For us, it’s unthinkable for our dog to spend even one night outside. We never trained them to do so, and their short coat and build don’t support it either. But some breeds actually love the cold, and sometimes circumstances mean your dog has to stay outdoors during winter.
Choosing the Right-Sized Doghouse
Picking the perfect doghouse is key for dogs spending winter outside. It should fit your dog just right—big enough to stand up inside, but not so large that it can’t retain heat. Dogs warm their space with their own body heat, so a house that’s too big or poorly insulated won’t keep them cozy.
Insulated Doghouses
One of the best ways to keep your dog warm is to get a well-insulated doghouse. You can find high-quality ready-made options, or a handy partner can help build one. These houses are similar to traditional ones but include insulation—usually polystyrene or foam—and moisture-resistant materials to keep rain and snow out.
To ensure insulation works well, the door is often covered with a tarp or a sturdy PVC flap. This lets your dog come and go easily while keeping warm air inside when the door closes behind them.
Heated Doghouses
Insulated doghouses already offer solid protection, especially since the breeds kept outdoors in winter are usually more cold-hardy. The difference with heated doghouses is the added warmth from infrared heating panels or heaters. A budget-friendly option is to use a regular insulated doghouse with a heated blanket or bed inside. These work like electric blankets for humans, warming your dog safely and comfortably.
Proper Nutrition
It’s no coincidence that we tend to gain a little extra weight in winter, and animals do too—they build up a bit more fat to prepare for the cold. This helps with energy reserves and heat production. Since keeping warm takes a lot of energy, outdoor dogs need higher-calorie food or slightly larger portions during winter. Just be careful not to overfeed—aim for a healthy, slightly fuller look rather than overweight.
Still Handling It Well?
Some breeds or individual dogs love the cold so much they won’t even go inside when the door opens. But just because your dog handles winter well when young doesn’t mean it will always be that way. As dogs age and face illnesses, their ability to generate heat declines, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
A responsible pet parent keeps a close eye on their dog’s changing needs. If your usually cold-tolerant dog starts shivering outside, it’s time to rethink their winter setup. Insulated and heated doghouses or beds are great options. On the coldest nights, letting them stay in a sheltered porch or even inside can make all the difference.
