Know what the weather will be like.

After reading my post about the dangers of heat stroke, I figure this will a handy little device to post. You can check to see what the weather will be like before you send your dog out.

A dog house air conditoner is more important than you might think.

Many people see the air conditioned dog houses that are available these days, but they are not convinced that they are necessary. But what those same people don't realize is that dogs are more susceptible to having a heat stroke than humans are! Besides the fact that dogs are constantly wearing a fur coat, it also a fact that dogs have no natural ways to cool themselves. When humans get hot, we begin to sweat. When a dog gets hot they begin to pant or blow out the heat. Although those are both methods for cooling off, they are less effective than sweating. So think about that when you see your dog out in the heat and he/she begins panting; it's not that they are excited, but because they are hot. So even if you have a dog house for your dog, without a dog house air conditioner, there is still a chance of your dog developing a heat stroke.

"What is a heat stroke", you might ask. To put it in simple terms, a heat stroke is when the body gains more heat than it can get rid of. When the body reaches these high temperatures a chemical reaction occurs that breaks down the body cells, which in turn can lean to dehydration and thickening of the blood. The causes heart strain, blood clotting and death to tissue. A dog normally has a body temperature of 101 degrees F to 102 degrees F. However if a dog reaches a body temperature of 106F that is when the threat of heat stroke can occur, resulting in brain damage, vital organ failure, and even death. So just think, even if it's a 110 degrees outside, your best friend can be inside their air conditioned dog house at a cool 75 degrees.

There are some symptoms that your dog is experiencing overheating. These include, rapid panting, wide eyes, thick saliva, bright red tongue, vomiting, staggering, diarrhea, and even a coma can occur. If you ever notice your dog experiencing the symptons of heat stroke you want to cool him/her off right away; hose him/her off in cool (not cold) water, use fans, take them to an air conditioned enviroment, sponge the groin & stomach area, wet their tongue, or place wet, rollled up towels between their legs and against their head, neck, or stomach. Once the temperature drops to about 103 degrees, stop cooling them off. Cooling them off too fast can also lead to problems. After cooling the dog, take them to the vet immediately. If your dog's temperature is still high the vet may give your dog a cool water enema, cool water gastric lavage to rinse the stomach, IV fluids and draw blood samples. They will also monitor your dog for any organ failure, and other stresses. They may require a follow up treatment once your dog is stabilized.

As tragic as this might sound, it can be easily prevented. Don't leave your dog in a parked car, the temperature inside of a car can reach over 40+ degrees from what the outside temperature is. Also don't leave your dog outside for too long, but if you have to leave your dog outside while you go shopping, to work, etc.; take precautions to make sure their time outside isn't in the extreme heat. Leave water for them, and make an investment in a dog house air conditioner. Your best friend will thank you.

Does Insulation Really Make a Difference in a Dog House?

Let's face it - you feel guilty leaving your dog outdoors in inclement weather, and you especially don't like him being out in the cold and wet of the winter. However, your allergies or the simple mess of having an indoor dog just isn't conducive to your lifestyle. You've considered dog houses, but you aren't sure they are satisfactory. Perhaps you've heard, though, about insulated dog houses, and you are wondering if dog house insulation truly makes a difference.

Think about your own home. Why is your house insulated? In the winter, the insulation helps hold in heat more efficiently, and in the summer, it keeps the cool air in your home more effectively. If you can't tell any other way, you can tell by the price of your heating and cooling bills. The same is true in dog house insulation. While you aren't heating and cooling the space with electricity or gas, you are improving the climate within the dog house, making it more comfortable for your dog.

Depending on where you live and how cold it actually gets outside, the insulated dog houses you'll want to consider may change, requiring more or less insulation. However, something common across the board is the desire for a bit of style, which can be found in insulated cedar dog houses. Aside from looking nice, the cedar will be naturally weather resistant, meaning that you don't have to worry about treating the wood. Best of all, it means that aside from making sure your dog is warm or cool enough, the cedar will also keep moisture from leaking in, adding even greater comfort to your dog's space.

With the difference insulated cedar dog houses make, you'll be able to set your mind at ease and not worry about your best friend, concerned that perhaps he'd be better off indoors with you so that you just have to suck it up and deal with the presence of a dog in the house. Instead, carry a bed and a few blankets into your dog's new abode and let him make himself at home in any weather. Insulated dog houses are an incredible solution to the worry of your pet's comfort and health outdoors, and it's also a great way to give your pet his own space in which he can do as he pleases without you worrying that he'll dirty the house or make your allergies act up. Best of all, insulated wooden dog houses won't clutter up the yard or look bad, making them a perfect decorative addition to your own home.