Peter's Pet Blog

Know what the weather will be like.

2008-06-26T08:12:00.003-05:00

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.

2008-06-25T11:09:00.004-05:00

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?

2008-06-23T09:21:00.006-05:00

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.

How To Build a Dog House

2008-06-23T09:15:00.003-05:00

Once you have weighed the pros and cons of buying versus building and decided to manufacture a home for Man's Best Friend, you need a plan. First decide how exactly you are going to go about building the dog house. Do you want to use a kit, predesigned plans with instructions, or are you just going to wing it? Unless you are a skilled woodworker or at least have some experience with a hammer and a saw, you should probably at least have a floor plan and instructions, if not a manufactured kit.

When deciding how you want the Insulated Dog House to look from the outside, consider how the rest of your yard looks. It may be good to design the dog house to match the wood you used for the fence or to mimic the look of your own home. Once you have that figured out you can obtain the materials you plan to use. Those materials may include wood, nails, shingles, paint, insulation, etc. Basically the materials you would use to build a home, just a much simpler one without the plumbing or electricity.

Consider how big your dog is and how much room he or she will need to move around inside the Insulated Cedar Dog Houses. If you have two or more dogs, obviously you are going to need a bigger dog house unless you know that they just love to sleep squished together, which they probably don't. The sizing of a dog house should be similar to that of a crate. If the dog can stand up completely and turn around then it is probably big enough. Something to be very cautious of is the dog's height. You do not want to build it too low or he may scrape his back going inside. You must also be careful of sharp edges or protruding nails inside the house, as these could also hurt him. It is almost always better to build too big than too small.

You should always assess the ground that you plan to build on, whether it is stable or not and whether there is a great deal of water that flows through that area when it rains. Many dog houses are built with a raised floor which simply takes the floor a few inches off the ground. This serves dual purposes. It helps a wooden dog house last longer because the floor is not constantly wet and susceptible to rot and it keeps your little guy drier because water cannot flow into the dog house if there is quite a bit of rain. This may not be much of a concern if you live in a very dry climate but will be important if your area gets frequent rain.

Once you have built the basic structure is when the fun part of building Wooden Dog Houses begins. You can decorate it any way you like, paint it to match your own home or make it look like Snoopy's. Add some character with a chimney or even a deck. Your dog won't care what color it is as long as it is a safe and comfortable place to sleep. You, on the other hand, are the one that has to look at it so you might as well make it entertaining.

Best Materials for Dog Houses

When you are picking out a dog house or deciding to build one, it is important to choose the proper material. Not all Wooden Dog Houses are created equal and there will be a different "right" choice for each owner and dog. You should take into consideration the size and breed of your dog along with the environment your home is located in. The local climate and weather pattern will play a very important role in determining the right material for dog houses in that area. Additionally, your dog may not care what it looks like but you and your guests are the ones that will have to look at it all the time so pick something that goes well with your home and outdoor décor.

Wood is the most common building material for Dog Houses. It is easily accessible, versatile and not difficult to work with. If you have a choice or if you are building your own dog house, Cedar makes a good wood for outdoor use because it is very resistant to rotting and water damage. Probably the most common type of wood for Cedar Dog Houses or any building project is Pine. It's not quite as sturdy and weather resistant as Cedar, but it is inexpensive and easy to work with. If the wood is treated properly before you begin building it will last longer and resist water damage or rot.

If you live in a place where rain is a constant factor, wood may not be your best bet. Unless you want to replace boards every few months you might be better off with a synthetic material. Plastic dog houses come manufactured and can be purchased at most pet supply stores. There are a lot of really attractive characteristics to plastic dog houses. They are easier to clean, for one thing. All it takes is a water hose and even the dirtiest pet den is good as new. They also won't rot when they get wet or warp with changes in temperature. You can even keep a blanket or cushion in a plastic dog house if you want to because the material is not as susceptible to leaking as wood is. If water does get into the house, however, there really isn't anywhere for it to go so plastic dog houses should be elevated to allow less rainwater to flow in from the ground.

With the vast majority of dogs living inside the home with their families, the dogs that do end up residing outside in dog houses often have pretty nice spots to call home. One popular trend with dog houses is insulation. You can purchase them already insulate or include it if you're building your own. There's no reason your furry friend should have to be uncomfortable, particularly on very cold or very hot days. By draping plastic door covers over the door you can help keep the temperature of your buddy's house a nice and comfortable level. When it all comes down to it, making it right for him is what is most important. He would do the same for you.

Air Conditioned Dog Houses

2008-06-23T09:13:00.006-05:00

Air conditioned dog houses have gotten a bad rap over the years. People tend to think that anyone who provides air conditioned dog houses for their pets is some kind of uber animal lover who perhaps has more money than common sense. Obviously, these people do not know much about animals! They think nothing of lounging around inside their own air-conditioned homes, but think it's perfectly okay for their dog to sit outside and pant in the heat. Such people would never let the idea of having air conditioned dog houses in their yard even enter their heads!

It's true that dogs can be quite hardy when it comes to adverse weather conditions. Dog lovers worldwide have gained more knowledge about the canine than ever before, and the discovery has been made and confirmed that dogs do indeed suffer in hot weather. The humidity of some parts of the world and the stuffy, dry heat of other areas are a little different. The same temperature in the desert of the West coast can feel cooler than it does in the moist, humid climate of the South and South East. Dogs can feel both variances of temperature, but the humidity zaps their energy just as it does a human's. It is especially important that a dog that lives in a wet, hot climate be protected from excessive heat. Air conditioned dog houses are a simple and yes, a cost effective method of protecting your dog.

How can dog house air conditioners be cost effective, you may ask? Have you paid attention to what a veterinarian charges now days? One trip to the vet for a heat stroke would cost far more than the extra electricity needed to power an air conditioned dog house! Plus, a heat stroke could kill your pet! Dogs are not able to sweat in order to cool their bodies when they get too hot like humans can. How much is your dog's life worth to you?

Air conditioned dog houses can be totally climate controlled. You can buy special units for your dog's house that will not only cool it in the summer, but heat it in the winter for about the same price you would pay for a room air conditioner for your own home. They are quite cheap to operate, only around 70 cents a day. Isn't your dog worth 70 cents a day? If you have more than one dog, instead of having to have separate air conditioned dog houses for each of them, you can invest in a wooden storage building made for humans to store their belongings in. It's easy to turn such a building into quite a nice dog house by simply installing a pet door. Then you can install the dog house air conditioner, and you will have a very nice shelter suitable for several dogs.

You might be a bit leery about dog house air conditioners, fearing that your dog might chew on electrical wires and injure himself if you install an air conditioner for him. This could be true with a regular window unit air conditioner, but not with the special unit created so that air conditioned dog houses could be the norm and not the exception. These units look like a miniature central air and heat unit like the one that is probably outside your home right now. The dog house air conditioners sit outside the dog house, and a non-chewable hose leads into the house via a hole drilled in the side. It's a simple solution to a real problem. Every summer, many dogs die unnecessarily due to the heat. Air conditioned dog houses can prevent a lot of grief and keep your beloved dog safe and cool.

Outdoor Dog Houses

2008-06-23T08:41:00.004-05:00

When you brought your furry little friend home for the first time he was so small and cuddly that you could never have imagined the mastiff he's become today. The term "Bull in a China Shop" comes to mind when you see him bound through the kitchen and your wife has finally given you the ultimatum. It's her or the dog. The fact that you paused to ponder that question didn't help your case any, but you're able to reach a compromise in which either you or the dog would move outside. That's a question you didn't have to ponder, and now it's time to find a dog house.

When you're surveying Wooden Dog Houses trying to find the best one for your best friend, there are several things to consider. You must consider his size and breed, the environment you live in and-most importantly-just how badly you want to spoil him. That will make the difference between a plywood box and a doggie bachelor pad bigger than your first apartment. Generally most dog owners will arrive at an option somewhere in the middle of the two, but to each his own.

Weather is a very important consideration when choosing Wooden Dog Houses. This will affect the design and material of the structure, as well as where you choose to put it. If you live in an area that has moderate to frequent rain, you should consider a dog house with a raised floor. This allows 5-8 inches between the floor and the ground so water can flow freely underneath without Fido having to sleep wet. It can also help the dog house last longer because the floor will dry faster when it does get wet, helping to avoid rot if it is made from wood. If your area is a very rainy environment, plastic may make a better outdoor dog house than wood.

If you have more than one dog you will probably need a bigger outdoor dog house than with just the one, but why not take it up just a notch? Consider getting a "doggie duplex". This design is simply the size of two dog houses combined into one room inside but with two doors. There are a variety of ready-made outdoor dog houses like this one or you can purchase the plans to do it yourself if you are of a handy nature. Some plans for Wood Dog Houses even go so far as to add a deck. If this is something you've been promising your wife you would add onto your own house since you got married, it is not recommended that you give the dog one first.

The expense of an outdoor dog house can be as little as a few boards and nails to thousands of dollars depending on your preference. One expense that many dog owners choose to incur is for insulation, heating and yes, even air conditioning. Providing these features for your dog can help him stay healthy and happy. It may also help you live with the guilt that you're snuggled into your bed while your best friend and lifelong companion (don't tell your wife that) is sleeping outside.

Dog House Heaters

2008-06-23T08:29:00.001-05:00

Winter can be hard on some dogs. Even when they have a nice dog house to stay in when they are outside, they can still get very cold. Normally, a dog's fur coat and body heat are enough to keep him comfortable. Young dogs, elderly dogs, and smooth coated dogs can feel the cold more so than their thick-coated cousins. These pooches need dog house heaters to help keep them toasty warm, no matter what the temperature is outside.

Dog House Heaters are reasonably priced, and can make the difference in your dog being comfortable, or shivering with cold all winter long. They have been designed to warm a dog house that is medium sized, and are smaller than you might think, so they do not take up a lot of valuable space in your dog's house. Normally, dog house heaters are mounted on the ceiling of the house, over in a far corner so as to be unobtrusive. This works far better than the doghouse heaters that are made like a hard plastic mat. The heat circulates better from the ceiling, and keeps your dog much warmer. In fact, studies have shown that when it is as low as zero degrees outdoors, inside your dog's house it will be right around 40 degrees when you are running a dog house heater.

You don't have to worry about your dog getting burned or even worse, electrocuted when using a Petcool. Note that most dog house heaters will be hot to the touch, but should not burn the skin. If installed correctly, the heater is totally out of your dog's way, has no moving parts, and is made of a strong metal material, so there is very little chance your dog will ever attempt to chew on it. This is not the case when you use other forms of heat, such as a forced air heater or a spotlight light bulb. There is always a danger of tipping over a forced air heater, or the chance that the dog might chew on the electrical cord of the heater. Those who have attempted to use a spotlight for heating purposes have noticed that while the bulb may emit some heat, their dog does not like the brightness of the light, and may not even use the dog house while the spotlight is turned on.

Dog house heaters are designed to use a heating element such as a 60 or 100 watt ceramic heat emitter. They do not give off any light at all and only cost around $3.00 or $4.00 a month to use continuously. The bulb is super easy to change by simply maneuvering a thumb screw. If by chance you have a large dog that sleeps in a house that is bigger than medium size, you can simply install two dog house heaters in opposite top corners of the house. These heaters are very sturdy and will last for years despite continuous winter use. You can use a special type of outlet that is designed to work like a thermostat. It will automatically turn the heater off and on when a certain temperature is reached if you are concerned about the cost of running more than one dog house heater.

If you love your dog and for some reason he must sleep outside during cold weather, you should definitely invest in a dog house air conditioner to make sure your canine friend is comfortable during the winter months.