent, and cute. But they can also be annoying and difficult to deal with sometimes. While you can easily tell your child to go to her room, you may not be able to say the same to your dog except if you have a proper dog house where they can go for a bit of a time out. So, yes, a proper barn makes it more convenient for your dog’s time outs without being too guilt-ridden about sending them away.

How to Pick the Right Insulated Dog House

There are a bunch of dog houses on the market that claim to be insulated when they are not. Pet owners should be on the lookout when shopping to avoid getting the wrong houses for their pets. The question now is how can you tell what product is the right one for your pet? Below, we listed some necessary factors to consider to ensure that you get the right shelter for your pet.

  • Size: It is ideal to pick a dog house that is much larger than your dog to give it more space where it can do more than just sleep. You can compare its size with your eyes, but just to be on the safer side, you may want to measure your dog’s dimensions with a proper measuring tape and get a house with bigger inner dimensions. When taking your dog’s measurements, you have to consider the length, breadth, and height. If your pet is still growing, you may need to take that into consideration as well and get something that it can comfortably grow into.
  • Flooring: Floors plays a huge role in how insulated a house can be because they can hold heat much longer and ensure dryness. The floor material should be made of solid wooden material or a heavy plastic as the case may be. It is also crucial to ensure that the floor is suspended to allow proper ventilation and alleviate dampness. If you live in a very cold environment, you may need to put in some extra insulation to make your dog house warmer. You can use a heating pad, blanket, or any other form of convenient material.
  • Roof: You might have noticed that quite a lot of insulated dog barns come with an asphalt roof. The reason for that is because asphalt provides an extra layer of protection, ensuring that the shelter is snow and waterproof. It is also effective in trapping heat in the house to provide the animal with a little more warmth in cold weather conditions. The roof does not necessarily have to be asphalt. It can be made of any other material as long as it provides enough insulation. Remember to take the height of the roof into consideration when making a purchase to ensure that your pooch fits in perfectly well.
  • Heating: Here is an important question: how hot does the house get in hot weather conditions? Though you need a house that will properly shield your animal in all seasons, you do not want to get something that may overheat when the weather is too hot. The exception is if you live in a cold area where you do not experience a lot of heat. You should also be on the lookout for a product that can properly trap some heat in during cold weather as a way of keeping the pet warm and comfortable in cold weather conditions.
  • Brands: There are a number of popular brands of dog houses you may want to check out. These brands may be popular for a number of things, but the one thing that stands out about them is that they have managed to keep most of their customers satisfied for an extended period of time. Some of the popular brands to checkout are Petsfit, Pets Imperial, Suncast, Aspen, and so on. Remember to have a list of what you need in a pet house and cross check them with any brand’s product that may catch your interest.
  • Insulation: The roof, walls, and floor should be properly insulated to improve protection from harsh weather conditions. A waterproof floor helps, so be on the lookout for that. If you are very particular about having more heat, you may have to go for houses that have extra insulation like stuffing and Styrofoam.
  • Waterproof: Aside from hot and cold climates, the house should keep water away. This is one basic thing that your pet deserves for convenient outdoor living. You can get a proper waterproof shelter made of wood or plastic.
  • Materials: If you have an energetic and playful dog, you may want to get a house made with heavy-duty material. This is to ensure that it survives the energetic and playful nature of the dog. The most popular materials are wood and plastic. Each has its own pros and cons, so before purchasing a dog house, check out more information about which one is better for you.
  • Durability: A lot of times, the aesthetically appealing barns do not stand the test of time while a lot of the simpler ones tend to last longer. Experts advise picking durability over physical appearance if you do not intend to spend a lot of time and money providing an adequate outdoor residence for your pet.
  • Ease of cleaning: To ensure the comfort and good health of your pet, it is necessary to clean out their shelter on a regular basis. This may be an uphill task for a lot of people, in which case it is best to invest in brands that are easy to clean. If you have extra stuffing insulation in your dog house, a washing machine would clean it out perfectly well, unlike Styrofoam insulation which requires manual cleaning with soap, a sponge, and water.

Top 10 Best Insulated Dog Houses

1. Suncast Outdoor Dog House with Door Review

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4.3/5

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This product comes across as one of the best insulated dog houses online and at a very affordable price as well. It is designed with some important specifications like weather resistance provided by the heavy-duty resin material. Another key feature is the door, which is made out of quality vinyl floor material for extra safety and protection.

The vents are also great for proper ventilation and the design is pleasing to the eyes. The dimensions of this dog house are quite interesting as well seeing as it is big enough to hold large dogs that weigh as much as 70 pounds. The size is also suitable enough to fit anywhere in your backyard (or front yard as the case may be).

On the downside, this product does not come in different sizes. So, a heavily set dog can easily push it down on a rough day, and that means trying to set it up again or repair it if there is any damage. The materials are also sort of thin, enough for a strong-toothed naughty dog to bite through it.

Our Rating
4.3/5

2. Pets Imperial Extra Large Insulated Wooden Norfolk Dog Kennel Review

Our Rating
4.4/5

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This product is the best insulated dog house on our list. From the picture, you can tell that this product looks more like a cabin than a house. It has a flat roof that can be easily opened to let in some air and sun when the weather is not as cold. When closed, it can keep away sunlight and rain completely, making sure your pet is well-protected.

When it comes to weather resistance, the walls and roof are just perfect, but the floor panels are about half an inch away from each other, making it not as suitable, especially in cold weather. This is not something that even a duct-tape cannot fix if you are bothered by it.

Aside from the spaces in between, the floor is absolutely perfect. It is detachable, making it easier to clean, which is a big deal and one of the highlights of this product. Another highlight is the plastic screen door, which helps to improve warmth inside of the cabin.

Our Rating
4.4/5

3. Petmate Aspen Pet PetBarn 3 Review

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4.5/5

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One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a dog house is the size of your dog. You might find wonderful products, but they may be too big or small for your pet. But with the Aspen Petbarn 3, you would not have to worry about size because there are 4 different sizes to choose from.

The quality of the material is top-notch plastic, which is a great insulator designed to last a long time, withstand diverse conditions, and offer your pet as much comfort as possible. This pet barn has an extended roof guard rim that keeps the occupant safer from weather elements.

One of the most outstanding facts about this product is that it is one of the most affordable pet houses you will ever find on and offline. If you are on a budget and do not wish to subject your pet to the cruelty of weather elements, then you can get this product for your animal.

This product is not just great for cold weather, but also for hot weather. It has a rear opening that allows for proper ventilation and easy cleaning.

Our Rating
4.5/5

4. Starplast Mocha / Brown Large Dog House Review

Our Rating
4.4/5

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You know what they say about bare necessities. Well, this dog house right here is the bare housing necessity for every pet. It works well for normal cold or hot weather conditions, but nothing too extreme.

It is made of plastic, polypropylene to be exact, which is a great insulator to keep away rain, sun, and retain a little bit of warmth in cold weather conditions. The material is also UV stabilized, which means that it helps keep away the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

Your pet can still enjoy this product when the weather is hot to stay away from the sun. You do not have to worry about ventilation because it has vent outlets all over and they were placed strategically to bring about cool and proper air circulation. It is also easy to set up. You do not necessarily need a lot of tools (if any) or to hire a contractor to help you set it up. The instructions on how to set it up are comprehensively written in the manual in just a few steps.

On the downside, this product comes only in one size and may not be suitable for very large dogs. It also doesn’t have a door, which reduces its capacity to retain heat in cold weather.

Our Rating
4.4/5

5. Petmate Barnhome III Dog House Review

Our Rating
4.6/5

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Plastic materials may be perceived as “not so strong and cheap,” but that is not always the case. The Petmate Barnhome Dog House is one of the most durable doghouses you will ever find anywhere. It offers extra insulation to keep your pet safe and warm and has a rear ventilation opening that ensures proper circulation of air inside the house.

Aside from being durable, it comes in four different sizes, the biggest of which can comfortably hold big dogs that weigh as much as 90 pounds. They also come in different colors, giving you a wider range of options to choose from.

Another feature that makes this product stand out is its ability to withstand mold even when placed on wet grass outside. This is due to the mode-resistant body finish, which adds to its durability and aesthetics. It is also easy to set up and can be done without tools. This is quite an interesting product, but it cannot be delivered to all locations. So, it is important to take note of this before placing your order.

Our Rating
4.6/5

6. Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Review

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4/5

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There are quite a lot of dog houses made of wood, but this one stands out from the rest with its strong and sturdy appearance. It is designed in a traditional but appealing manner with a slanted roof made of asphalt.

It comes in four different sizes, giving you a wider range of choice to choose from including small, medium, large, and extra-large. The walls and floors are made of wood and it has 4 adjustable stands that can be adjusted to suit uneven floor settings.

The manufacturers took it a notch higher by sealing the walls with a protective coating to keep UV rays away from reaching your pet while inside. However, this protective coating does little or nothing to keep rain away, which is disappointing considering the quality of the product. Heavy rain conditions might cause the wood material to soak up water and bulge, but that is only a temporary situation that would be undone once the house dries up again.

Our Rating
4/5

7. Petsfit Dog House Review

Our Rating
4.2/5

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One of the responsibilities that comes with a owning a pet is maintaining proper hygiene for yourself, the dog, and your shared environment. Finding a great doghouse is awesome, especially when it has special features that make it easy to clean like the detachable rooftop and floor of the Petsfit Dog House.

This dog house is easy to set up with predrilled holes, which means that you will have little or no need for tools. It comes in three different sizes – small, which is light grey, medium, which is red, and large, which comes in yellow and white. This gives you a wider range of options to choose from considering the size of your dog. The biggest size can hold a dog that weighs as much as 75 pounds, which is great.

On the downside, a number of buyers were not satisfied with the floor because the wooden strips have some holes in between them where air can get through to the dog and lower warmth, especially in the cold weather. To fix this problem, you can cover the floor with some blankets. You can also look into an insulation kit for this purpose.

Our Rating
4.2/5

8. TRIXIE Classic Outdoor Wooden Dog House Review

Our Rating
4/5

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If your dog is small or if you have one of those tiny cute breeds, then you probably would have little or no problem finding a suitable dog house for it, unlike the larger breeds. The Trixie designers took this size issue into consideration and decided to come up with the classic outdoor wooden doghouse in five different sizes ranging from the smallest one to the biggest, which can hold a dog that weighs as much as 90 pounds.

This product is also made with great materials that are bound to pass the test of time. Asphalt was used for the roof, then metal for the hinges and joints, wood for the floor and walls, and plastic for the wooden stands, all at an affordable rate.

You can set it up on your own and you may not need a single tool to do so. It does not matter if it is rainy or sunny, this dog house can shelter your pet properly so you will not have to worry. The rooftop and floor can be detached for easy cleaning. You can also hinge the rooftop on two locking arms for better ventilation when the weather is hot.

Our Rating
4/5

9. Petsfit Portable Wooden Dog House Review

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4.7/5

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We already mentioned that all of the products on this list are easy to set up, but not as easy as the Petsfit portable wooden dog house. It comes in one already-made piece folded in a compact manner. All you have to do to set it up is unfold the product and you and your pet are good to go. Its finish is also aesthetically appealing with odorless water-based paint, which also increases the insulation of the material. For proper ventilation, you can raise the roof or open it completely.

The foldable feature also makes it impressively suitable for small spaces or even to travel with. All you have to do when it is not in use is fold it away and you will have the whole space to yourself. This feature also makes it very easy to clean.

Our Rating
4.7/5

10. Pet Squeak Arf Frame Dog House with Dark Frame Review

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4.2/5

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Here is a typical dog house that is well-designed and suitable for keeping your pet sheltered in cold and hot weather situations. It is made of solid wood materials to ensure its durability and functionality. It is designed with a pitched roof and raised floor that allows for extra space and proper ventilation.

Setting it up is also another interesting process that takes only a little effort and no need for special skills or tools. It comes in four different sizes, making it quite easy to choose the one that is most suitable for your pooch.

The extra lining of the inner roof serves as an extra fortification against harsh weather elements, especially when the weather is cold. In addition, it comes with a one-year guarantee for product materials and workmanship.

Our Rating
4.2/5

Advantages of Insulated Dog Houses

Not all dog houses are meant for outdoors. Most of the non-insulated ones are great for indoor use, but for outdoors, and the insulated types are highly recommended due to the following advantages.

  • Proper shelter from extreme weather conditions: The very first notable thing about insulated dog houses is that they serve as a protection for your pets in harsh weather conditions. They are specially designed to withstand any climate factors like heavy rain, snow, and even hot weather.
  • Durable: One major thing that makes an insulated dog house insulated is the material used in constructing the structure. Unlike the ordinary types, the insulated ones are made with strong and heavy-duty materials that can stand the weather and test of time as well, making them more durable than regular ones.
  • Comfortable: If dogs could talk, the will definitely tell you how much they love and enjoy insulated shelters. They are very comfortable in any weather, spacious enough, and serve as a form of sanctuary for your animal.
  • Noise pollution cancelling: We often focus on how the shelter can keep harsh weather elements from affecting the dog and we may forget that it is also a great way of keeping barking and howling from affecting us so much. The insulation suppressed the noise and lessens its effects on the environment, thereby reducing noise pollution.
  • Stylish and convenient: People that are big on style would enjoy proper dog barns because they are quite stylish to a great extent. Imagine a barn with a front pouch, walkway, and a convertible roof. Sounds outstanding, right? Aside from all that, each best insulated dog house on this list brings a level of convenience. This means that they are easy to set up and do not require any professional skills, plus they are easy to clean and maintain as well.
  • Practically modifiable: You may wish to modify your dog shelter to fit a certain standard according to your personal interests. This can be achieved more easily with an insulated dog shelter compared to the regular ones. It particularly comes in handy when the weather is too hot or cold. If you choose to install an air conditioning or heating system, as the case may be, you would not need to do a lot of work during the setup process. Having all of these things in place would help your dog enjoy a notable level of comfort and good health. It also gives you some privacy away from your pooch without feeling any form of guilt for doing so.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that it is quite hard to make the perfect choice for your pooch when there are many options out there. Given this and for other reasons, you may have a question or two to clear things up before investing your money in any of these products. On that note, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about dog houses and their answers.

Wood seems to be at the top of the list of the best insulation material for dog houses, and it is understandable why. Wood is a natural insulator because of the air pockets in its cellular structure, which improves its thermal performance. This means that it requires less energy to heat or cool. Another material that can be used for this purpose is plastic. It is similar to wood in a lot of ways and can serve as a great insulator for your dog.

If, for any reason, you feel that your pet needs extra heat, you can by all means go ahead and install one, and the same goes for cooling systems. Interestingly, you do not have to do a lot of work in the installation process since insulated barns are highly modifiable.

If you and your pet live in one of the coldest places on earth, then you should put in extra effort to ensure that you get the best product for your pooch. It must be made with heavy-duty insulation materials like wood and plastic. However, you can go ahead and spice things up by installing a heating system in the shelter if you think it is necessary.

There are a few recommendable extra materials that you can use to improve the insulation level of your dog house. Some of them include bubble wrap, expanding foam spray, reflective insulation, fiberglass, spray foam, polystyrene foam, carpet, water, and so on.

The thing about the floor is that your pooch makes more contact with it than any other part of the house like the walls and ceiling. So, if you get the floor insulation right, you can choose not to bother with the others. You can also choose to boost the insulation of the doghouse by making little changes to the floor alone. Ways that you can do this include placing a dog bed, newspapers, rugs, carpets, or blankets on the floor.

Conclusion

This piece contains enough information to help you make the right decision on what pet house is best for your pooch. So, go ahead and join the multitude of other pet lovers by investing in any of the products mentioned above. There is nothing wrong with letting your dog live outdoors as long as you put in the extra effort to ensure that it is comfortable and safe out there.

Speaking of efforts and comfort, it is critical to remember that a lot of shelters may be insulated, but not a lot of them are necessarily suitable for your pet if you live in an extremely cold region. Installing a dog house heater and some other accessories like dog bed, blankets, and simple floor coverings like rugs, carpets, and even old newspapers can go a long way in improving the comfort of your pet.

If you have any enquiries that you may wish to make with regards to insulated dog houses, please feel free to reach out to us in the comment section. You can also send us an email and we will get back to you in no time.