Architectural Designs

Energy efficient dog house?

what does a energy efficient dog house need to keep it warm in winter and cool in summer. (planning on using either wood or cardboard)

Public Comments

1. Well, you need to use wood if you are putting it outside? Hello? Cardboard is not going to hold up in the weather changes......
2. External grade plywood sandwiched on either side of a foam board insulation works very well, as does a roof that is hinged so you can prop it open in the summertime for ventilation, and shut tight in the winter for shelter. A plexiglas window that can be covered in the summer allows for warmth as well as visibility for those cold days when all you want to do is snuggle and watch squirrels from inside is also great!
3. Use 2 x 4s and T-111. Be sure to cover the roof with roofing shingles so it is water proof. Put the doghouse up on something like a pallet, so it is off the ground. That will keep it warmer in the winter and keep rain out of it during a storm. It will not protect your dog during a hurricane or a tornado. If you want to keep the dog house at a relatively even temperature, you'll need electricity and an air conditioner. Dogs can usually keep their doghouses warm if you put warm bedding (lots of straw is best, maybe covered by a dog bed or blanket) in there. Because it's so small, a dog house is rarely cool in the summer. You can provide a sort of awning outside of it, or somewhere else in your yard so the dog can have shade from the sun and still have a breeze blowing through. Be sure the dog has plenty of water. There are stands you can use to put the bowl into which can help to keep it from tipping over. Dogs should never be kept outside in extreme weather - very, very cold or very, very hot. What those temperatures are will vary with the location you're in. If you're in southern California or Florida, you won't need to worry too much about very cold or very hot weather. If you're on the eastern seaboard, you'll have very hot weather in the summer, and if you're in the north, you'll have very cold weather in the winter. Most dogs aren't designed to stay outside in weather extremes. Good luck! Apacapacas