July is National Doghouse Repairs Month. Whether your dog spends much of the day in his doghouse or if it is just an occasional get-away, you will want to keep the doghouse in tip-top shape and as comfortable as possible. In honor of your dog’s home away from home, let’s look at ways to make sure your dog’s man-cave or she-shed is just as awesome as your pet with these Top 8 Doghouse Repairs.
8. Size Matters
National Doghouse Repairs Month is an ideal opportunity to check out your dog’s house to make sure it is still the right fit for him. Your dog should be able to completely stand up in the doghouse and make a full turn around. He should be able to sit and lay down with his legs fully extended. If he cannot, then it is time for an upgrade. Puppies grow so quickly that they can outgrow their dog houses before we realize.
7. House Cleaning
National Doghouse Repairs Month may be just the push you need to give the doghouse a thorough cleaning. A clean doghouse will be more comfortable for your pooch and provide a safer environment for him. Dust, dirt, and cobwebs can cause respiratory problems. Mold can be toxic. Dirt and rust can cause infections if your dog has a cut or sore. A fresh, clean doghouse will be more inviting for your dog.
6. Proper Ventilation
Without proper ventilation, a doghouse can get musty and smelly. During the summer months, the doghouse will stay cooler if there are ways to increase the air flow through the structure. Windows with screens are ideal because the windows can be closed during rainstorms and in the wintertime. When checking for repairs, make sure the screens are intact and the windows can open and close easily.
5. Repair Structural Damage
A doghouse gets a lot of wear and tear. Inspect it for loose boards or other structural problems that need to be repaired. Don’t worry if you are not a carpenter—most repairs are simple to make. You may just need to hammer a board back into place or replace a floorboard. If the repairs are extensive or well beyond your ability, then it may be worthwhile to buy a brand-new doghouse. A new doghouse will give you peace of mind knowing that your pup’s housing is safe and secure.
4. Provide Clean Bedding
As tempting as it may be to install a comfy mattress and warm blankets for your dog, you are probably better off using straw for the bedding in the doghouse during the winter months. Cloth bedding can get wet and freeze into a solid mass. Straw or wood shavings are a better option. You should change out the bedding often to replace the soiled straw with fresh, clean bedding. If you do use a cushioned dog bed or blankets in the summertime, then these will need to be washed often and thoroughly dried before they are returned to the doghouse. Damp bedding will get musty and moldy.
3. Pest Control
Carefully inspect the doghouse for signs of pest infestation. Your dog’s house can easily become a haven for fleas, mice, and mites. If you see signs of any of these pests, then thoroughly clean and disinfect the interior of the doghouse. You can treat the structure with an organic or chemical insecticide that will kill the existing insects, kill the eggs, and prevent another infestation. If mice or other rodents are the problem, then look for holes or loose and rotting boards that could be acting as an entry point for the rodents. These will need to be repaired as soon as possible.
2. Is It Warm?
Loose boards, cracks, and holes can create drafts that rob the doghouse of the body heat that builds up inside. Fill as many of these cracks and holes as you can to keep the wind from howling through the doghouse and chilling your dog to the bone. In the heat of the summer, your dog will welcome the breeze through his doghouse. Consider moving the doghouse to a well-shaded spot for the summer months.
1. Check For Leaks
Look for leaks in your dog’s house that could allow rainwater to get inside. This doesn’t mean you have to wait for a rainy day to crawl inside the doghouse and look for drips. Just take a garden hose over to the doghouse and let it rain on the roof. You will be able to discover right away where the leaks are. These can be filled with caulk or expanding foam or by replacing faulty shingles. Keeping moisture out of the doghouse will keep your dog dry and comfortable, even in inclement weather.
With National Doghouse Repairs Month on your mind, take the time to thoroughly inspect your pup’s doghouse and make a note of any problems that you see. Then spend an afternoon making all the necessary repairs and giving the doghouse a good cleaning. Your dog will thank you.