Marks of High-Quality Cedar Dog Houses

Author: Todd Arend Subscribe to users feed SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Cedar dog houses come in various designs and models. And like any other product, they come in varying levels of quality. If you want to select from high-quality cedar dog houses, you can\'t always take the seller\'s word that the materials are high quality. But you can look for various features that point to a house that is worth its price.

Some dog houses come with reinforced roofs, corners, or floors. As these areas tend to wear quicker, reinforcement can add an extra measure of preservation. While reinforcement certainly isn\'t necessary, it can reassure you that the manufacturer aims to build dog houses that will last through years of use.

Insulation, often in walls but sometimes also in the roof and floor, marks high-quality cedar dog houses. Insulation slows heat transfer, thereby keeping the warm air inside during the winter and the cool air inside during the summer. Some houses are also compatible with special heating pads or heating/air conditioning units for your dog.

A raised floor is another mark of high-quality cedar dog houses. A raised floor provides two main advantages. First, it aids the insulation by creating a natural barrier of air between the ground and the dog house. Secondly, a raised floor gives the house a slight elevation to prevent the floor from holding moisture. As you probably know, moisture can promote bigger messes as well as unhealthy conditions. Prolonged moisture may also encourage the growth of mildew in the bedding material. So a raised floor is a good feature to look for in cedar dog houses.

Contrary to some pictures you may have seen, a dog shouldn\'t have to stoop or crawl into the house. Therefore, another mark of high quality in cedar dog houses is balanced door dimensions. A large dog house should not have a small or low opening. To be sure the house will be comfortable, measure you dog in a variety of positions and compare the measurements to those listed in the house specs.

Cedar dog houses come in either red or white cedar. Either wood is a durable material for a dog house. However, evidence suggests that red cedar may be able to last longer than its white counterpart. So, while white is a good choice, red may be the best.

Yet another mark of high quality is a door covering. Of course, you can always install one yourself, but why mess with that when you can buy houses with covers already installed? Often, these covers may be some sort of vinyl flaps or similar material. The flaps help insulation and keep out rain or snow during times of inclement weather.

As you can see, cedar dog houses may come with numerous features that improve a basic design. Some of these features enhance your dog\'s comfort; others produce a more durable design. As you shop for high-quality cedar dog houses, check for these and other features. The more information you have, the more confident you can be in your selection.

Todd Arend is a freelance writer who has known several special dogs. He writes about choosing cedar dog houses and other outdoor furnishings.

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