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For dogs that spend more time outdoors than indoors, a dog house is imperative for shelter against the elements.

For the winter months specifically, ensuring your dog has the proper resources to stay warm is not only a matter of comfort but safety.

When temperatures dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius), it’s time to install a dog house heater.

IMAGE PRODUCT
ClimateRight Heater and Fan
    • 110V 60Hz Electric
    • Heats & cools
    • Can be mounted on your dog house with included kit
    • Portable

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Akoma Hound Heater Dog House Furnace
    • 300-watt heating that heats up to 75 cubic ft.
    • Thermostat-controlled (30 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
    • Protective unit shield and spring cord for pet safety

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DeLonghi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater
    • Heats from 750 watts to 1500 watts
    • Includes an automatic tip-over “off” switch & thermal shut off that prevents overheating
    • Carry handle and detachable wheels included for easy portability
    • Remove the feet and hang it up on a wall or stand it up on a solid surface

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Dog sitting comfortably inside his warm dog house

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What is a Dog House Heater?

A dog house heater is any device in which the prime function is to produce heat, whether it’s for an entire dog house or a small area. In this post, we’ll share 6 different types that are on the market.

  • Electric heater box: This type can be mounted on the wall of your dog house or on top of a solid object. Electrical currents are converted into heat that can warm an entire area.
  • Microwavable pad: This is a simple pad made from non-toxic materials that can be heated in the microwave. It’s fast, convenient and lasts over 8 hours, but it only heats one small spot. This is great for crates and puppy playpens.
  • Light bulb space heater: This is a classic heating tool used for farm animals, reptiles and can also be used for dog houses. It comes in the form of a light bulb or a ceramic bulb that doesn’t emit light, which is easier on your dog’s eyes.
  • Insulated dog house: If you live in a region known for bitter winters, a more permanent solution is to purchase a dog house built for the cold with thick, wooden and foam insulated walls, a doggie door, and a raised wooden floor. Learn all about heated dog houses here.
  • Heated pad or bedding: This can be a thick, fleece-lined bed or a thin thermal pad that fits inside or under a fabric bed. Read more about Heated Dog Beds.
  • Solar powered dog house heater: Take energy efficiency to the next level by building your own solar heater system with a solar panel, battery, and solar inverter.

A quality heater will be energy efficient, take safety into consideration with design and most importantly- keep your fur baby warm.

Remember that your dog’s well being comes first

When choosing a heater, consider your dog’s weight, fur type, breed and other health issues regarding tolerance to climate.

Once the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, monitor your dog closely for discomfort, as the cold can be dangerous for her health. This can include shivering, anxiety whining or sluggishness.

For dogs with thin coats, small dogs or older dogs, it may be best to bring them indoors.

Dog in the snow

Our Top Ranked Dog House Heater for 2024

Electric dog house heater

Best Overall
ClimateRight Heater and Fan
  • 110V 60Hz Electric
  • Heats & cools
  • Can be mounted on your dog house with included kit
  • Portable

Price:
Our Rating:

With this combo dog house heater and ac unit, you can keep your dog house at a stable temperature year round.

It’s lightweight and easy to transport. Also, the simple box design allows you to mount it according to your preferences, such as in a window or on the roof.

We know it’s more on the expensive side, but if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors and you’re looking for a heater box for a dog house that ensures your pet will be comfortable (and safe) this is a reliable option.

Best Value
Akoma Hound Heater Dog House Furnace
  • 300-watt heating that heats up to 75 cubic ft.
  • Thermostat-controlled (30 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Protective unit shield and spring cord for pet safety

Price:
Our Rating:

This is an easy dog house heater, especially since it’s made to warm pet homes, to begin with. To install it, drill a hole in the wall of the dog house and feed the unit cord through.

Then, drill the unit in place using the mounting shield, which also prevents your dog from burns. Set the thermostat, plug in the cord and you’re good to go!

A perk we were pleasantly surprised about was how much energy it consumes when turned on: 1.3 amps. Compare this to a charging iPhone at 2.1 amps, and you’ll be smiling.

The only worry we had was that the heat shield gets very warm despite the fact that its main purpose is to protect from burns. Mount it up high on the wall where it can’t be reached, or you might consider getting innovative and building an extra shield around it.

Honorable Mention
DeLonghi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater
  • Heats from 750 watts to 1500 watts
  • Includes an automatic tip-over “off” switch & thermal shut off that prevents overheating
  • Carry handle and detachable wheels included for easy portability
  • Remove the feet and hang it up on a wall or stand it up on a solid surface

Price:
Our Rating:

Whether you’re looking for spot heating or a heat supplement, this sleek electric heater can be relied upon to keep your dog house toasty during the cold months.

It features two heat settings with a knob that turns to 6 different in-between settings.

We love the convenience of this dog house heater, as it comes with detachable feet and wheels depending on where you want to move it or if you want to hang it up on a wall.

We noticed a strong metallic smell when we first turned it on, but it’s most likely from being used for the first time. The smell disappeared after a couple of hours.

Cozy Products Safe Chicken Coop Pet Heater
  • Heats up to 200 watts
  • Built-in thermostat
  • ETL certified Zero-Clearance item

Price:
Our Rating:

This small electric heater isn’t meant to heat an entire pet house, but instead, provide a hot spot within the house. It is advertised as a chicken coop heater but would work well for a small dog house also.

We loved it for the energy efficiency at 200 watts as opposed to say, a 1500 watt heater. The low price is unbeatable if you’re on a budget.

It can be mounted on a wall or stands up on its own. Since it heats radiantly, the panel is safe to touch without burning.

Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad
  • Provides up to 10 hours of warmth
  • Made from a non-toxic thermal compound
  • No wires; just heat it up in the microwave for a few minutes

Price:
Our Rating:

For efficiency and quality, this simple microwave pad is all you need for your dog if you want to add a little bit of warmth to her dog house.

All you do is heat it up and it’s good to go for 10 hours. Make sure to let it completely cool down before reheating, as it can overheat and warp the disc.

We feel it is a bit pricey for the simplicity, but it’s a fast fix that provides warmth for hours, which accomplishes the goal at hand.

MOTA The Original MyWarmPet Heat Pad – Microwave Pet Heating Pad
  • Provides up to 12 hours of warmth
  • Made from non-toxic materials
  • No wires; just heat it up in the microwave for a few minutes

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Here’s another disc-shaped microwave dog house heater, great for providing a warm spot within your dog’s bed.

Just heat it up in the microwave for a few minutes, let it sit for one minute and that’s all! It’s a fast fix for some extra warmth.

It’s a good option for those on a budget or if you live in a region that gets mild to moderately cool temperatures.

Arf Pets Microwavable Pet Heating Pad
  • Provides up to 8 hours of warmth
  • Disc-shaped gel-insert with removable/washable fleece lining
  • No wires; just heat it up in the microwave for a few minutes

Price:
Our Rating:

Another spot heating option, this microwave pad requires the same care and heating as the others we’ve listed. You warm it up in the microwave for a few minutes and then let your pet snuggle in.

It doesn’t stay warm for as long as the other two pads on our list, but it’s cheap and convenient for when the temperature dips low, but not too low.

BYB Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter
  • Ceramic heat bulb without light; anti-cracking & waterproof
  • Heats an area for 24 hrs
  • Voltage AC 110-120V,Power: 100W

Price:
Our Rating:

This carefully crafted ceramic heat-bulb may be directed towards pet reptiles, but we found it can be used to heat space for other small animals as well, including small dog houses.

It’s unique from other heating lamps because it doesn’t emit light, so your dog won’t be bothered or blinded while feeling warm.

The ceramic construction of this dog house heater makes it waterproof and explosion-proof. Be sure to keep the bulb a good distance from where your dog can stand up and hit it or jump up against it, as it can get quite hot.

For the price, it’s a solid option that will produce heat for 24 hrs continuously.

Ceramic Pet Infrared Heat Emitter Lamp Bulb
  • Made from metal and ceramic that is resistant to high temperatures
  • Suitable for 24h usage (Use with a porcelain socket)
  • Uses infrared light at 150w, 110-120V

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For quality and dependability, this heat lamp for dog kennel boasts craftsmanship that keeps a shelter warmed up without missing out on vital safety features.

Make sure to hang it out of reach, as it can get hot to the touch.

Make sure that it is mounted on a ceramic socket, which is approved to be used with heat lamps.

Insulated dog house

Dog Palace Large Dog House by ASL Solutions
  • 2 to 4″ of foam (Styro/EPS) insulation in every panel; the floor is raised 4”
  • For medium to large dogs
  • Equipped to install floor heater (not included)

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This is one of the best-insulated dog houses, that is if you plan on spending a pretty penny on one that will keep Fido warm when the cold winter is extreme.

The thick plastic doesn’t leave any drafty cracks, including a well-sealed door that keeps heat in better than a flap style door would.

There is even an opening to run a cord through for a heating pad if you wish to install one. The raised floor further keeps the heat from escaping and allows bedding to stay dry.

It’s one of the more expensive heated products on the market, but you get everything in one package for excellent quality.

Pets Imperial® Extra Large Insulated Norfolk Wooden Dog Kennel
  • Timber walls are 1.2cm thick, then 1.3cm of Styrofoam, then 0.2cm of plywood board
  • Raised floor that is removable for cleaning; roof opens as well
  • Holds up to 154 lbs (70 kg)

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Our Rating:

A solid insulated dog house that’s cheaper than the Dog Palace, this timber abode offers multiple layers of insulation to ensure your dog stays warm.

It’s built for convenience, especially when it comes to cleaning. The roof can be opened like a box, which allows for easy access- handy if there are fleas or it’s too dirty.

Besides insulated walls and a raised floor for dryness, just add a doghouse floor heater to make it cozier. For the price, you get a well-built product.

INDIGO W/MICROBAN Igloo Dog House
  • Designed with an insulating round shape, an offset door that evades wind and raised floors
  • Ventilated at the top for clear airflow
  • Comes in 3 sizes to accommodate pets weighing from 25 to 175 lbs

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Go old school with an igloo shaped doghouse that’s been used by humans for centuries to garner warmth in some of the coldest climates on earth.

The insulation is all in the shape, with thick plastic walls, a ventilated top and a sheltered doorway that keeps out rain and wind.

Be careful with the size and measure your dog beforehand. Even though the actual house may be spacious, the doorway size also needs consideration (13 inches across and 12.5 inches high).

Heating pads

K&H Pet Products Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed
  • Features an internal thermostat
  • Includes removable bolster & soft, removable cover
  • Small: 20 watts; Medium: 40 watts; Large: 60 watts

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Plug this heated bed in and you won’t be able to tell it even gets hot. We mean that in the best way possible! It actually is providing a subtle, safe warmth that your dog will love.

This bed isn’t your typical thin heated pad, but a thick bed made from orthopedic foam encased in a fleece cover. It can bend easily to fit inside any dog house.

There are 3 different sizes to accommodate small, medium and large dogs. For the price, the quality couldn’t get any better.

Aopet Dog Heating Pad Pet Electric Blanket Heater
  • Waterproof with chew resistant steel cord
  • Low heat: 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius); high heat: 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius)
  • Size: 18 x 17.1 x 1.4 inches

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This is a quality-made heating pad that is basic, but safe and durable.

We love the waterproof feature and that you only need to wipe this down with a damp cloth when cleaning. Just plug the pad in and it heats up within 5 to 10 minutes.

You need to supply your own bedding if you want a soft pad for your dog, but this heating pad can easily be inserted into a bed for extra warmth.

Easyology Soft Self Warming Dog Bed
  • Waterproof with chew resistant steel cord
  • Made from non-toxic materials
  • Size: 31.5″ x 17.3” for small & medium pets
  • Uses dog’s own body heat to warm up pad

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This is a solid pet self-warming pad for small dog houses and if you are wary about using an electric pad that must be plugged in.

A simple thermal insert slips into a soft cover and voila, you’re ready to go. It utilizes your dog’s body heat to warm itself up, so no need for electricity.

Don’t expect this to radiate with waves of intense heat. For the price, you get a pad that will generate more warmth than if you were just using a blanket.

It’s a convenient option if you worry about safety and want your dog to have something a bit warmer than usual to take on chilly temperatures.

A solar-powered dog house heater

Want to go green by harnessing the energy of the sun to heat your dog house? For a solar dog house heater, you’ll have to buy separate products and install the solar heater system yourself.

The good news is, the installation process is not rocket science. The downside is that you’ll spend more than you would on say, a dog heating pad. But, think of the energy you’ll save in the long run all while reducing the carbon footprint!

We’ll give you a brief tutorial on how to get your DIY solar heater up and running. But first, take a look at this step-by-step video that offers an easy break down of what to do and what you’ll need.

The most important items you will need to purchase are a 100 w solar panel and a 300 w solar inverter charger. This is what will power your dog house heater.

100 W solar panel

From monocrystalline to polycrystalline solar panels, these are quality options to mount on top of your dog house.

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient because they use the highest grade silicone, which gives them higher longevity and space efficiency.

Polycrystalline solar panels cost less and are simpler to manufacture, but the overall performance is outdone by monocrystalline.

300 W solar inverter charger

This is what you’ll need to convert solar energy into electrical energy. You’ll position this inside or near your garage. Here are some of our top picks for inverters.

Keep in mind that the products we listed are very powerful and can be used to supply power to other appliances within your home.

This video gives you more information about how to pick a solar inverter.

12v battery

You’ll also want to hook up a 12v battery from your local hardware shop. This will attach to the solar inverter and solar panel and accumulate energy for future use.

Power grid

Lastly, the power grid will connect to the inverter. This is where you’ll plug your dog heater ( such as one of the electric box heaters or plug-in pads we reviewed) and other appliances of your choice to receive converted solar power.

Conclusion: What is the best way to heat a dog house?

Dog laying on dog house heater pad

Ultimately, how you decide to heat your dog house depends on the needs of you and your dog. It also matters where you live and how cold it gets. The more frigid the temperatures, the higher quality products you’ll want to invest in.

For extremely cold regions, an insulated dog house such as the Dog Palace by ASL Solutions comes fully insulated for the cold with cord access to install an electric heater or heating pad.

An electric heater box, such as the ClimateRight Heater & Fan is an excellent option to provide widespread heating and cooling throughout your dog house.

Heating lamps are cheaper and only heat a small space within the doghouse The Premier Heat Lamp offers peace of mind with extra safety features, such as an anti-chew cord and protective lamp barrier.

If you just want convenient, cost-effective heating, then a specialized microwavable or plug-in pad boosts the temperature of your dog’s bedding with little fuss. The K&H Pet Products Deluxe Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Bed and Snuggle Safe Microwavable Pad will keep your dog toasty for hours. Take a look at more options for heated dog beds here.