subject: Air Conditioned Dog Houses [print this page] Air Conditioned Dog Houses Air Conditioned Dog Houses
If you live in a mild or cold climate you have probably never considered getting an air conditioned dog house for your dog. But if you live in a summer climate or where the summer temperatures soar, an air conditioned dog house is something you should definitely consider if your dog spends time outside. When most people think of shielding their dog from the elements they think of snow, rain, and the cold, and while these elements can be detrimental to any dog left out in them, summer heat can also be devastating. Many dogs die each year from heat stroke because they were left out in the sweltering summer air. An air conditioned dog house can keep your dog safe and happy even in the hottest summer months.
There are many considerations you should take when choosing an air conditioned dog house. If you are going to install an air conditioning unit into a dog house yourself you should be sure that the house is made of a suitable material. Plastic dog houses are popular, but plastic is not the best material for an air conditioned house as they are not easily insulated and will not hold the cool air well. Wood is the best choice for an air conditioned dog house and you should either buy one that is already insulated or insulate one yourself with an extra layer of plywood and Styrofoam. Having insulation is important as it will reduce the already small cost of cooling the dog house by allowing the cooling unit to run more efficiently.
You should also make sure no matter if you build or buy your dog house that the cooling unit, wires, and other components are out of reach of your dog so that they cannot chew on them. Some types of air conditioning units can easily sit outside of the house and the wires concealed in the wall. Window type units can also be installed in a dog house but be sure that they are behind a grill of some sort so that your dog cannot access and chew on the knobs and hardware.
The last consideration when choosing an air conditioned dog house is the size. Dog houses come in many different sizes, and all can be fitted with air conditioning or purchased completely set up. Some people choose to buy their dogs mammoth sized doggy mansions for houses, and while these large and luxurious dog houses are quite impressive, most dogs prefer a house that is somewhat smaller. Usually dogs like houses that are proportioned to their size and give them enough room to stand, turn around, and stretch out without being cramped yet overly roomy. Choosing a dog house that is large enough to accommodate your dog but not too large will also help to keep cooling costs down as the cooling unit will not have to work as hard to cool a smaller space. Getting your dog an air conditioned house is one of the best way to keep them happy and healthy in the high heat of the summer.
