If you are lucky enough to have a house with a backyard, then you probably already have your best friend – a dog. So, if you love your furry friend – and you know that they love you back – you, of course, want to do anything to make them happy.
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That’s why you should certainly consider building your furry friend their own home in your backyard. And even if your dog gets to spend as much time as they want in your house, it would still be nice for them to have a place outdoors they can call their own.
That being said, here are 5 things you need to consider before you start building a home for your furry BFF.
Decide on the material for the doggy house
Although dog houses are normally made of wood, which is very satisfying as it is totally natural, you can also use some other materials you happen to have lying around. Whatever the material you choose, you will need to add some insulation to the roof, as this part of the dog house will be the most exposed to elements.
A nice piece of foam board insulation will do a very good job as it provides enough thermal insulation to keep the indoors comfortable. It will help keep the interior of your dog house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Since it is resistant to moisture, it can be used for both the walls and the roof.
Choose a nice spot for the doggy house
When building a doggy house, it is crucial that you find the right spot in your backyard for it. So choose a place that’s somewhat shady to help protect your dog from direct sunlight, and it also needs to be somewhat guarded from the wind.
If you have another building or a shed in your backyard, it would be nice to place the doggy house there where it wouldn’t be out in the open. This will make your dog’s habitat more comfortable. However, make sure you also don’t place the doggy house in a far-away corner, to avoid making your dog feel isolated and left out.
Furthermore, make sure that your doggy house is not placed anywhere where there’s a lot of water gathering during rainfall, and avoid placing it directly under a tree, as this may potentially be dangerous.
Finally, make sure you don’t place the doggy house too close to the edge of your backyard, to ensure that both your dog and the passers-by or your neighbors stay completely safe.
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Ask a Vet Live NowThe doggy house must match your dog’s size
Before you start building your doggy house, you have to make a plan. First of all, you’ll need to determine just how big your dog actually is – and in case they’re still a puppy, how big their breed usually gets. That way you can avoid making a dog house your dog will likely outgrow in the coming months.
What’s more, keep in mind that your dog needs to feel comfortable in their home, so add a few extra inches to the size of the home you’ve originally intended to go with, just to be extra safe. That being said, however, make sure you don’t make a dog house that’s too big, because if you do so, your pup may end up being too cold in it in winter months.
Lift the doggy house off the ground
It is very important to elevate your dog’s house off the ground. In case of heavy rain or snow, the house may get flooded if it is not elevated enough. By doing so, you will also ensure that your furry friend stay warm during colder months as the house floor won’t be resting on cold ground. Of course, make sure you insulate the floor well to keep your fur baby nice and warm.
Now that your dog is safely situated, slowly introduce your BFF to their new abode and watch them enjoy this new space they can fully call their own.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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