The problem with those plastic "dogloos" is that they cannot be insulated, nor do they keep wind out.
You can build a wooden dog house fairly cheaply, and use those styrofoam type insulating boards on the inside and cover with wood panelling or similar. Caulk the seams for extra efficiency
Having the house raised off the ground will keep the floor warmer (and dry), and if you feel like spending a bit of money one of those heating pads that Leerburg sells could be used. (And they will help her arthritis to boot).
Shoot. I thought the indigo dogbox was insulated and with the jacked to the side doorway, it would help keep wind out.
RATS! Oh well. I will look into the wooden dog box. Her old one I through away because apparently it became unwaterproof and soaked up all the rain and dew we've had this year and never dried out.
Thanks! OH, and the heating pad, she would need to be able to get up from it, and the box would be too small to allow that. Plus, the extension cord out to the kennel....not a good idea for me. (Wish I could!)
Those dog houses are the same kind that was at the shelter where I got one of my dogs. They are just a plastic shell with a plastic floor. You can see them at Pet Smart too.
Another option for a bed would be a Kuranda style bed. Since money is an issue (and I know the feeling!) and if Lucy is not a chewer you can make your own really cheaply from large PVC pipe (available at any home hardware store) and weatherproof fabric wrapped and sewn aroudn the PVC. You could also use Velcro for easy removal and cleaning.
This type of raised cot-style bed could have straw underneath and on top of it for added warmth.
You want to design the house with two doors connected by a brief hallway. The doors should be at a 90º angle from each other to keep wind out completely.
HMmm...I like the concept and see the utility in the dog box shown. Can't do that this year.
How about if I buy straw bales off my neighbor and built a windbreak around her box and over it, kinda like a lean-to with an angled wind break wall in front of the entrance---for now. Think that would help? and a fleece (washable) thick pad in the box for her?
Hopefully next year I can get started on the box, but with her coming up for bloodwork, Hambone coming up for blood work and refill on meds, I am strapped!
If so, bed it well with straw or chips (blankets will get damp from the temperature difference). Grab some styrofoam insulation sheets and cut a piece to fit the floor (I'd try and insulate both the inside and outside of the floor). The styrofoam is very cheap. (Don't do it on the inside if she's liable to chew it).
Cut some old carpet or rubber mat to hang as a flap for the door as a windbreak (and show Lucy how to go through it).
Check out Craigslist and other classified sites near you, it might be possible to find a nearly-free old dog house someone is getting rid of. Maybe place a wanted ad too because older hunters as they retire no longer need their dog stuff - most hunters with Beagles keep their dogs outside, so they have the setup.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
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Do you have an office nearby? Lacking straw (which I love for dog bedding) Loads of shredded paper also does a tolerable job without the allergy concerns.
The other thing you can do is build a straw house for her dog house. Basically put down the dog loo. Load the dogloo up with whatever bedding you want then stack straw bales around the dogloo like a lego house.
Hmmm...since I have the box, I can get styrofoam insulation and place it under the bottom of the box, stack bales around her house enclosing it, put a carpet flap in front of the clear plastic door flap that I had to purchase separately--( ), styrofoam the floor, and I like the paper shreds idea...or maybe pellets if I can get newspaper pellets cheap. (I doubt it).
All great ideas and I now have a plan for next year to get her a good house built, but I think I will leave her igloo in the kennel too, so she can choose.
I am going to buy windscreens for the fencing too. I thought about stacking straw bales outside the perimeter of the kennel, but then I envisioned coyotes circling the kennel in the winter and using the bales as a platform to enter the kennel. BAD PICTURE!
thanks for the links and suggestions.
(a 100$ dog and boy is she going to live like a queen by the time I am finished! )
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), styrofoam the floor, and I like the paper shreds idea...or maybe pellets if I can get newspaper pellets cheap. (I doubt it).
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