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10 Best Heated Outdoor Dog Houses

Written by Khalil
Khalil is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Sunday 27 October 2019
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
7 Best Heated Outdoor Dog Houses
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For pups who want the best of the indoors and outdoors in the winter months, a heated outdoor dog house will offer just that. The best outdoor dog houses with heating will feature a small heating element, plenty of insulation, and plenty of other design choices that will protect them from the harsher weather.

Outdoor heated dog houses are best for smaller breeds or dogs who need to spend more time outdoors. Thsi is because both dogs need more protection from the elements. Ready to find out more about our top 10 picks? Read on with us today!

10 Best Heated Outdoor Dog Houses

Not all outdoor dog houses come with heating. In fact, very few do – which is why we have included both heated outdoor dog houses as well as weatherproof dog houses. Our top picks for the best heated outdoor dog house are sturdy, reliable, and safe for dogs. So, you’re sure to find a dog house that meets your pup’s needs, whether they’re a large breed or a smaller breed!

Our Top Pick: Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House

Our top pick for the best heated outdoor dog house is the Dog Palace CRB. Made with durable plastic and fitted with a heating system, your pup is sure to get a toasty and comfortable nap even when outdoors. Furthermore, if your dog is a large breed, you need not worry about finding a house that’s big enough for them – this dog house is very large, making it the ideal choice for your larger furry friend.

Product NameBest FeatureRating
Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog HousePlastic material with heating5.0
K&H PET PRODUCTS Thermo Tent Soft tent design with heating4.9
Pet Life ‘Hush Puppy’ Electric Heating Soft house design with heating4.9
Petmate Indigo Dog HousePlastic igloo design, no heating4.0
BLKMTY Dog House Plastic house design, no heating4.0
Petsfit Wooden Dog House Wooden house design, no heating4.0
Lifetime Deluxe Dog HouseMetal house design, no heating4.0
Jiupety Cozy Pet Bed HouseSoft house design, no heating4.0
Rockever Insulated Dog HouseWooden house design, no heating4.0
BestPet All Weather Dog HousePlastic house design, no heating3.0
10 Best Heated Outdoor Dog Houses

1. Dog Palace CRB Insulated Heated Dog House

Dog Palace CRB is the ideal outdoor dog house for large breeds who need to weather the outdoor elements. This outdoor dog house is designed with the comforts of your home in mind. In each panel is four inches of insulation to keep your pooch warm or cool as needed, with an added heater to keep them warmer. The central heater also comes with a thermostat and remote so that you can adjust the temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the house comes with a swinging door and a drainage system for easy cleaning.

Some customers report a few issues with this outdoor dog house. One of the most common issues is that some dogs might be nervous about this house – the swinging door is heavy which might deter some dogs, and the wind blowing on it may cause a lot of noise. Others report the longevity of the heater, stating that it occasionally stops working after a few months.

Pros

  • Thermostat and heater
  • Remote control for easy temperature adjustments
  • Four inches of insulation
  • Swinging door and drainage system for easy cleaning
  • Ideal for large breeds

Cons

  • Some dogs might be apprehensive about the house
  • Occasional issues with heater longevity
  • Very large size is unsuitable for smaller breeds

2. K&H PET PRODUCTS Thermo Tent Outdoor Heated Pet Shelter

K&H PET PRODUCTS Thermo-Tent is a comfortable and modern way to provide your pet warm in the colder months. This dog bed features an orthopedic heated floor with a machine-washable fleece cover. The heat pad is controlled by a thermostat to keep your pooch warm. As well as this, the manufacturer notes that the entire product is certified by MET Labs to meet USA/CA electrical safety standards.

The main issue with this tent is that it is not weatherproof. With its opening in the top, wind and rain would enter through the material easily. As such, you must place this dog tent in a sheltered location to get the best protection for your furry friend. You might choose to place the dog tent in a barn or garage for your pooch.

Pros

  • Comfortable and modern
  • Machine-washable fleece cover
  • Meets USA/CA electrical safety standards
  • Thermostat controlled

Cons

  • Not weatherproof so best placed in a sheltered location
  • Small and medium options – no large size available

3. Pet Life ‘Hush Puppy’ Electric Heating and Cooling Smart Cat and Dog House

Pet Life Heating and Cooling Pet House is a comfortable and warm bed for small or large breeds. The bottom features a gel-foamed pad with electrical warming nodes. For your pet’s safety, the heating pad is fitted with a thermostat that automatically shuts off the heat when it reaches a certain temperature. This product meets ISO, UL, CE, and RoHS certifications.

There are very few reviews for this product. The one critical review for this dog bed states that the heater did not work on arrival. Also, we note that this pet bed is not waterproof due to its soft materials. As such, you will need to place this dog house in a sheltered location to best protect your pooch from the elements.

Pros

  • Comes with a heating pad and thermostat control
  • Meets ISO, UL, CE, and RoHS certification
  • Comfortable and soft design

Cons

  • Design is not weatherproof or waterproof

4. Petmate Indigo Dog House

Petmate Indigo Dog House is an igloo-shaped heavy-duty dog house for large breeds. This dog house is designed with an offset doorway to shelter your pet from wind and rain. As well as this, the raised floor and side moats drain water and keep your pooch dry. If you wish to fit a door to the house, you can buy the Petmate Indigo Door separately. Also, to promote airflow, the top of the igloo is vented for the circulation of fresh air.

The leading issue reported by pet parents is that this product occasionally arrives damaged. Another issue is misleading measurements. Some customers report that the houses are smaller than the given measurements in the product description. As such, some recommend going up two sizes larger than you might initially want.

Pros

  • Offset doorway for protection from wind and rain
  • Raised floor and side moats for drainage
  • Good ventilation in the roof
  • Heavy-duty design and easy to clean

Cons

  • Occasional issues with products arriving damaged
  • Sizing issues – go up a few sizes larger than expected
  • No heating system

5. All Weather Dog House, with Base Support for Winter

BLKMTY Dog House is ideal for large breeds who need shelter from wind and rain. This plastic dog house features double air vents to ensure good air circulation, it’s strong and durable, and waterproof with a detachable roof for easy cleaning. This dog house is also easy to assemble with just seven pieces to fit together. The floor is also raised for better drainage and insulation.

The main issue with this outdoor dog house is that it comes with very little insulation. If you’re looking for a warm dog house, you will need to supply your dog with extra bedding for warmth. Also, some pet parents seal the seams with silicone to keep the wind from entering the gaps. Lastly, other pet parents report that the house design is not as sturdy as claimed.

Pros

  • Provides shelter from wind and rain
  • Double air vents for good circulation
  • Waterproof and detachable roof for easy cleaning
  • Raised floor for drainage and insulation
  • Quick and easy assembly

Cons

  • No heating system
  • Little insulation
  • Some issues with sturdiness

6. Petsfit Wooden Dog House for Medium to Large Dogs

Petsfit Wooden Dog House is best suited for medium to large dog breeds. This large dog house is made using 12mm Finnish spruce panels for thickness, stainless steel hardware for easy cleaning, and asphalt shingles for durability. The roof is also detachable for easy cleaning and easy access. You’ll also find that this house offers a slanted roof for the drainage of water and a door flap to protect your furry friend from the elements.

One of the leading complaints about this dog house is the weakness of the wooden panels. Although the manufacturer states that the panels are thick and durable, several customers report that the wood breaks easily due to its brittleness. Also, others report that the house is not as durable as others, occasionally succumbing to the elements within 6 months to 2 years.

Pros

  • Provides shelter from wind and rain
  • Detachable roof for easy access
  • Comes with a door flap for extra protection

Cons

  • Some issues with the durability of the wooden panels
  • Longevity may be an issue – 6 months to 2 years
  • No heating system

7. Lifetime Deluxe Dog House, Weather Protected with Adjustable Vents

Lifetime Deluxe Dog House features a low-maintenance design with UV-resistant pigments that protect the outside from degrading. The house is also reinforced with steel to provide a sturdier structure. While this outdoor dog house does not come with a heater, its design allows for the installation of one – you can tuck the power cord into the ridged wall channel and through the floor port. Many pet parents report that this dog house is very durable and can withstand the elements with no problem.

There are very few critical reviews for this product. However, we note that this dog house does not come with a heating system. You will need to purchase a heating pad separately for this dog house.

Pros

  • Very sturdy and durable design
  • The design allows for the easy installation of a heating pad
  • Long-lasting materials for longevity
  • Thick walls for insulation

Cons

  • No heating system

8. Jiupety Cozy Pet Bed House

Jiupety Cozy Pet Bed House is a dog house made with luxurious soft material. The house structure is said to be designed with anti-collapse materials with a durable and easy-to-clean roof. This bed also comes in four sizes, so there’s sure to be an option for your furry friend. Most importantly, this bed comes with plump pillows for insulation and comfort.

This dog bed does not come with a heating system. As well as this, some critical reviews suggest that the bed sizing is inaccurate, with some dogs struggling to fit into their beds.

Pros

  • Comfortable and soft material
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable build

Cons

  • No heating system
  • Occasional inaccurate bed sizing

9. Rockever Insulated Outdoor Weatherproof Dog House

Rockever Wood Dog House is made with robust cedar and an asphalt roof for better insulation. The doorway offers some protection from wind and rain. In addition, for easy cleaning, the bottom floor is removable and the roof can be removed.

The main issue with this product is its sizing. Some pet parents report that the large bed is not suitable for large breeds. Also, others report that the dog house arrives broken and may require some repairs.

Pros

  • Wooden design for good insulation
  • Door flap to protect from wind and rain
  • Easy to clean with removable floor and roof

Cons

  • Sizing issues
  • No heating system
  • Occasional issues with products arriving broken

10. BestPet All Weather Dog House with Base Support House with Air Vents Elevated Floor

BestPet Outdoor Dog House is made with durable plastic with air vents for good circulation. This dog house is also waterproof for easy cleaning and protection from snow and rain. With easy assembly, this dog house is sure to offer security and low hassle for you and your furry friend.

The main issues with this dog house are the flimsiness and lack of insulation. Because the material is plastic, it is less durable than other dog houses on our list – it also blows over easily in the wind.

Pros

  • Good ventilation
  • Waterproof design for protection from the elements
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Flimsy design
  • Lack of insulation
  • No heating system

Why Do Dogs Need a Heated Dog House?

A dog house is a great way to shelter your furry friend from the elements while still allowing them to enjoy the outdoors. If your pooch likes to enjoy the colder months, a heated house will give them a snug place to retreat for warmth and shelter. This way, your pup can get right back to romping in your backyard after a quick break to warm up. Heated houses like these would most benefit dogs who are more sensitive to the cold, such as Greyhounds and small, short-coated breeds.

However, not all dogs will need a heated outdoor dog house. For example, many livestock guardian dogs work a 24-hour day. Livestock guardian dogs are often bonded to their flocks and choose to stay with them. These breeds are very hardy and even during severe weather, they may choose not to use shelters such as a dog house or barn. This is because they prefer to sleep where they have the best view of their surroundings and their flock. Such breeds include the Great Pyrenees, Komondor, and Maremma.

What to Look for in a Heated Outdoor Dog House

When searching for the best heated outdoor dog house for your pooch, there are several things to keep in mind. These include the durability, size, design, and heating mechanism of the house. Depending on your dog’s size and needs, as well as your climate, your dog may benefit from one house over another.

Durability

In order to withstand the elements, your dog’s outdoor house should be durable. Light materials may succumb to harsher winds, and non-waterproof materials may degrade with rain and snow damage. As such, it’s important to look for a dog house that will stand up to the weather in your area. So, always look through product reviews when making your choice to see what others have to say about the product’s durability.

Size

As you’re likely to spend a considerable amount on your pet’s heated outdoor dog house, it’s important to thoroughly check that the measurements will be suitable for your pooch before making your purchase. For example, your dog will need space to sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably. At the same time, a house that is too large won’t offer efficient protection for your pup. A dramatically large dog house will take longer to heat up, and your small breed may not benefit from any heating as much as a larger breed would in the same house.

Design

If your dog’s house does not have a door, most of the heat inside will flow right back out. As such, it’s best to pick a dog house that either has a door pre-installed, or one that is compatible with a door offered by the same manufacturer. Also, some dog houses feature off-set entranceways to help protect from the wind and rain. Similarly to a door, the ideal dog house will have raised flooring to reduce heat loss. By keeping your pup off of the ground below, you help to reduce heat loss from beneath them.

Material

The ideal outdoor dog house will be made of high-quality insulating materials. These include plastics and wood. To begin, plastic is an excellent insulator, meaning that it can effectively trap heat – a quality that adds an advantage to something like an outdoor dog house. Likewise, wood has a high heat-insulating capacity compared to other materials like metals, marble, and concrete. More specifically, light, dry woods are the best insulators. As well as good insulating properties, you’ll also need a material that is easy to clean. You’ll find that plastic is easier to clean than wood, but may prefer the look of wood – the choice is yours.

Heating Mechanism

The most efficient way to keep your pup’s dog house warm is through means of a temperature-controlled heating pad. Some outdoor dog houses will come with heating pre-installed – these are few and far between, but those that are on the market should be designed with your pet’s safety in mind. For example, this means the ideal product will have been tested to some degree, cables should be chew-proof, and the heating element should be controlled by a thermostat to prevent overheating.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe Outdoors

Apart from using a heated outdoor dog house, there are several more things you can do to keep your pooch safe outdoors. These include flea and tick treatment, checking for toxins, keeping your pet’s microchip up to date, and securing your yard.

Flea and Tick Treatment

The first thing to do to keep your dog safe outdoors is to maintain a regular flea and tick treatment schedule. There are more than 200 flea species that can affect your dog, and some will transmit tapeworm infections as well as cause anemia. Many pet parents believe that their pups are safe from fleas and ticks in the winter, but unfortunately, some species of ticks will remain active in the winter as well. For example, the Blacklegged tick, a carrier of Lyme disease, becomes active near the time of the first frost.

Check For Toxins

Secondly, you’ll need to check for poison dangers in your area. For example, bodies of water like ponds and lakes are common breeding grounds for mosquitos, which transmit heartworm larvae. Stagnant water can also harbor parasites like giardia which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Likewise, chemical products like pesticides pose a threat to your dog’s health. Be sure to choose products that are safe for your dog where possible.

Curious noses often poke where they shouldn’t, and many dogs are enticed by flowers in gardens. For example, azaleas, lilies, daffodils, and hydrangeas are just a few of the many plants that are toxic to dogs. Be sure to keep these plants far out of your dog’s reach.

Updated Microchip

Lastly, be sure to microchip your dog. Nobody wants to consider the idea of their furry friend getting lost, but it happens. Your dog should have an up-to-date microchip with valid contact information should your pooch escape and get lost. However, to prevent this from happening in the first place, it’s important to prevent escape from your yard in the first place. Be sure to monitor your dog when they are outside, and install a fence that is sturdy and tall enough to keep your pup contained. Lastly, do not let your dog outside, especially unattended, if she is in heat – a determined male will jump fences or dig under them to reach her.

Heated Outdoor Dog Houses: FAQs

Have any more questions or concerns about heated outdoor dog houses? Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more details. If in doubt about your pet’s health in the winter, always ask your vet for advice!

Which dog breeds should not use a heated outdoor dog house?

There are no breeds that should not use a heated outdoor dog house, but some will benefit less than others. For example, livestock guardian dogs will often choose not to use a dog house in the first place, let alone a heated one. This is because they prefer to rest close to their flock. You should use your judgment to decide whether your dog would benefit from one or not.

How long can dogs stay outdoors during winter?

The amount of time your dog can spend outdoors depends on your dog’s needs, health, and breed. For example, smaller breeds and hairless breeds are more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite in cold weather. Smaller breeds may spend short periods of time outdoors for no more than 10 to 15 minutes. Conversely, medium to large breeds with thick double coats are often better adapted to cold temperatures. For this reason, these breeds can stay out for 30 minutes to an hour. Healthy Arctic breeds may stay outside for longer if they are acclimated.

Is it okay to use heating pads on dog beds or dog houses?

It is generally safe to use a heating pad in your dog’s house with a few rules in mind. Firstly, make sure that the heating pad features a chew-resistant cord. It’s also best if the heating pad comes with a removable bed cover to wash easily when needed. The cover is important to protect your dog’s underbelly as well as deter chewing on the electrical components. Lastly, the heating pad must come with a thermostat. Without a thermostat, your dog is at risk of burns and injury.

Are electric blankets and pads safe for dogs?

Most electric blankets are not safe or ideal for dogs. Firstly, electric blankets are typically made with a soft and thick fabric that is easy for your dog’s claws to rip, causing a fire hazard. As well as this, electric blankets do not come with chew-proof cables, and many vets report patients coming into their vet practice with burns to the mouth from chewing on electric cords. Lastly, you and your dog have different body temperatures – your dog might not notice that they are too hot until it is too late.

To conclude, your heated outdoor dog house should be safe, durable, large enough for your dog, and weatherproof. All of these traits combined make the ideal house for your pup.

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