Can a dog stay in a dog house in winter?

No, it is very important to remember that a dog’s real home during the winter is inside the home. A heated house is best as a secondary dog residence or hang-out to be placed in semi-sheltered places like garages, screen porches, sheds, and more. When the house is fully outside—not recommended for most houses that use electric heating—it should only be viewed as a very temporary abode or crash pad.

Are heated dog houses safe?

They are, provided that the electrical aspects involved with the heating situation are sufficiently covered, and that the house is placed in an appropriate environment. It is also crucial to avoid any situation where your dog might feel overheated. Look for houses that offer temperature control through a thermostat or heating pads (not blankets) with built-in body heat monitoring. Also, make sure there’s adequate room in the dog house for your pup to move away from the heat source if they become uncomfortable, and exit the house if necessary.

What is a safe temperature for a heated dog house?

Dogs' ideal temperature varies greatly based on their size, age, and hair length. However, between 50 and 85 degrees has been shown to be safe for dog housing. In the 80s, however, you move toward risk of overheating, especially in smaller, contained spaces.

The 8 Best Heated Dog Houses of 2023

Most dogs are not capable of surviving outdoors in winter conditions and should not be left outside during the winter months. Except for very specific and well-insulated breeds, if you're cold, they're cold. As such, a heated outdoor dog house should never be your dog’s primary home during cold months—make sure they spend plenty of time indoors. But if your dog loves staying outside to play in the snow, or if they spend time in a sheltered place that could use a little supplemental heat—such as in a garage—then there is probably a heated dog houses that would make their winter more comfortable and enjoyable.

Our favorite heated dog house is the Dog Palace Insulated Dog House, which has robust and eco-friendly insulation, comprehensive heating technology, and good overall habitability. There are also space heaters and heated mats designed just for dogs, which can be easily combined with your dog’s favorite at-home domicile. Some of our favorite dog house makers also offer heating accessories designed to pair perfectly with an existing dog house design.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall :

Dog Palace Insulated Dog House at Chewy

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Best for Small Dogs:

K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty House at Amazon

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Best for Large Dogs:

Dog Palace Insulated Dog House at Chewy

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Best Indoor Heated Pad:

Frisco Adjustable Electrical Dog & Cat Heated Crate Mat at Chewy

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Best Outdoor Heated Pad:

K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed at Amazon

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Best Heating Pad for Igloo-Style Dog Houses:

K&H Pet Products Lectro Igloo-Style Heated Pad at Chewy

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Best Tent-Style:

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Tent Outdoor Heated Pet Shelter at Amazon

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Best Dog House Heater:

Akoma Hound Dog House Heater at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce Pets

Walmart

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What We Like

Durable and spacious
Well insulated
Remote-controlled thermostat
Built-in drainage

What We Don't Like

Distinctive barn house design won't appeal to all tastes

Dog Palace are trusted purveyors of high-end, well-insulated, and safety-conscious dog houses for pups of all sizes and behavioral profiles. The Insulated Dog House is their baseline model, and will be a perfect fit for most dog owners; at a little over $300, it is an investment but not prohibitive, and certainly not out of line with the quality of the product.

Built from thick plastic and fortified with serious, industrial-grade insulation (2-4 inches thick), there’s little risk of your dog getting chilly even without the built-in central heater. This can be controlled by remote, giving you precise control over the climate inside your canine’s palace.

The square footage inside, the size of the entranceway, and the thickness of the floor lend themselves to dogs sized petite to large (shoulder height of 26.5 inches or less) The door can be used with or without a protective flap which is easy for dogs to move through comfortably and provides additional protection against both the elements and predators.

If it sounds like a dauntingly big space to clean and generally maintain, think again. The Dog Palace house has a clever raised, slanted floor design which is designed to make drainage easy and comprehensive. It’s easy to access all corners of the house for quick cleaning, too. With all factors considered, this basic Dog Palace model is the most worthwhile investment on the market if you are serious about keeping your pup (or small pups) protected against frigid weather conditions, and happy outdoors year-round.

Price at time of publish: $315

_{Dimensions: 47.5 x 31.5 x 38.5 inches | Weight: 76 pounds | Materials: Plastic | Requires Electrical Connection: Yes}

K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty House

Amazon

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What We Like

Good value
Easy to assemble and clean
Removable door flaps

What We Don't Like

Not waterproof

To get a well-made and appropriately sized house for puppies and small breed dogs, it's sometimes necessary to look into product design for other small animals—namely, cats. The Outdoor Heated Multi-Kitty House from trusted pet brand K&H is spacious but modest at 21.5 x 26.5 x 15.5 inches, and perfect for outdoor use thanks to its highly weather-resistant polyester and well-insulated design. The heated pad covers half of the house’s floor, meaning your growing canine can get on and off of the heat easily if they're overheated.

Depending on the weather or your dog’s specific behavioral profile, you can leave flaps on or off the entrance to the house. If you are concerned about electric safety with the house out in the elements, the 20-watt heated bed has been tested by MET labs and functions above safety standards in both the United States and Canada—that is, well-protected from potential water damage or other hazards. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that in very extreme conditions, you’ll want to keep the house in a covered area like a garage or porch because the exterior of the house is not fully waterproof.

Price at time of publish: $80

_{Dimensions: 21.5 x 26.5 x 15.5 inches | Weight: 6.9 pounds | Materials: Polyester | Requires Electrical Connection: Yes}

Dog Palace CRB Premium Insulated Heated Dog House

Tractor Supply Co.

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What We Like

Big enough for large breeds or multiple dogs
Remote-controlled heating unit
Well-insulated
10-year warranty

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Made of plastic with high-grade, recycled insulation lining its walls, the larger version of our favorite overall heated dog house from Dog Palace keeps the chill and snow out handily. The built-in heater assures that you can get the climate in the house however your oversize pup prefers it; owners can adjust the temperature with a remote-controlled digital thermostat.

There are plenty of other features that help this Dog Palace model earn its price tag. It is incredibly spacious with a four foot diameter and height. While you can go bigger and sturdier (and pricier) with houses fit for multiple dogs, this model may do you just fine as a shared hub for two or three smaller-sized canines. It is also easy-to-clean and sanitary, with a raised floor with drainage built-in.

If you are looking for a dog house splurge, the Dog Palace CRB Premium house is certainly an option that is unlikely to disappoint, and it comes with a 10-year warranty to assure longevity.

Price at time of publish: $550

_{Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 46 inches | Weight: 96 pounds | Materials: Plastic | Requires Electrical Connection: Yes}

Frisco Adjustable Electrical Dog & Cat Heated Crate Mat with Timer

Chewy

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What We Like

Affordable
Portable
Low/high temperature settings
Timer functionality
Different sizes for different types of dogs

What We Don't Like

Cannot be used outside

If you are looking for a heated item to pop into a dog house or travel crate to provide some extra warmth, this highly affordable heated indoor pad, this comfy Frisco mat may be the perfect accessory for you. To prevent overheating and promote safety, the mat includes a choice of two different temperature settings as well as a timer function. The latter allows you to keep the pad on only as long as your pup needs it, whether that’s four or twenty-four hours. There’s a comfy polyester edge that makes the pad a great sleeping spot as well.

The pads aren’t only for petite dogs, either; pads are available in 18, 24, 30, and 36 inch versions. These are designed to be travel-friendly items, so they are ultra-portable—easy to move back and forth from your car to different spots in your house, or store out of sight.

Price at time of publish: $54

_{Dimensions: 18, 24, 30, and 36 inches | Weight: 3.858 pounds | Materials: Polyester | Requires Electrical Connection: Yes}

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K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Dog Pad Tan Large 25 X 36 Inches

Amazon

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What We Like

Multiple sizes available
Waterproof cover
Comfortable orthopedic foam

What We Don't Like

Not for dogs who chew

Fully waterproof and powered by a steel-wrapped power cord, K&H’s outdoor heated pad for canines has been well-tested and dubbed safe from the elements by the electronics inspections experts at MET Labs and adheres to safety standards in the United States and Canada. Luckily, it is also extremely comfortable for pups, with a soft foam base and a fleece cover (totally safe for your washing machine, so don’t worry about the pains of clean-up). The pad has proven to be perfect for use in sheds, garages, barns, and elsewhere.

The electrical imprint for a bed this size isn’t bad either: its 25 x 36 inch surface area is heated by just 60 watts of power. Owners can use a thermostat quality to exactly control the amount of heat their lounging pup(s) is/are receiving to prevent overheating, automatically warming to your dog’s body temperature.

Price at time of publish: $59

_{Dimensions: 25 x 36 x 1.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Orthopedic foam and PVC | Requires Electrical Connection: Yes}

The 7 Best Dog Houses for Your Pooch and Outdoor Space

K&H Pet Products Lectro Igloo-Style Heated Pad

Tractor Supply Co.

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What We Like

Fits round or igloo-style dog houses
Half-circle shape allows dogs to lay on or off heat
Includes a machine-washable cover

What We Don't Like

Heating pad only

This pad from K&H is the perfect heating solution for an igloo-style dog house. It is easy to fit through the pad of any enclosure and available in three different sizes to fit whatever size of igloo you have at home. The pad gives your pup the choice to be on or off it, taking up half the size of the igloo with its half-round shaper.

You should be able to place the Igloo-Style Heated Pad at most desired locations in your house thanks to its 66-inch power cord. Don’t worry about overheating or energy conservation: the pad heats only when your pup is on it. Unlike many pads on the market the K&H Lectro is safe for both indoor and outdoor use. Also, its automated on-and-off ability saves you time manually tweaking the temperature and timer.

Price at time of publish: $180

_{Dimensions: 17.5 x 30 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Materials: ABS plastic and fleece | Requires Electrical Connection: Yes}

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Tent Outdoor Heated Pet Shelter

Amazon

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What We Like

Lightweight and portable
Easy to assemble
Removable heated bed

What We Don't Like

Not weather-proof

For heated dog house options that are affordable and easily transportable, tent-style homes are an excellent investment. K&H—perhaps the most reliable brand in the dog house game—has a high-quality heated tent house model that we highly recommend. Made of nylon and equipped with a removable orthopedic foam bed, the Thermo-Tent is a comfy and low-maintenance option, easy to assemble and collapse without tools and move around your home as needed.

Like all K&H products, the tent is certified by MET Labs and exceeds all North American safety standard. It is perfect for use inside the home or in garages, porches, and semi-outdoor areas. If you are looking for a secondary house option during the cold months, the Thermo-tent will work perfectly, but since the heated floor is removable, it also works as a potential home for your pup year-round.

Price at time of publish: $75

_{Dimensions: 19 x 24 x 16 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Materials: Nylon | Requires Electrical Connection: Yes}

Amazon

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What We Like

Wide temperature range
Suitable for large spaces
Easy to install
Optional Bluetooth control

What We Don't Like

Noise may deter some dogs

In many ways, the Akoma Hound Dog House Heater is the ultimate all-purpose heating solution for indoor dog houses. It adjusts to a wide range of temperatures—between 30 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit—and can heat dog houses of up to 75 cubic feet, which means it will serve almost any size of puppy domicile you maintain in your house. To prevent overheating, the heater only runs when needed, and the temperature and other elements can be controlled by smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth.

To keep your dog(s) safe, the power cord is wrapped in stainless steel spring and chewproof. If you are using the heater in an igloo-style dog house, It can be mounted on a sturdy docking bracket to prevent being knocked over or other accidents. The heater incorporates a heat shield so that your dog can touch the lower half without any danger. If all of the customizability and the safety precautions aren’t enough to recommend the Akoma heater, it is also designed to be extremely resilient, thanks to a 300W heating element.

Price at time of publish: $150

_{Dimensions: 10 x 4.5 x 10 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Materials: Plastic | Requires Electrical Connection: Yes}

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Final Verdict

In our estimation, the Dog Palace Insulated Dog House is the ultimate high-quality, extremely safe, spacious, and eco-friendly heated dog home. We struggled to find another home that checks the amount of boxes that Dog Palace’s Dog House does. The combination of thick insulation and thermostat-controlled heating makes for a variety of approaches to temperature control. It also has a flap door to keep out the elements, but which is designed for smooth entry and exit. The home is also big enough to comfortably house medium and large dogs or even multiple pups.

For customers looking for a safe and weather-resistant heating pad to temporarily place outdoors or within an existing dog house, we also recommend the exceptionally well-made and affordable Outdoor Heated Dog Pad from K&H.

Safety

There are a variety of ways that different types and sizes of houses on the market handle heating, but whatever else is true about them, safety is of preeminent importance. In many cases, the products on this list are certified as having been tested by regulatory compliance experts at MET Labs. They are generally considered safe in both the United States and Canada. Look out for these certifications, but also indications that the power supply and wires to the heating device in the house are well-protected against both weather and standard dog teething, chewing and roughhousing.

Interior Size

As with any dog home, make sure you check the cubic footage of the interior to be sure there is plenty of room for your pup (or pups) inside. Many dog house designs come in multiple sizes, or include recommendations of the types of dogs that they are best for. If you are hoping to pair a separately purchased heater with a dog house, it is also important that the heater can provide coverage to the full space, or—more likely—that the device will not overheat the space. Luckily, most heaters have automatic functionality that prevents this from happening, including pads that match dogs’ body pressure or only activate when they are laying on it.

Heating Pad Size

A comfy pad is probably the most common way to heat a dog house. It also allows owners to easily use those houses year-round, moving the pad in as needed, or leaving it in there without power as a lounging area or bed for your pup. Even in the coldest weather, though, it is important that your favorite canine has somewhere to move within the house if the pad starts to feel too hot or becomes uncomfortable for them. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that your dog house’s heating pad does not cover the entirety of its floor space.

Insulation

Many of the highest-quality heated dog houses include not only powered heating mechanisms but are constructed using a layer of heavy-duty insulation. Before investing in a dog house, make sure that the design of the dog house does not merely rely on the power of electric heat, but that it is built to keep cold out and keep heat in. Our top pick, the Dog Palace Insulated Dog House, integrates a thick layer of recyclable insulation, as well as a built-in central heater. The effective insulation treatment means there is often less need to use the heater; this means wasting less energy and reducing the likelihood of overheating.

FAQ

Can a dog stay in a dog house in winter?

No, it is very important to remember that a dog’s real home during the winter is inside the home. A heated house is best as a secondary dog residence or hang-out to be placed in semi-sheltered places like garages, screen porches, sheds, and more. When the house is fully outside—not recommended for most houses that use electric heating—it should only be viewed as a very temporary abode or crash pad.
Are heated dog houses safe?

They are, provided that the electrical aspects involved with the heating situation are sufficiently covered, and that the house is placed in an appropriate environment. It is also crucial to avoid any situation where your dog might feel overheated. Look for houses that offer temperature control through a thermostat or heating pads (not blankets) with built-in body heat monitoring. Also, make sure there’s adequate room in the dog house for your pup to move away from the heat source if they become uncomfortable, and exit the house if necessary.
What is a safe temperature for a heated dog house?

Dogs' ideal temperature varies greatly based on their size, age, and hair length. However, between 50 and 85 degrees has been shown to be safe for dog housing. In the 80s, however, you move toward risk of overheating, especially in smaller, contained spaces.

This article was written by Winston Cook-Wilson, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce Pets. This list was compiled by taking into account reviews from dog owners and the analysis of veterinarians. To provide a varied list that took into account the needs of different types of dogs, The Spruce Pets’ team considered each product’s safety features, durability, and size, among other factors.

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