With winter and cold, windy weather slowly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep your pup warm and cozy in his outdoor house. Although most dogs can heat themselves quite well during chilly weather, many are not able to during truly cold winter months. To ensure your dog’s comfort and safety when the temperature dips too low, consider installing a kennel heater.
To save you time and effort when searching for the right heater for your dog's home, we’ve rounded up 8 of the best dog house heaters and dog heating pads on the market. And if you need more information on these devices and how to keep your furry friend warm during the cold months? No worries, our buying guide and FAQ section cover everything you need to know.
1 Hound Heater Dog House Furnace
- 300-watt wire element (replaceable)
- Automatic thermostat
- Unit only runs when needed
- Powerful and safe enough to heat smaller and bigger houses (up to 75 cubic foot)
- Great safety features, easy to install
Whether you keep your pet in a larger or a smaller dog house, you need a heater that is 100% safe, efficient, and easy to use. Akoma Hound Heater is such a device – powerful enough to heat a 75 cubic foot house, but safe enough to work in very small houses too. This dog heater will help protect your dog (or a cat!) from the cold and keep your pet comfy; even during the snowiest and coldest of winters.
This is a 300W, long-lasting, and energy-saving heating element that adjusts from 30 to 100 °F by running only when needed. If you’re worried about your rambunctious dog that likes to touch and chew all things new, don’t be – this unit has rounded corners for pet comfort and a protective, chew-resistant stainless steel spring that covers the entire cord. Your dog’s safety is a priority!
As for the installation, it’s a piece of cake – all you have to do is drill a hole through the wall of the pet house so you can feed the cord through it, mount the heater using the integrated mounting plate and, finally, set the thermostat and plug it in.
- Energy-saving
- Rounded corners to prevent injuries
- Protected power cord
- No protection on the plug
- Product gets very hot during use
2 De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater
- Heating power Max 1500W, Min 750W
- Adjustable thermostat
- For rooms up to 300 sq. ft. in size
- Safe, easy to install
If you value style just as much as function, the mica-thermic panel heater by De’Longhi is for you and your pets. This sleek and convenient heater can be mounted in a large pet house, garage, or anywhere else you keep your dog during colder months, but pet owners should know that it can also be placed in a living room, bedroom, or anywhere else inside their home.
The heater comes with two heat settings: high for 1500W, ideal for really low temperatures, and low for 750W, which is perfect for just chilly nights. Although you can use it in smaller pet houses, the heater is the most efficient in medium to larger rooms, up to 300 sq. ft. in size. Importantly, the unit has a safety thermal cut-off which guarantees it never overheats, as well as an internal tip-over switch in case it becomes unstable. And, as mentioned, you can either mount it on any wall, including a large dog house or apartment wall, or simply place it wherever convenient as it’s lightweight, compact, and portable.
- Can be mounted on a wall
- Lightweight heater
- Portable
- Humming noise
- Large heated surface area
3 Vornado AVH2 Advanced
- Lightweight, compact heater
- Heating power Max 1500W, Min 750W
- Auto climate control
- Uses Vortex Action airflow
- User-friendly and safe
Super-compact, convenient, and budget-friendly, this heater by Vornado may be small but is powerful enough to heat up a whole room. Using vortex technology, the unit produces warm air that gently and evenly flows throughout the entire room, pet house, office, or what-have-you, creating a cozy and warm experience that both people and pets can appreciate. It’s just like a space heater, but better!
The unit features auto climate control, meaning it’s able to automatically adjust heat output and fan speed to maintain the temperature you’ve previously set. There is a digital display with controls, 2 heat settings, and a 1 to 12-hour timer for a perfect user-friendly experience. Importantly, the cabinet will remain cool to the touch even after hours of working, and it will automatically shut off if excess heat is detected. Since this is a fan-like heater, if you’re planning to use it in a pet house, make sure you place it somewhere high, where your dog cannot touch, scratch, or chew it.
- Automatically adjusts its own temperature
- Automatic shut-off
- 1 to 12-hour timer
4 K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pad
- Heated bed (40W) + fleece cover
- Thermostatically controlled, never exceeds the pet’s body temp
- Interior made of orthopedic foam, the exterior is PVC material
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Easy to clean, set up, and use
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to warm your pet during the chilly months, check out this heated bed by K&H Pet Products. Super-comfortable, convenient, and incredibly easy to set up, this Lectro-Soft heating pad can be used in unheated or heated dog houses, garages, on porches, and yes, even inside your own house.
Using only 40 watts (the medium), the pad is thermostatically controlled to warm to your dog’s body heat temperature. In practice, this means that the bed will never exceed the body temperature of your pets, whether you have your dogs indoors or outdoors where it’s a lot colder.
The inside of the pad is made of orthopedic foam, but its exterior is made of a waterproof PVC material which allows for easy cleaning, placement, and transportation. Needless to say, it’s super-soft and comfy, no matter where you place it. As for the cord, it’s steel-wrapped, ensuring complete safety. As a bonus, the pad comes with a free fleece cover which helps keep your pet super-cozy and warm, even during harsh winter months.
Take a look at our article on Orthopedic Dog Beds.
- Comfortable heated pad for your pup
- Washable fleece cover
- Chew-proof cord
- Doesn’t heat up much
- Cover moves around
5 BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter
- Far-infrared emitting lamp (no light)
- Fits standard US sockets
- Made of ceramic and metal
- Appropriate distance between the lamp and pet must be ensured
- Easy to use
Small and cheap but highly effective, this non-light emitting ceramic heat lamp by BYB Light is not only perfect for heating dog houses but high humidity terrariums and even chick houses. It’s a simple mountable heater that provides just enough warmth to keep your pet comfortable throughout the cold months.
This is a 110V E27 socket heater, meaning it fits all standard US sockets, making it highly convenient. Despite being called a lamp, it emits no light so you can rest assured your pet will get a good sleep with the heater on. As for its safety, this is a ceramic waterproof heater, meaning you do have to make sure there is a safe distance between the unit and your pet as it does become hot while working.
It’s advised to adjust the distance to more than 11 inches or 30 centimeters between the lamp and animal – just to be safe. And if you’re wondering about the long-term effects of exposing your pet to a far-infrared emitting bulb, the manufacturer states that these types of waves help expand the blood vessels, boosting circulation, and as a result, enhancing overall well-being.
- Plenty of health benefits if used correctly
- Waterproof
- Suitable for chickens as well as dogs
- Has to be placed a certain distance from your pet
- The lamp gets very hot
6 The Extreme Weather Kitty Pad
- Heated bed (80W) + fleece cover
- Thermostatically controlled, never exceeds the pet’s body temp
- Made of rigid ABS plastic
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors + can be secured to the floor or walls
- Easy to clean, set up and use
Another heating pad by K&H Pet Products, only this one is the original version, entirely made of rigid, tough ABS plastic which guarantees durability. Like the previous heating pad, this one too can be used both indoors and outdoors, including dog houses, garages, porches, and apartments.
Using 80 watts (the large size), the bed is thermostatically controlled to heat to your pet’s normal body temperature, meaning it won’t overheat no matter how long it works. Although it’s made of rugged ABS plastic, this is a rather comfortable pet bed, especially if it’s used with the fleece cover that comes with the product.
Unlike the previous heat pad though, this one can be secured to the floor with screws which can help deter the dogs from chewing on it. To do this, you simply drill the holes through the outer liner of the pad and then screw it down to the floor. Importantly, the design is water-resistant and the entire pad is easy to clean, as all you have to do is wipe it with a damp rag from time to time. The same goes for the free cover, as it’s machine washable.
- Machine washable cover
- Multiple placement options
- Made of durable materials
- Made of hard plastic
- Not comfortable by itself
7 Hound Heater Akoma Heat-N-Breeze Dog House Heater
- Heating and fan elements in one device
- Quiet and non-disturbing noise
- The built-in thermostat allows for maximum control
- Easy to install and use
This heater and fan combination is specially designed to be usable in a range of weather conditions. It can cool your pooch down during the summer and heat them up during the winter. The noise level is quiet enough to ensure that it won’t cause a disturbance to your dog’s sleep. Indeed, many of them find it to be relaxing. You can set the temperature using the built-in thermostat.
Two of the other promises that the heater and fan offer are that it is both easy to install and easy to use. It is also supposed to last for years, which is just another thing to add to the list of positives.
- Suitable all-year-round
- White noise may relax your dog
- Chew-proof cable protection
8 Extreme Consumer Dog House Heater Plus Model
- Anti-chew cord
- Easy DIY installation
- Energy efficient
- Adjustable temperature
Trying to keep your dog warm while they spend time in their outdoor dog kennel? A heater like this can turn a freezing wooden structure into a fantastic heated dog house, even on below zero nights! Keeping your dog’s body temperature up is extremely important during the cold weather seasons, so a heater is a must-have item.
This particular dog house heater comes with a protective coil of 16-gauge wire wrapped around the entire power cord. This is to help prevent your pup from chewing through the cable of the thing giving them a warm dog house.
- 16-gauge steel cord protection
- Suitable for most dog houses
- Comfortable even in below zero temperatures
- Noisy heater
- No protection on plug
9 Fiada Flat Panel Heater
- Heats up to 167℉
- Anti-bite wire
- Built-in thermostat
- Suitable for chicks, kittens, and puppies
Though technically designed for a chicken coop, this Flat Panel Heater from Fiada would work wonderfully if you’re trying to create an insulated dog house for any dog breeds you have at home. The wattage of the heater is low, so it won’t reach extreme levels; instead, it can help keep your dog’s natural body temperature up if the day is particularly chilly.
This heater is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, allowing you to reach the desired temperature for your pup. The interesting thing about it is the large, heated panel that acts as the heater. This houses the heating element, though the surface still shouldn’t be touched because it will be extremely hot after some time left switched on. If using it indoors, it’d be best to keep this electric heater out of the way of pets and children.
- Low wattage
- Energy Efficient
- No noise
- The wire could be chewed through
- Large heated surface area
10 RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad
- Automatic power off
- 7-layer protection structure
- Removable cover
- Chew-resistant cord
A dog heating pad that will keep your pup nice and toasty, RIOGOO presents this convenient product to keep cold temperatures at bay. Your pup may not get the best benefits from this product if they use this heater outdoors, but they’ll be able to get as much heat as they need from this mat’s comfortable heating system no matter where it’s placed.
With a 7-layer design, there’s no chance that your pup will be burned, and they can just relax and spend a few hours napping in your living room. Elderly dogs will get a lot of benefits out of heating pads like this because they’re great for arthritis and other mobility issues. Keep your dogs warm with RIOGOO’s Pet Heating Pad.
- One-year product guarantee
- Heating can be set on a timer
- Washable cover
- Not great for outdoor use
- Limited heating power
Best Dog House Heater Buying Guide
Unless your dog is a breed that thrives in cold, snowy climates, a house heater is a must-have if he’s spending most of his time outside. When the temperature falls below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celsius, most dogs require a source of heat in order to stay warm and healthy. This is especially true for short-haired pups, pregnant and nursing dogs, seniors, and of course, puppies.
But how to choose the right dog house heater? From heat lamps for dog houses to heated dog kennels to various dog house kits that offer insulation and warmth in one form or another, the market seems to be full of different types of heaters. It’s no wonder it’s hard to pick the right one!
To help you find the best dog house heater for your pet, we’ve prepared this handy buying guide in which we cover everything you need to know when purchasing a heater. We also answer some of the frequently asked questions about this topic, so make sure you check out the FAQ section as well.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog House Heater
When choosing a heater, consider the following things.
- Your dog’s breed: as mentioned, some dog breeds tolerate winters really well, while others don’t at all. For instance, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Siberian Husky and other breeds with thick, double-layered coats don’t really need a heater until the temperature falls way below the usual – in fact, they may not need it until the temperature drops around 20°F. On the other hand, Dobermans, Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, and other breeds with thin coats, need a quality heater as soon as the temperature falls below 45°F.
- Your dog’s age and weight: body fat is a good insulator so it’s not a surprise that chubbier canines need less protection in order to feel warm compared to their skinnier counterparts. Of course, this will also depend on the breed and age of your dog – smaller dogs naturally have less body fat than larger dogs (unless they’re overweight, which is something you definitely don’t want as health risks outweigh any potential benefits!), so it’s normal they may need warmer houses to feel comfortable. As for the age of your pet, know that puppies, just like senior dogs, are not able to regulate their body temperature as efficiently as healthy adult dogs, so they need much more protection from the cold.
- The size of the pet house: the smaller your dog’s house, the smaller the heater you need. Generally speaking, if your pet prefers traditional dog houses over garages, porches, etc., it may be a good idea to purchase a heated dog house or a house that is insulated. This is especially a good idea if your dog likes the cold and is used to it. This way you don’t have to bother with pretty much anything as insulated dog houses offer enough protection and warmth for dogs who are already used to cold weather. If, on the other hand, your pet spends most of her time in larger rooms, a heater is a must-have.
Why Do You Need a Heater For a Dog House?
Unless your dog is a cold-weather breed or spends the entire winter in your house, a heater should be used during low temperatures. Generally speaking, cold weather is not a problem for most adult healthy dogs, but when the temperature falls below 45°F, breeds sensitive to cold might already begin to feel uncomfortable.
Once the temperature dips below 32°F, small breed pups, dogs with thin coats, elder canines, and very young or sickly pups should be placed in heated rooms, whether that’s your own apartment, a garage, or a dog house – it doesn’t matter. What matters is that the room is properly insulated and/or heated. And for that, you’ll usually need a quality dog house heater.
Types of Dog House Heaters
There are many different types of heaters available, so it’s easy to find the model that is just right for you and your pet. These are some of the most popular choices.
- Electric heaters: the most common and popular heaters on the market, most electric heaters are reliable, safe and easy to install. They are usually designed to be mounted on the wall of a dog house or placed on top of a solid object. There are many models available, from smaller ones for small dog houses to larger and more powerful ones for spacious rooms.
- Lamp/bulb heaters: traditionally used for farm animals such as chicken brooders or for reptile terrariums, lamp heaters can also be used for dog houses. Usually, these devices are made from ceramic materials and don’t emit light but infrared heat, or electromagnetic radiation to transfer energy. If you intend to buy this type of a heater, make sure you mount it properly or place it so that your pet is not able to touch it, as some models can become very hot while working (check the instructions on your specific heater though).
- Insulated pet houses: pet houses built with thick walls, usually filled with foam for extra insulation, are popular choices for owners who live in areas with colder climates all year round. These pet houses usually feature thick walls and floors, self-closing doors and solid, thick roofs. Usually, a simple light bulb will raise the temperature inside the house and will be enough, however, during very harsh winters, a heated kennel pad may be necessary.
- Heated beds/pads: there are various models of heated pet beds, but most are thermostatically controlled to heat to the body temperature of the animal lying on it. Although simple in design, these heaters are really convenient as they’re comfortable and just warm enough for most dogs. Even though you could use them outdoors (on your porch for example), these beds are best used indoors, such as in not-too-cold garages, drafty rooms, rooms with tile floors, etc.
Read here our detailed guide on the Best Heated Dog Pads.
Dog House Heater Maintenance
The maintenance of a dog house heater depends on the heater in question. Mountable electric heaters don’t’ require much maintenance, but you should check if all the parts are working properly before installing them on your dog’s house. The best way to do this is to use it for one whole day inside your house. This way you’ll be able to see if the device heats properly or overheats too soon.
As for the other types of heaters, such as a heated dog bed, besides checking if it’s working properly before letting your pet sleep on it, you should also clean it with a damp rag from time to time.
Our Top Pick
All dog heaters featured on our Top List are fantastic products and whichever one you choose, we’re positive both you and your furry companion will be satisfied. As for our own Top Pick, we chose the AKOMA Hound Heater Dog House Furnace Deluxe as the best dog house heater because of a few important reasons.
One, it can be used for heating both big and small dog houses, and two, since it runs only when needed (it automatically adjusts from 30 °F to 100 °F), it saves energy. Another very important factor to note is that this heater is one of the safest units on the market – it comes with an internal high limit switch that shuts down if the heater reaches 210 degrees (this can only happen if the unit is improperly mounted).
FAQs:
Dog heaters are the easiest and most effective way to help your pet stay warm and comfortable during the cold months. They’re also very safe – if installed and used properly. As long as you follow the specific instructions for the installation and usage of the heater you purchase, there’ nothing to worry about. However, it should be said that heaters are not ideal for very small dog houses as there should be some space between the animal and the heater, no matter how well the unit may be designed.
Most dog house heaters have protected electrical cords, often wrapped in steel or other material that prevents the dog from ruining it. That said, you should always check the specifics of the heater you’re interested in purchasing as some ultra-cheap models are bound to use poor-quality materials as a means of protection (none of the units on our Top List, though!).
Whether the installation of a dog house heater will be difficult or easy depends on the type and model of the heater you buy. Generally speaking though, these devices are easy to install and use, even the mountable ones. Usually, all you’ll have to do is drill a hole through the wall of a pet house so you can feed the cord through it, and then mount the heater as instructed.
Most kennel heaters are designed to be used 24/7. Saying that, if the weather is not super-cold and your pet’s house is well-insulated, there’s no need to keep the heater working all day long. To prevent the unit from overheating and save on your electric bill, it’s best to use it only when necessary – for example, keep it on during the night and use only when needed during the day.
How warm the heater can get depends on the type and model of the heater you use. Some heaters come with adjustable thermostats, meaning you can set the temperature as you see fit. Other devices have automatic climate control, while some (heating beds for instance) will warm up only to the animal’s normal body temperature.
If you purchase a mountable heater, it’s important to mount it as per instructions that come with the unit. Some should be mounted on a wall of the house, while others should be mounted on the roof. Same goes for the heating lamps – just follow the instructions and you’ll be good.
As for heating beds, it’s best to place them somewhere inside as they’re usually not warm enough to protect your pet from super-cold weather.
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