July is Dog House Repair Month.
If you have a dog house for your furry friend, then you might want to dust off your hammer and nails to fix it up.
Here are the main things to look for when doing dog house repair work:
Dog House Repair and Maintenance
When you’re repairing a dog house, one of the first things you need to do is check the roof and walls for leaks.
When checking for leaks, you should look out for worn or chewed wood, which can either be repaired or replaced. The most important thing to remember when doing these repairs is to make sure no nails are going completely through the material.
Accounting for Temperature and Weather
Fixing the leaks of a dog house is not enough to protect your furry friend from bad weather and extreme temperatures.
To better regulate the temperature of a dog house, place something like a palette underneath it to add some inches between the structure’s floor and the ground.
If you live in a cold or rainy area, place the dog house in an area that gets hit by plenty of sunlight and add a vinyl flap to the door to better insulate it.
If you live in an area with a hot climate, place the dog house in a shaded area and consider adding ventilation to prevent overheating. If you choose to do so, make sure that the ventilation system can be closed as necessary.
Dog House Maintenance for Growing Dogs
If you have a growing dog, make sure the dog house is still big enough for your furry friend.
The dog house is too small if your dog is unable to comfortably stand up, turn around, and fully stretch its legs out inside the structure. If your dog house is too small, it might be possible to increase its size through some DIY tricks, depending on its original construction.
Extra Considerations
It is important to make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. While making your repairs, you might want to consider adding an attachment for water and food bowls outside of the dog house. This will prevent the dog from spilling the water.
You should also regularly check the dog house’s bedding to make sure it is clean and dry. Frequently cleaning a dog house’s bedding helps maintain a dog’s health in many ways, such as preventing Lyme Disease from ticks.
When it is cold and rainy, it is better to use materials like a straw replacement as bedding, rather than a blanket or dog bed. Breathable materials are less likely to freeze, retain water, or develop mold.
Repairing Your Dog House
It’s important to do regular dog house repair and maintenance in order to give your furry friend a comfortable space outside.
Having a clean, appropriately large dog house that is insulated and waterproof will help your dog stay happy and healthy.
We hope you and your furry friend have a happy summer.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about caring for your dog in the summer heat or are interested in adopting a pet.