Choosing The Right Material For The Dog House

You wouldn't build an igloo in the Sahara Desert, right? Neither would you place a bamboo shack in the middle of Antarctica. Just as it is important to match human habitation to the climate in which it is built, so is it important to match your dog's house to the climate in your region. Your climate will determine the right material for your dog's house and the style in which it is built.

Most areas will not have such extreme or singular climate conditions. However, many regions have extreme weather for at least part of the year or have a prolonged season of one particular weather condition. That being the case, the most prevalent weather condition should be the deciding factor for choosing the material for a dog house. An excellent estimation of appropriate building materials for your dog's house is determined by looking at your home and the other structures in your area. If your dog's house is made of wood and is heavily insulated, chances are the dog's house should be too.

Wooden Dog House: Wood is the favorite material for dog houses. It is inexpensive and easy to work with. As long as it is pressure treated to prevent rotting in areas with high moisture, wood is also durable. In addition, wood is easily cut and shaped, allowing for great flexibility in design. Wood dog houses are suitable for most area. In areas with high humidity, a cedar dog house may provide the most suitable wooden shelter for your dog.

Plastic Dog House: Plastic dog houses are lightweight and may be sculpted in any number of attractive designs. They can be easy to move and are easy to clean. Plastic dog houses also have the advantage of remaining parasite free, even in the American Deep South and in other insect-prone areas. These dog houses are not as durable as those made of wood or metal, however, and can be easily damaged by dogs that chew.

Metal Dog House: Dog houses constructed entirely of metal are unusual, since they are prone to being too hot or too cold depending on the weather situation. It is not uncommon, however, for a dog house to have a metal roof. On the rare occasions that metal is used to build a dog house, the result is a durable and relatively easy to clean construction.

A dog house can be made of almost any material. The best dog house is the house that takes your dog's comfort, as well as the climate, into consideration. Within these strictures, only your creativity - and your wallet - determines the ideal construction material for you.

Next article: Choosing The Right Size For Your Dog's House