1. Clean it out. 

After a full spring, summer and fall of use, it’s time to clean out the dog house! Start by spraying the inside and outside with a garden hose. Then, sprinkle baking soda on the damp surfaces and scrub with a new toilet brush. Baking soda is a safe alternative to commercial cleaners and can help eliminate odours and dirt without posing a health risk to your pet.

Next, mix a solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. White vinegar is excellent for killing bacteria and repelling fleas and ticks that may be lingering in your dog's house. The solution can also prevent fleas and ticks from entering the dog's home during winter. Finally, spray the house with a hose and let it dry fully before putting it back together. Learn more about the uses of vinegar for pet owners.

A dog’s bedding can be particularly prone to fleas and ticks that look for warmth as the temperatures drop. Remove all bedding and either replace it or thoroughly clean it. A cup of distilled white vinegar in the washing machine should do the trick!

2. Be mindful of openings and location.

When winterizing a dog house, consider the entrance and any openings. You’ll want to cover those with plastic sheeting or a tarp to keep snow, debris and water out. If you can move it, angle the dog house’s entrance away from the potentially harmful winter wind. If the dog house is moveable and you have space, consider moving it into a shed or garage for the winter.

3. Get it off the ground.

Getting the dog house off the ground can help protect it from water from rain and snow. Elevating it will help keep it dry and prevent rot and other issues. You can move it to a spot in the yard with the best drainage, then put it on a platform for a bit of support. For example, you can put it on a wood pallet. 

4. Protect against cold and moisture.

The key to winterizing a dog house is protecting it against cold and moisture. Inspect the dog house, look for loose boards and make repairs. Seal holes and cracks with waterproof caulking or spray foam insulation. Then, cover the inside of the house with plastic sheets so your pup doesn’t try to chew on those repair materials come spring.

If your dog house doesn’t have a shingled roof, consider installing shingles now. They offer protection from water and can help your dog house last longer.

5. Add heaters for comfort.

During winter in Alberta, it is likely too cold to leave your dog outside for any length of time. But when temperatures rise in the spring, you can let them out again. To keep them cozy from the spring chill, consider installing a dog house heater.

Any heater should be able to monitor and adjust the temperature inside the dog house so it doesn’t overheat. Plus, you want to ensure it comes with protection so your dog can’t contact the heating mechanism. Heaters designed specifically for dog houses typically have these standard safety components. You can also install solar-powered dog house heaters so you don’t have to worry about running electrical cords from your home’s outlets to the dog house.