Keeping your dog cool in hot weather is key for their health, but it can be a tricky task, especially if you live in a hot climate. A dog house can be helpful but choosing the right 1 for hot weather is often difficult. We’ve got you covered with 5 of the best dog houses for hot weather. We’ll compare house type, quality, size, and suitability for hot weather to help you make the best choice.
The Best Dog Houses for Hot Weather2023 Review
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The Best Dog Houses for Hot Weather
Editor's Choice
TRIXIE Dog Club House- Best wooden dog house
- Solid pine construction
- Raised floor for cooling
Runner Up
Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Plastic Dog House- Best plastic dog house
- Durable plastic construction
- Raised floor and rear ventilation
Also Good
K&H Pet Products Original Indoor/Outdoor Covered Elevated Dog Bed- Best fabric dog house
- Durable, water-resistant fabric
- Raised bottom with mesh
In-Depth Reviews of Our Recommended Dog Houses for Hot Weather
Ann-Marie Sharpe
TRIXIE Dog Club House review
Features
- Best wooden dog house
- Solid pine construction
- Raised floor for cooling
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The TRIXIE Dog Club House is 1 of the best dog houses for hot weather, constructed from solid pine to ensure it’s highly durable and stands up to wear over time. Weatherproof sealing protects your dog from the elements, while an off-center door provides additional protection. Adjustable feet allow you to keep the house level on any surface while also providing much needed circulation, keeping the floor cool.
I loved that the roof of this house could be propped up, allowing for extra airflow and to make cleaning easier. The floor can even be removed for a thorough clean without the hassle. This house is available in 3 sizes to suit small to large breeds.
Pros
- Most owners found that this house was fairly durable, standing up to changes in weather
- Many said that the house was easy and quick to assemble
- Owners liked that the roof could be raised, allowing them to access the inside of the house easily and clean it without hassle
- Many owners felt that this house gave their dog plenty of room to stretch out and snooze comfortably
- Many owners loved the look of this house, feeling it was stylish and looked smart
- Many felt this house was good value, mentioning the affordable price and high quality
Cons
- Some felt the wood wasn’t good quality, mentioning it was quite thin
- Some owners experienced breakage after a short period and felt it wasn’t very durable
- Some owners found the house was hard to assemble or that the instructions were too complicated
- Some felt the house wasn’t good quality or good value for money
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Plastic Dog House review
Features
- Best plastic dog house
- Durable plastic construction
- Raised floor and rear ventilation
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Plastic Dog House is an excellent option if you prefer a plastic dog house, made with robust, durable plastic designed to last. A roof rim over the door protects your pup from all weathers, keeping them safe and cozy. The raised floor and ventilation in the back of the house ensure your dog stays cool in warm weather.
I loved that this house was so easy to assemble without the use of tools. I found that since the house was plastic, it was really easy to clean. This house is available in 2 sizes to suit medium to large breeds.
Pros
- Owners typically found that this house was very durable, with some saying it had lasted years of regular use
- Many felt the house had plenty of room, with some owners even saying 2 dogs shared the house comfortably
- Most owners found that this house was easy and quick to assemble
- Many owners said the house protected their dog in hot weather, as well as when it was raining or cold
- Many found that the house was easy to clean by wiping or hosing it down
- Most owners felt the house was great value and high-quality
Cons
- Some felt the house wasn’t durable, mentioning they didn’t think the plastic was good quality
- Some found the house confusing to set up, mentioning they wished there were clearer instructions
- Some said the house ran small and their dog didn’t have enough room
Ann-Marie Sharpe
K&H Pet Products Original Indoor/Outdoor Covered Elevated Dog Bed review
Features
- Best fabric dog house
- Durable, water-resistant fabric
- Raised bottom with mesh
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The K&H Pet Products Original Indoor/Outdoor Covered Elevated Dog Bed is a lovely, fabric den for your pup. While it may be slightly less sturdy than wood or plastic options, it’s still highly durable, made from 600 denier nylon fabric and a strong metal frame. This house is resistant to water, bacteria, mold, and mildew, to keep your dog’s space dry and hygienic.
The bottom of the house is elevated with a mesh center, allowing air to flow freely, and making it perfect for hot weather. There’s also 2 windows and an open entrance to increase air circulation further. I loved that this house could be used both indoors and outdoors, making it versatile.
I found this house was easy to put together and liked that it could even be used for travel. It’s available in 3 sizes to suit small to large breeds.
Pros
- Most owners felt this house was durable for a fabric house and felt it would last over time
- Owners generally found the house easy to assemble
- Many found that their dog loved this house, finding it cozy and comfortable
- Owners loved that they could use this house both outdoors and indoors, with some mentioning it was very lightweight and easy to move
- Many owners found it sheltered their dog from the elements well
Cons
- Some found the house wasn’t durable enough, in particular for those with large breed dogs
- Some found the house hard to assemble, mentioning not all the pieces fitted together properly
- Some experienced breakage after a period of use, in particular mentioning the zippers or material ripping
- Some found the sizing misleading and couldn’t get the right size for their dog to lie in comfortably
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Merry Products Room with a View Wood Dog & Cat House review
Features
- Best for small dogs
- 2 floors: shelter and veranda
- Solid wood construction
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you have a small dog, the Merry Products Room with a View Wood Dog & Cat House could be the perfect choice for you, designed specifically for small and toy breeds. The first floor provides a sheltered area to protect your pal from the sun, with a raised floor to keep them cool. The second floor is a veranda with steps and lattice fencing, providing a perfect place for your dog to sunbathe or watch the world go by.
The house is constructed from kiln-dried, humidity-resistant cedar, designed to last over time while also looking stylish. The roof top and bottom panels can be removed to make cleaning easy, which I found very handy. It’s easy to assemble, and I loved that it’s lightweight enough to bring inside if you want to.
Pros
- Owners felt this house was stylish, cute, and looked great in their garden or living room
- Many found that the house was quick and easy to assemble
- Many owners felt that the wood was high-quality and durable
- Owners typically found this house protected their pet from the elements, including the rain and sun
- Owners loved that this house had a place for their pet to shelter as well as an area for them to lie outside comfortably
Cons
- Some found the stairs were too steep or narrow for their small dog to climb up
- Some owners felt that the house wasn’t durable enough and experienced breakage
- Some found the top wouldn’t remove easily, making cleaning difficult
- Some owners felt the house didn’t provide enough protection from bad weather
- Some owners experienced splinters in the wood that they had to remove or sand down
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House review
Features
- Best luxury dog house
- Insulation layers
- Heater with digital thermostat
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury for your dog, the Dog Palace Insulated Heated Dog House is perfect for you. With solid plastic and steel construction, this house is designed to last for the long term. Each plastic panel has 2 to 4 inches of insulation to keep your dog cool and protected from the heat in hot weather, and to keep them warm when the weather gets cold.
There’s even a heater with a remote and digital thermostat so you can monitor and control the temperature! There’s a raised floor and plenty of ventilation to keep the air flowing. I loved that there was a drainage system, as well as the outer house being weatherproof, to keep your pup safe and dry.
The house is easy to wipe clean and ideal for keeping your pup comfortable in all seasons. It’s suitable for medium and large dogs with a shoulder height of 26.5-inches or less.
Pros
- Most owners found that this house was very strong, durable, and well-made
- Owners loved the heating system, with many saying it worked well to keep their dog at their chosen temperature
- Many said their dog loved this house and would choose it over places to lie
- Owners felt this house protected their dog from changes in weather
- Owners typically felt this house was excellent quality and were pleased with their purchase
Cons
- Some found the house was difficult to assemble, mentioning you may need 2 people
- Some found that the heating system didn’t work as expected
- House is very heavy, which some owners wishing it was lighter and easier to move around
- Higher price range, with some owners feeling it wasn’t worth the investment
Things to Look for in a Dog House for Hot Weather
Below is a list of things to take into consideration when you’re looking for the best dog house for hot weather:
High-Quality Materials
A house that’s constructed from high-quality materials is far more likely to protect your dog from the elements, stand up to wear over time, and generally be better quality for your dog.
Ventilation
The house you choose should have plenty of ventilation, as this keeps your dog cool in hot weather. Good ventilation also reduces smells in the dog house and ensures your dog has plenty of fresh air flowing through their little hideout.
Elevated Floor
A house that’s elevated helps to protect your dog from wet ground as well as allowing airflow under the floor, helping to keep the floor cool during warm weather.
Durability
The more durable the house is, the more likely it is to last over time and stand up to wear. High-quality materials are key, as well as a sturdy construction. It’s always a good idea to check the reviews for guidance on whether other owners found the house was durable.
Correct Size for Your Dog
Of course, you want the house to be the right size for your pup. Ideally, they should be able to stretch out fully, but it shouldn’t be so big that it loses that cozy, safe feeling. Check the measurements of the floor area as well as the size guide for the house you’re looking at.
Easy to Clean
Your dog house is going to get dirty, especially if it’s kept outside. Your dog will likely drag mud and dirt in (not to mention the dog hair). So, a house that’s easy to clean will make your life easier.
Some houses will have removable roofs or large doorways to make cleaning easy. Depending on the material, many can be wiped down or hosed off for easy cleaning.
Waterproof / Weatherproof
1 of the most important things you want to ensure is that the house is weatherproof. Ideally, it should provide your dog with plenty of shade and have features (such as ventilation and the raised floor we mentioned) to keep your dog cool. It should be waterproof and sturdy too, so it can protect your pup no matter what the weather.
Easy Entry for Your Dog
It’s important your dog can access their dog house easily. Look for an easily accessible door and consider how high it is, especially if your dog is small, old, or has mobility issues. Some houses will have lower sides for easy entry, stairs, or even double doors to make entry and exit easier.
Easy Assembly
Finally, most dog houses will need to be assembled by you when they arrive. Check the guidance and reviews for indications of how complex assembly might be, as well as how long it might take and how many people may be needed.
Reasons Your Dog Might Need a Dog House in Hot Weather
During hot weather your dog can become overheated, which can cause heatstroke, dehydration, illness, and even death. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your dog cool when it’s hot outside.
A dog house provides shelter and shade, protecting your dog from direct sunlight. The right dog house will also have some of the additional features we’ve discussed to help keep your dog cool. Some people need a dog house because their dog lives outside most of the time, while others simply use 1 to protect their dog when they’re outside in the garden
A dog house can also provide protection from changes in weather, including rain and wind. It can be a safe space for your dog, giving them a place all their own to retreat to when they want some quiet time.
Tips to Keep Your Dog House Cool During Summer
As well as buying the right dog house, there are other ways you can keep your dog’s house cool including:
- Placing it in an area that provides shade to prevent sun shining directly on the roof of the house
- Avoiding concrete, as it holds onto heat and can warm the underneath of the house (not to mention it can burn your dog’s paws in hot weather)
- Adding a fan or air conditioning unit
- Adding in a cooling bed or cool mat for your dog to lie on
- Providing plenty of water to ensure your dog is hydrated
- Spraying the roof with water now and then to divert heat away from the dog house
- Introducing a misting system just outside your dog’s house
Other ways you can keep your dog cool include:
- Cooling coats or bandanas
- Making frozen treats to cool them down
- Only walking your dog early morning or late night when it’s cooler
- Keeping an eye out for signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, fatigue, collapse, drooling, uncoordinated movement, signs of confusion, and vomiting. If you notice these signs, get your dog to a cool area, put a wet cool (not too cold) towel over them, provide cool water to drink, then take them to the nearest vet as soon as possible.
Dog House for Hot Weather FAQ
Do dog houses get too hot?
Yes, they can get too hot at times but if you get the right dog house and follow the tips provided, you can keep your dog’s shelter cool.
Conclusion
The right dog house will keep your pup cool, dry, and safe in all weathers. It can also look very cute and provide a quiet place for them to rest.
The Best Dog Houses for Hot Weather
Editor's Choice
TRIXIE Dog Club House- Best wooden dog house
- Solid pine construction
- Raised floor for cooling
Runner Up
Aspen Pet Petbarn 3 Plastic Dog House- Best plastic dog house
- Durable plastic construction
- Raised floor and rear ventilation
Also Good
K&H Pet Products Original Indoor/Outdoor Covered Elevated Dog Bed- Best fabric dog house
- Durable, water-resistant fabric
- Raised bottom with mesh
