Home Best Dog Crates – Reviews 2020 Best Outdoor Dog House Heaters in 2023 (Top 7) – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Best Outdoor Dog House Heaters in 2023 (Top 7) – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Last Updated on January 3, 2023
Best Dog House Heaters for 2023

Every pet parent wants his furbaby to be happy and healthy. But what if your dog prefers outdoors? How to keep him warm in winter? First, you must consider if your pup needs warming at all. There are dog breeds that sustain cold very well, thus simple crate with a plain dog mat will be enough for them.

Smaller dogs are not very cold-resistant, they need insulated dog house with additional heating if they stay outside. Generally, if temperature in your region get as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you need to heat the outdoor dog house. In this article, we will review different ways to keep your pup warm in winter.

Many may not require electric dog house heaters in 2023 because their winters never get so cold, but even milder climate can be challenging for short haired dogs, weak or aged ones. An insulated house would come in handy for such situations. There are several technologies used in dog houses to keep them warm; the heating features are all different and so are prices. Read our dog house heater reviews and decide what kind of heating use for your dog’s outdoor house.

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Dog House Heater Comparison Table

Name
Features
Our Rating
ASL Solutions Insulated DP Hunter Dog House with Heater
Editor's Choice 2020
  • Walls insulated with foam
  • Water- and elements-proof
  • Self-closing door for better defense from cold
  • Electric heater included
  • Bigger size available
  • Nice look
  • Hassle-free assembly
5 out of 5 stars
Check price
Extra Large Insulated Wooden Norfolk Dog Kennel
- Runner Up
  • For extra-large dogs
  • Pet-friendly natural materials
  • Easy to clean due to roof construction
  • Raised floor and insulated walls protect from cold and heat
  • Wood is very sturdy and rain-proof
  • You can opt not to buy a heater if your dog doesn’t need it
  • Vinyl door is included
4.9 out of 5 stars
Check price
Akoma Hound Heater for Dog House
- For Extreme Cold
  • Guarranteed heating
  • Requires setting up into the dog house
  • Chew-proof cover and cord
  • No burns for pets
  • For extremely harsh winters
4.9 out of 5 stars
Check price
K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Heated Outdoor Pet Bed
- Best Energy Saving Electric Heater
  • Additional warmth and cozines
  • Fleece cover
  • 1-year warranty
  • Overheating is excluded
  • Safe and energy-saving
4.8 out of 5 stars
Check price
Petsfit Insulation Kit for a Dog House
- Best Alternative to Electric Heater
  • Easy installation and removing
  • Machine-washable insulated cover
  • Comes in a storage case to be kept in when not in use
4.6 out of 5 stars
Check price
Petmate INDIGO with MICROBAN
- Best Igloo Dog House
  • Heavy-duty plastic
  • Antimicrobial defense against odor
  • Ventilation
  • Insulation works for winter and summer
  • Unique design
  • Available from medium to XL size
4.5 out of 5 stars
Check price
Petmate Barnhome III Dog House
- Best Large Dog House
  • Waterproof and sturdy
  • Different sizes available
  • Protects from elements and cold along with pad or pet bed
  • Doesn’t require tools to assembly
4.5 out of 5 stars
Check price

Best Heated Outdoor Dog House and Dog House Heater Reviews in 2023

The Best Ways to Keep Your Dog Warm Outdoors. Here’s our picks for the Best Outdoor Dog House Heaters and Crates for Outside.

If you want your pup to be warm and snug outside in the cold season, this is our top recommended option. We’ve reviewed plenty of various dog houses and they all have downsides regarding heating your pet when it’s really cold. This one is designed especially for warming an outdoors pup in winter.

First, the Hunter Dog House by ASL Solutions is made of extra-sturdy plastic which is weatherproof. Its roof is designed as a whole part and so is its bottom. Thus, no water will get inside from up or down; basically, it’s great for the cold season. Next, all parts are insulated to keep the warmth inside. The door has a special design as well. Thanks to its construction, it’s closed densely after the dog comes in or out.

Then, this house has an electric heater included, that enables you to keep your pet snug outside in any weather. Just make sure you have the place to plug it in safely. The heater is placed under the floor to efficiently warm a pet inside the house. Its temperature maximum is never too hot to burn your dog but just enough to gently warm her. Anyway, you’ll need to put a dog bed or a mat inside, as there’s not any included.

The measurements of the Hunter Dog House are 23.5″ x 26″ x 29″, which means it’s for medium-sized dogs. If you need a warm den for a bigger dog, opt for the Dog Palace by ASL Solutions. The larger version doesn’t come with a heater (can be bought separately) but has a 2-4-inch layer of insulation foam inside its walls. Each dog parent chooses to buy a heater or not because large dog breeds often are used to harsh outdoor conditions and don’t need additional heating.

Our rating:
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Pros

  • Walls insulated with foam
  • Water- and elements-proof
  • Self-closing door for better defense from cold
  • Electric heater included
  • Bigger size available
  • Nice look
  • Hassle-free assembly

Cons

  • Not for really large breeds
  • Aggressive chewers can damage it

Our next best solution is the outdoor dog house and a heater. You can choose the dog kennel by your taste and install the electric heater inside. We like the Norfolk wooden dog cabin by Pets Imperial. It fits even for very large pups; the maximum weight allowed is 154lbs. If you have several dogs, they can sleep inside together.  

This outside house for dog is worth buying not only for defense from cold. It is made of good-quality timber and plywood with a Styrofoam inner layer for insulation. It protects a pet from summer heat as well as it does from winter cold. The walls are 1,5 times thicker than many other dog logs on the market.

The kennel has four legs allowing it to have enough clearance above the ground. It provides a better ability to stay dry and warm inside. Also, the entrance to the dog house is protected by the clear vinyl flap door to prevent losing warmth.

This model of a dog house has roof that can be opened easily for maintenance. For example, you can install the electric heater inside if there’s too cold in winter. 

The Akoma Hound Electric Dog House Heater is the best one for the purpose. It is designed for dog houses, thus has multiple safety features such as a chew-proof cord, the shield to protect a pet from burns, and others. This heater can be adjusted to temperature from 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Its outcoming capacity is 75 cubicle feel of heated air which is enough for most outdoor crates. 

The downside of using this method is the installation of a heater inside the dog house. It requires certain skills and tools. The electric plug needs an outlet too.

Our rating:
4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5)

Pros

  • For extra-large dogs
  • Pet-friendly natural materials
  • Easy to clean due to roof construction
  • Raised floor and insulated walls protect from cold and heat
  • Wood is very sturdy and rain-proof
  • You can opt not to buy a heater if your dog doesn’t need it
  • Vinyl door is included

Cons

  • Heater sold separately and needs to be installed by the customer
  • There is no size for small dogs

4. Additional Way to Keep Your Pup Warm: K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Heated Outdoor Pet Bed

The decent option to improve the conditions inside your dog’s outdoor house. Offer your pup extra-warm bedding. If there’s an outlet beside your dog’s covered place, choose the Lectro-Soft Heated Outdoor Pet Bed by K&H Pet Products. This bed is a great alternative to an electric heater. Its thermostat answers your dog’s body temperature to avoid overheating. You can feel the warmth not the heat coming from it only when your pet (or your hand for testing) is laying on it. 

You can put this pet bed inside the dog house and be sure your dog is warm. The additional pros are its orthopedic foam and fleece cover meaning your pet will be extremely comfortable. You can choose one of three sizes to fit the kennel.

The cord and the whole thing are chew-proof as well. It is certified for USA/CA electrical safety standards and has a 1-year warranty. The Lectro-Soft Pet Bed is energy efficient. 

For those who can’t use an electric pet bed for some reason, we recommend the Self-Warming Pet Crate Pad by K&H Pet Products. It comes in six sizes from very small to XXL. You can choose one of three colors as well. This pad radiates the dog body warmth back to the animal; no cords, electric outlets needed, and other hassles. Moreover, you can easily maintain this pad clean, because it’s machine washable. It also has a 1-year warranty. Not suitable for dogs who love to chew everything they see.

Our rating:
4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)

Pros

  • Additional warmth and cozines
  • Fleece cover
  • Warranty
  • Overheating is excluded
  • Safe and energy-saving

Cons

  • Won’t work alone without water- and wind-proof crate
  • Can be destroyed by chewers

5. Best Alternative to the Heated Dog House: Petsfit Insulation Kit for a Cabin Dog House

The cabin Dog house by Petsfit with an insulation kit is great for the case a pet doesn’t require additional heating. Many dogs living outside need only a covered shelter where they can rest dry and comfy. Large dogs with long hair usually can warm themselves. If it’s your case, get the nice wooden dog house and place inside it the fabric insulation kit. The one by Petsfit is ideal for the house of the same manufacturer, but it can fit another dog cabins of the similar dimensions. 

The EPE foam inside the canvas panels is great in resisting the warmth loss, so it will keep your pup snug. This insulation doesn’t need electricity or tools to set it up. You can easily install it when it gets cold outside, and remove it when the weather is fine. Not sure if it will be enough for snowy and cold winter but for the moderately cool climate it’s the best choice.

Our rating:
4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Easy installation and removing
  • Machine-washable insulated cover 
  • Comes in a storage case to be kept in when not in use

Cons

  • Keeps the warmth, not heating

6. Best Dog House Heater in 2023 – Igloo heated dog house: INDIGO with MICROBAN by Petmate

This well-known by many dog parents outdoor crate is produced by the market leader Petmate, thus it is the one to trust. Basically, there are no serious downsides in this model. It is made of durable and weatherproof plastic. Indigo has a distinct Igloo-style shape with an offset doorway to protect the pup from rain and wind.

This crate has raised floor and insulated walls that keep dog’s own warmth inside. There is no heater included, though. So, it’s up to you to decide whether it’s suitable to protect your dog from cold. Moreover, the insulation is useful in summer too, because it keeps cooler inside on hot days. 

This dog crate is not the heated one but it provides comfort for your pet and easy maintenance for you. Petmate claims that Indigo houses have Microban Antimicrobial Protection which doesn’t allow bacteria to grow inside, hence the odor problem is absent too. We particularly think that plastic construction can be washed easily anyway, so it’s truly cleaner than many other options. The crate has a ventilation opening on the top to let the fresh air circulate inside. 

As for the heating, there are additional features available for this dog house – a flip door and a quilted pad. They are sold separately and fit the Indigo house perfectly.

Our rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Heavy-duty plastic 
  • Antimicrobial defense against odor
  • Ventilation 
  • Insulation works for winter and summer
  • Unique design
  • Available from medium to XL size

Cons

  • Door and pad sold separately
  • There’s no heating element
  • Not for small dogs

7. Extra Large Outdoor Dog House: Petmate Barnhome III Dog House

Petmate Barnhome III Dog House is the choice for the moderate winter or as the base for self-warming dog bed. It’s a sturdy, well-ventilated, waterproof crate for outdoors. The Barnhome comes in different sizes to fit any pet including stray cats. Taking into consideration your needs, this may be the best option for your shed or garage. This dog crate is extremely easy to install because it only consists of two large parts. You can move it from place to place if needed unlike the wooden cabins reviewed earlier in the list. 

All in all, this is good shelter for an outside pet if you think over the additional ways to heat it. Excellent basic decision for the money.

Our rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Waterproof and sturdy
  • Different sizes available
  • Protects from elements and cold along with pad or pet bed
  • Doesn’t require tools to assembly

Cons

  • Not insulated
  • Not heated

What Are the Criteria for Choosing the Heated Outdoor House for Your Pup?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I heat my dog house in the winter? – The best way to keep warm for dogs that used to outside conditions is well-insulated crate. Choose the dog house that is inherently warm due to insulation inside its walls or upgrade it by yourself.
  • What is the best way to heat a dog house? – It’s strongly recommended to use only heaters intended for animal livings. They are safe for pets because of their temperature never high enough to burn them. We’ve reviewed the Akoma Hound Heater Dog House Furnace earlier in the article. 
  • What is the best insulated dog house? – We considered the ASL Solutions Insulated DP Hunter Dog House to be the best insulated dog house overall.
  • Are heated dog beds safe? – Yes, the quality ones are safe enough to be calm. Although, if you notice your dog chewing the heated bed, you should take it away. Don’t use damaged electric dog bed.
  • Will a heat lamp keep a dog warm? – The heat lamps are generally used to warm farm barns. Thus, it will suit for larger buildings like shed or garage. You can heat it with such a lamp if the dog house is placed there.  
  • Do Igloo dog houses keep dogs warm? – Igloo dog house is the type of outside pet crate designed to keep warmth inside. So, yes, they do.
  • How cold is too cold for dogs? – Generally, it depends on the breed. There are dogs that almost never suffer from cold – Huskys, Malamutes, and other big and furry dogs. They like winter and don’t require heaters in their crates as far as they are fed enough. Small and medium breeds are not so persistent. Dogs that live indoors shouldn’t stay outside for long when the weather forces humans to wear coats and hats. Dogs that are used to live outdoors need a well-insulated dog house, a snug dog bed inside it, and good nutrition. When there are snow and wind, the heater may be necessary too. 
  • How can I keep my outside dog warm in the winter? – As it was said, the first rule is to protect the dog house from losing warmth. Be sure, there are no holes to let water or cold air get inside. Use pet heater if your winters are really harsh. The second rule is to feed your dog well during the cold season. It will help any outside animal to withstand the weather.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the outdoor dog house for a cold season, one has multiple options. There are insulated crates, special heaters for pets, warming pet beds, and so on. You must consider your furbaby’s personality and breed to make the right decision.

Eventually, there are dogs not compatible with living outside in cold climates. Others can be safe and sound if they have basic crate protecting them from rain and wind. In any case, use the methods mentioned in the article to keep your pup warm in winter.

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