Best Heated Dog House

Best Heated Dog House – 8 Top Picks to Keep Your Pooch Warm 2024

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A dog house can’t be rocket science, right? You may not need to even buy one. Take a few planks and boards, tinker a bit, whip up a dog bed, and that’s it.

Well, that’s how it used to be. A few decades ago.

Today, a dog house isn’t simply a dog house. It may come with extra features such as room for a cooling pad or a built-in heater! You’ll want to keep your dog and his or her abode warm and dry in the winter, cool in the summer. And comfy at all times!

But choosing from the best heated dog houses needs some consideration. You need to factor in the coat type and size of your furry friend, as well as the climate both of you live in. A heated dog house would be an absolute fail in a warmer climate. But if it gets rather chilly on a summer evening, a heater or a heating pad is a must-have!

Not everybody will be looking for a full-blown heated dog house. Especially if you’re the DIY type! So, we’ve put together a selection of the best heated dog houses, pads and beds, to make sure there’s something for everyone.

Spoiler alert: our top pick is K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heated Bed. It’s a heated dog bed with the super power of detecting if your pooch is cold, and acting accordingly.

In case you need a proper brick-and-mortar home for dogs, scroll down for more options! 

8 Best Heated Dog Houses, Beds, Pads and Mats 2024

Our Top Picks
Best Overall
K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Dog and Cat Bed, Electric Thermostatically Controlled Orthopedic Pet Pad Tan Medium 19 X 24 Inches
Best Large Dog House
Pet Zone Tuff-N-Rugged Weather-Resistant Dog House. (Durable, Double Walled Plastic Dog House) [Outdoor Dog House, Indoor Dog House, Large Dog House]
Best Budget Option
2023 Newest Pet Heating Pad Temperature Adjustment Dog Heating Pad Anti-bite Puppy Heating Pad with Timer Cat Heating Pad Indoor Waterproof Pet Warming Pad Electric Heated Bed Mat Dog
Name
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heating Pad
Pet Zone Tuff-N-Rugged Dog House
petnf Upgraded Pet Heating Pad
Features
It’s not a full-blown house. It’s an outdoor heated dog bed, but it’s easy to upgrade into a house!
Durable, weather-resistant, (very) chew-resistant, and flashes a red light while working. What more could you possibly wish for?
Powerful heating pads don’t have to be expensive! This one has all the bells and whistles at a very affordable price.
Best Overall
Our Top Picks
K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Dog and Cat Bed, Electric Thermostatically Controlled Orthopedic Pet Pad Tan Medium 19 X 24 Inches
Name
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heating Pad
Features
It’s not a full-blown house. It’s an outdoor heated dog bed, but it’s easy to upgrade into a house!
More Info
Best Large Dog House
Our Top Picks
Pet Zone Tuff-N-Rugged Weather-Resistant Dog House. (Durable, Double Walled Plastic Dog House) [Outdoor Dog House, Indoor Dog House, Large Dog House]
Name
Pet Zone Tuff-N-Rugged Dog House
Features
Durable, weather-resistant, (very) chew-resistant, and flashes a red light while working. What more could you possibly wish for?
More Info
Best Budget Option
Our Top Picks
2023 Newest Pet Heating Pad Temperature Adjustment Dog Heating Pad Anti-bite Puppy Heating Pad with Timer Cat Heating Pad Indoor Waterproof Pet Warming Pad Electric Heated Bed Mat Dog
Name
petnf Upgraded Pet Heating Pad
Features
Powerful heating pads don’t have to be expensive! This one has all the bells and whistles at a very affordable price.
More Info

Best Heated Dog House Reviews 2024

Sale
Best Overall
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heating Pad
K&H Pet Products Outdoor Heating Pad
It’s not a full-blown house. It’s an outdoor heated dog bed, but it’s easy to upgrade into a house!

Wait, why do you give me a bed when I’m looking for a house?

Don’t get angry, dog owner! Some people already have functional dog houses. All they need is a heated dog bed, and here’s a premium option for them.

K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed won’t blow warm air to warm up your dog. It’s hooked up to a thermostat, and it monitors your dog’s body temperature. The moment that furry body gets colder than it should, the heating pad starts working. Dogs are special creatures who like to feel warm, not hot. In fact, hot can even be dangerous for their health!

And that’s it! It’s a compact item that you can bring out and about – rain or snow, summer or winter. The PVC material is waterproof, so the pooch will stay warm no matter the weather.

The bed needs electricity to work though, but you can make do with your car’s power too. There’s a free cover included for more cuddly, snuggly (and natural) warmth. Much like a duvet you’re using on a cold winter night, this cover’s role is to trap the heat that the body releases.

And if you’re worried about safety, know that the cord is braided with steel. Not so easy to chew through! 

But what does the orthopedic foam from the product description mean? Well, many dogs (especially seniors) suffer from hip and joints issues. This mattress will prevent pain in the joints and allow the dog to get a restful sleep, while not putting too much pressure on the paws and nose.

Product Highlights

  • Heated bed for indoor and outdoor use
  • Orthopedic foam protects the joints of your pet
  • Washable fleece cover
  • Waterproof, PVC exterior material
  • Thermostatically controlled, never exceeds the pet´s body temperature
  • Steel-wrapped cord for extra security
Best Large Dog House
Pet Zone Tuff-N-Rugged Dog House
Pet Zone Tuff-N-Rugged Dog House
Durable, weather-resistant, (very) chew-resistant, and flashes a red light while working. What more could you possibly wish for?

Can you make an insulated dog house out of tough plastic and charge a pretty penny for it? Yes, you can!

But before you start throwing stones and bones at me, hear me out. The Pet Zone Tuff-N-Rugged heated dog house really is amazing. (Whoa, I almost said Ruff-N-Tugged. Go easy on me, Freud!)

It’s basically a thing you buy once and use till the end of time. With its 26 pounds, it’s heavy enough to be stable, but also lightweight enough to be portable. Just disassemble it and shove it in the trunk if you need to travel. Also, when you need to clean it, just take the roof off. 

As for heating, the insulation works so well through the double walls that I wish I could live there. You probably already know that insulation is a two-way street. In summer, it helps cool down the house. In winter, it prevents the heat from escaping through the walls. Well, this dog house is crazy efficient in this respect.

However, let’s be perfectly honest here. Much as I like this dog house, I am still not convinced that it justifies the price. Still, I’m not claiming that it doesn’t. Scroll down for other options and see for yourself!

Product Highlights

  • Easy to assemble and disassemble
  • Excellent insulation
  • Top quality plastic materials
  • Comes in a single size for large dogs
  • Pretty expensive for most people
Best Budget Option
petnf Upgraded Pet Heating Pad
petnf Upgraded Pet Heating Pad
Powerful heating pads don’t have to be expensive! This one has all the bells and whistles at a very affordable price.

petnf Upgraded Pet Heating Pad has it all: a timer to shut down automatically, a thermostat that helps keep temperature under control. And a chew resistant cord, which is very important if your pooch is a bit on the wilder side.

Of course, I would never rely on my dog’s common sense in matters of chewing. So, it’s always wiser to just supervise the dog for some time until you make sure they aren’t ill-disposed toward the cable. Especially if it’s a puppy.

What I absolutely love about this product is that it leaves no room for human error! If you, for whatever reason, forget or neglect to set the upper temperature, the pad will turn off automatically when it becomes too warm. The temperature range is from 86 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.

As a rule of thumb, your dog’s temperature shouldn’t exceed 105 degrees, so 130 is too much in the long run. But that’s why you can (and should) set a lower temperature.

Oh and yes, cats tend to adore this mat too. Even the medium size can accommodate two adult cats. The large dog size, however, will take in a full bouquet of cats!

Product Highlights

  • Easy to clean with a cloth
  • Water and flame-resistant material
  • Very inexpensive
  • The cord has a protection layer against chewing
  • Cats love it too
Sale
Best Igloo Dog House
Petmate Indigo All-Weather Dog House
Petmate Indigo All-Weather Dog House
It looks like an igloo and acts like an igloo, even though it’s not an igloo. Still, it’s an excellent dog house!

When it comes to super cold weather, an igloo dog house may be a logical choice.

Except that real igloos were built from snow. Fight fire with fire! This igloo-style Petmate Indigo All-Weather Dog House, however, isn’t made of snow (or fire) but hard insulated foam.

Nevertheless, this heated dog house does an excellent job in protecting your pooch from the elements. The central part is rounded. That’s not just great for dogs who like to curl up, but also for a more even distribution of body heat.

The doorway is kinda like a porch, where your dog can lounge and observe the surroundings during the day. But it’s also a great protection against winds and rain.

Yes, rain sounds horrible, but it won’t make it into the house. The raised floor won’t let it.

Oh, and you can choose from three sizes. This manufacturer doesn’t discriminate between different breeds and sizes of dogs. And that’s a sight for sore eyes, seeing as many other manufacturers only make dog houses for giants.

Product Highlights

  • Excellent for windy climates and cold temperatures
  • There’s a foyer that leads into the bedroom
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Raised floor for dryness
  • Antimicrobial materials
  • Choose from three sizes
Best Heated Dog Bed
K&H Pet Products Igloo Style Dog Bed
K&H Pet Products Igloo Style Dog Bed
Full disclosure - this is not an igloo proper! It’s just a heated dog bed for igloo-shaped dog houses.

Let’s get one thing clear before we delve into why the K&H Pet Products Igloo Style Dog Bed is a great product.

It’s NOT an igloo dog house. It’s not even a house. It’s merely a heated dog bed, albeit a high-quality one. When you touch the pad, you’ll notice that it isn’t warm. And yet it will help keep the dog warm!

That’s because it functions in a way similar to the above K H Pet Products Heated Bed. It merely detects the temperature of the pooch and makes it right. The heat is thermostatically controlled. It adjusts to the normal body temperature of the pet and won’t harm your pet with temperatures too high.

Similar features, identical functioning and same quality materials. So what’s the difference from the two products?

Shape matters too. If you need a heating pad for an igloo style dog house, this one will be the winning option. It will also fit perfectly into a shed, barn, or any other outside areas.

We all know how dirty dogs can get. So it’s worth noting that the cover and the pad are easily washable. All you need is a washing machine. Or, if you don’t have one in the backcountry, a common rag and some warm water will do. 

However, some caution won’t hurt, since we’re talking electricity here. Before plugging the cord in again, you should allow the pad to dry completely.

The heated pad is available in small, medium and large sizes. No need to worry if the pooch will fit!

Product Highlights

  • Best suitable for outdoor use
  • Uses 60 Watts
  • The heat is thermostatically adjusted
  • Includes a fleece cover
  • The fleece cover is machine washable
  • The heat pad is easy to clean, simply wipe and allow to dry

No products found.

How about getting a proper palace to serve as a hound heater?

If you are thinking along those lines and can spare a pretty penny, look no further than ASL Solutions Deluxe Insulated Dog Palace.

It’s a house that I would like to live in! And not just because it looks marvelous. There’s a raised floor with a dedicated heater. Washing this floor will be easy since it has a slope and a drain. Just rinse and let it dry. (Make sure to use no nice smelling cleaners though. Dogs aren’t very fond of perfumes!)

The EPS foam insulation means this dog house is both warm and water resistant. If you’re into green living, it will please you to know that this type of insulation is also one of the greener options out there. 

Not convinced? Hear this. It’s a dog house where the door turns into a WINDOW once the dog is inside.

There’s no windowsill, though! Your dog will be able to bake a pie in this palace, but he won’t be able to let it cool off. He will, however, see you carrying a pie, since the window has a see-through triangle.

Many dog owners report struggling with teaching their dog to enter and exit a house. No such troubles here! This house is self-closing, so you only need to incentivize the dog to come in. If your dog can’t enter at first, just remove the bottom half of the door until the training is done.

All in all, this heated dog house will not only keep your pet warm, secure and dry. It will also keep her comfy and luxurious! And it will do so at a fraction of the cost of similar models.

The one thing I don’t like is they don’t make this dog house in different sizes. It’s perfect for medium to large dogs. But there isn’t an option for smaller or extra large dogs. Such a pity! Also, a heating pad is sold separately. Thanks to the floor heater, you won’t need it though.

Product Highlights

  • Dog house with floor heater; made out of real foam
  • Insulation in every panel
  • A see-through window on the front door
  • Well-fitted insulated door
  • The floor has a drain hole for easy cleaning
  • Heater cord portal has a rear exit; prevents tripping
  • Removable bottom half door for training purposes
  • Easy to assemble
  • Excellent value for the money
Sale
Best for Style
Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin
Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin
For dog owners who seek a stylish addition to their backyard or interior. Spacious and made of natural materials!

If you have a log cabin, why wouldn’t your dog have one too?

Petmate Outback Log Cabin is precisely that: a log dog cabin or a fancy kennel designed for safety, warmth, and style. There’s no heating system inside, though. For that, you would need to buy a separate heated pad or bed.

However, the walls are well insulated and the roof has a water-repellent material. So the house will withstand any and all weather conditions in all climates. 

The construction is as simple as can be: a bunch of planks and logs that hold together thanks to the stainless steel hardware. I regret not being a craftier person, or I would have been able to put together something like this. It’s stylish indeed, especially as an addition to a hut in the middle of nowhere, where you really need a watchdog outside!

The L size is spacious enough to accommodate three or four smaller pooches. Provided they can stand each other, of course!

Product Highlights

  • Available in four sizes, from small to extra large
  • Raised floor for dryness
  • Insulated walls
  • Water repellent roof
  • No heating system included
Best Heavy Duty Mat
Farm Innovators Heated Pet Mat
Farm Innovators Heated Pet Mat
Durable, weather-resistant, (very) chew-resistant, and flashes a red light while working. What more could you possibly wish for?

A whole lot of mats and pads for our dogs these days! That’s because a full-blown outdoor heated dog house is both a rare-ish and costly thing.

So, we need to make do with a DIY approach for the house, and add special pads for heating.

Farm Innovators Heated Pet Mat is one of the not-so-popular yet very decent products. It’s versatile enough to be used indoors too. That is, if your dog isn’t keen on cooling off their tummy against the bare floor like mine is. 

This hound heater has a nice feature – a little red light that turns on while it’s working. I guess it’s good to know when your furry friend is a wee cold. Other than that, I don’t see much point in having this light. But it doesn’t hurt either!

The biggest selling point that actually got me to buy this mat is its heavy-dutyness. It does feel sturdy and robust to the touch. Even my dog, who is a big and clumsy guy, probably won’t manage to destroy it very soon.

As for maintenance, you can clean the mat with a wet cloth. But it also includes a cover that’s machine washable.

Product Highlights

  • Made out of ABS plastic
  • There’s a thermostat to match the doggo’s temperature
  • Available in three different sizes
  • A Red light shows when operating
  • Cord protector made out of chew-proof material
  • Weather-resistant
  • Designed to provide comfort both indoors and outdoors
  • Free cover included

Things You Should Look For in Heated Dog House

Best Heated Dog House

Choosing the best heated dog house is no easy task. Ever caught yourself spending three hours while choosing a simple blanket? That’s what I’m talking about.

Although most heaters fulfill the same purpose, the differences between them will make these houses more or less suitable for you. The most important things you need to watch out for are:

  • Size: This is the main, most important difference which you will need to take into consideration. The dog house needs to be big enough to fit your pet. But it’s not just about fitting. They need to have enough room to lay down, move around, stretch themselves, or raise a leg to lick their… hind paws. The dog house may be a proper space shuttle. But if the size ain’t right, it won’t be good enough.
  • Use: Although there are many dog heated houses available, it is false to assume that all of them are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. There are some dog houses that are heated and yet only suitable for the indoors. So if you are looking for a dog house to use outside, make sure that it is suitable.
  • Materials: As your dog heated house might need to be used outdoors, you also need to make sure that the material is durable. You don’t want the elements to damage it! A dog house is never about mere durability or quality. It’s also about your dog’s health and wellbeing.
  • Additional features: Some dog heated houses come with extra features, such as electronic dog doors, cooling supplies for the summer days and more! Are you looking for something special? I hate to break it to you, but your search will last even longer! With all the fancy options these days… 
  • Dog breed: Never forget to ensure that the heater matches the needs of a particular breed. The length of hair and body type does make a difference. Also, a Siberian Husky fancies and even thrives in colder climates, whereas a Greyhound should wear a jacket when it’s cold outside. The latter’s coat is very thin and they have next to no body fat to conserve some warmth.

Once you have looked at the best heated dog houses, you will be able to recognize which one is the one best suitable for you and your personal needs. A heated dog house needs to provide your dog with comfort and protection as well as warmth.

However, a dog heated house needs to be suitable for the dog owner too. (I’m not saying that you’ll live there tho.) Choose a dog house that will be easy to assemble and easy to clean. Heated dog houses can get super rancid after some time!

There are also different types of designs and colors of dog houses. So, if you’re the aesthetic type, you’ll want to factor that in too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Heated Dog Houses

What is the warmest dog house?

The warmest dog house needs to have good insulation. Believe it or not, a heated pad is not necessary unless your dog is a Chihuahua. A properly insulated dog house will trap the dog’s own heat inside. If the floor is raised, it will be another layer of protection from the cold underneath. Good, waterproof materials are also a must. Just like humans, dogs must be dry at all times. If not, their health is at stake!

Some breeds will require additional protection where a quality house isn’t enough. In those cases, you should add a heated pad.

On the other hand, if you have a puppy, it’s best to altogether avoid leaving it outside.

What is the best insulated dog house?

There isn’t much art to thermal insulation. It’s fairly simple. You either need good materials such as EPS foam (short for expanded polystyrene) or ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), or double walls.

You need to be cautious about insulation materials though, especially if you opt for the DIY approach. You may have heard that mineral wool is a great insulator. True, but you should never use it in a dog house. Should the dog inhale it by accident, it can seriously affect her lungs.

How do you keep a dog house warm in the winter?

There are a bunch of options to protect the dog from the cold. Like I said above, one option is to get an insulated dog house. You can either buy a ready-made house, or make one yourself and insulate it properly.

A heated bed is probably the safest bet and a guarantee that your dog won’t get cold. But if you don’t have access to electricity outside, either use some straw instead of blankets, or let the dog in when it’s very cold outside. 

How warm does a dog igloo stay?

Igloo houses are a revolutionary invention for dogs and humans alike. No house will provide better protection when the cold winds rise! Due to their round shape, they are also excellent in preserving heat.

However, if it gets super cold, the best way to protect your dog is to let her inside.

Last update on 2023-08-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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