Dogs like to stay indoors in the winter, but in summer they love to spend a lot of time outdoors. To make sure your dog doesn’t get hurt when the temperature outside is noticeably high, it’s your duty as a dog parent to get the best dog house for hot weather for your fluffy friend.
At this point, many dog owners might feel skeptical. What’s the use of a dog house for summer? It’s not like your dog will freeze or feel uncomfortable, right? Wrong!
Hot weather is just as uncomfortable for dogs as cold weather. In fact, if you’re feeling the heat, your pooch is probably feeling it many times more. Because unlike humans who have a lot of sweat glands, dogs only have them on their paw pads, so it’s harder for them to keep cool.
Unless your dog has a shaded and cool dog house outdoors where he can go to cool off, he will face health issues. Some dogs are more prone than others to get heat exhaustion and even heat stroke, so that’s something you should keep in mind.
Now that you are aware that your dog will need a house even in summer, how do you pick one? No worries, we’ve got you covered!
Best Dog House for Hot Weather: 2022 Reviews
Better and better dog houses come out in the market each year, so we also amend our collection to keep up to day. Here’s our pick for the year of the best dog houses for hot weather:
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Fit Choice Elevated Dog House | Check Price |
 | Petmate Indigo Dog House All-Weather Protection | Check Price |
 | Best Pet Supplies Pet Tent-Soft Bed for Dog & Cat | Check Price |
 | Suncast Outdoor Dog House | Check Price |
 | Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House | Check Price |
 | MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House | Check Price |
Fit Choice Elevated Dog House
Main Feature
- Brand: Fit Choice
- Color: Grey
- Size: Extra Large (L48.8”xW35.8″xH48.8”)
- Material: Water Resistant Breathable 600D PVC, Metal, Textilene
This Fit Choice dog house is especially constructed with the needs of a dog in summer in mind. Every feature in it will in some way work to keep your dog cool.
The first notable thing about this dog house is that it’s a cot-style house. The design means when your dog is lying down in this house, he is suspended above the ground. As a result, air will circulate under the bed and keep your dog cool.
To make sure this cooling effect is absolute, the bottom of this house is made of mesh material. It’s basically a tarp house which stands on a sturdy metal frame and PVC joints. None of the materials trap heat, so your dog can stay comfortable.
Due to being made of such lightweight materials, the house itself is supremely portable. Some might think it is too light, and to make sure it’s stable, you can add extra weight to the bottom. This extra measure is especially advisable if you get strong winds or there’s a possibility of rain and storm.
Another plus point of this house is that it comes in such a large size. Even large breed dogs would not have any problem fitting in it comfortably. I know how tough it is usually to get houses for large dogs. So this house would be a great gift to your big boy or girl.
If you’re one of those dog owners who are very meticulous about keeping things clean, you’ll love this house. The oxford cloth can be just hosed down or, in case of extra grime, wiped down with soap and water.
Pros
- Cot style house that ensures air circulation
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight and portable
- Roof vents for cooling
- Easy to clean
- Comes in large size
Cons
- Not stable enough for heavy winds
Verdict
If you’re looking for a low maintenance, high value for the money dog house for hot weather, this is the perfect candidate. It’s easy to assemble, lightweight, and you can carry it anywhere. It has a high cooling effect, and is suitable for large dogs. If you’re looking for these features, get this dog house.
Petmate Indigo Dog House All-Weather Protection
Main Feature
- Brand: Petmate
- Color: Taupe/Black
- Size: Medium, Large and Xlarge
- Material: Blend
Igloo-style dog houses might look weird, but they’re very popular right now. They’re great if you want a house that’ll keep your dog toasty warm in winter and cool in summer. The heavy-duty insulation on the house ensures this wonderful effect.
If you think this house looks too stuffy, don’t worry. Not only will it stay cool, there are vents on the roof to promote airflow. Your dog would not suffocate in there.
This igloo house has a raised floor with added moats to the sides. In case there’s a summer rain, the extra moisture will drain away this way, so your dog will not be uncomfortable inside.
Anyone who has used this igloo house for their dogs only has good things to say. The high-quality materials and construction make the dogs and their owners happy.
There have been some issues with the delivery and packaging of this dog house, so think about that when you’re ordering. However, that doesn’t mean the house itself has any problems. It’s a great cooling house for your dog.
Pros
- Sturdy material and construction
- Cooling in summer and warming in winter
- Suitable for use in rainy weather
- Comes in 3 different sizes
- Easy to assemble and maintain
Cons
- Has delivery and packaging issues
Verdict
If you’re looking for a premium dog house to use year round and keep your dog comfortable, this is it for you. Igloo houses might be on the pricier side, but they’re usually worth it. Especially, there’s a great chance that your dog will love this house. Who doesn’t want that?
Best Pet Supplies Pet Tent-Soft Bed for Dog & Cat
Main Feature
- Brand: Best Pet Supplies
- Color: Beige
- Material: Faux Suede, linen, corduroy
- Fill Material: Soft poly-foam
First off, let me assure you that while this looks more like a dog bed than a dog house, you can actually use this on your porch or even your back or front yard provided that everything is dry. This house is just as cozy as it looks, which might be what your dog loves.
On the other hand, you can just use it as an indoor house or tent for your dog when the weather is too hot to be outside. The dimensions will give your dog a sense of privacy and security. The plushness of the house is an added plus.
A great thing about this house is that it’s machine washable. You can just toss it in the washing machine and it will come out good as new. You don’t even need to worry about it being skewed out of shape. The colors and materials also make it a great decor piece!
If you check the dimensions, you’ll notice that they’re perfect for small or medium breeds, such as poodles or dachshunds. As the house is padded and low, it’s great for dogs that are old or have health issues.
There’s one downside to this house that some customers mentioned, and that is pest infestation. After delivery, you should disinfect this product thoroughly to prevent the chances of an infestation in your home.
Pros
- Plush and cozy, perfect for indoor use
- Machine washable
- Lightweight and portable
- Perfect for small dogs
Cons
- Might cause a bug infestation
Verdict
If you’re looking for a comfortable indoor dog house for a small or medium dog, this is a great dog house. However, if your dog is on the larger side, this one isn’t for you. It also doesn’t have any obvious cooling effects, and you need to keep an eye out for bugs or mites infesting the material.
Suncast Outdoor Dog House
Main Feature
- Brand: Suncast
- Color: Taupe and Blue
- Material: Resin
This house reminds you of a doll’s house doesn’t it? It’s very cute and contemporary, and it’s just as functional as it looks. Your dog can use it as a normal dog house all year round. It’s also pretty suitable for summer, and also provides great value for money.
The house is made of heavy duty resin which is a great material for regular use. The house is easy to assemble, you just need to snap the parts together. Moreover, the house is also extremely easy to keep clean. You can hose it down daily if you want; it’ll also cool the house and comfort your dog.
An interesting feature of this house is its crowned floor. It’s slightly elevated, but I’d suggest you to use bricks or similar material to elevate the house a bit more. That way you can get more of a cooling effect.
Another feature that I really like is the vinyl door. If you want air circulation, you can take the door off. During windy and chilly days, you can leave it to provide some insulation. It’s a great way to ensure your dog is comfy in all temperatures.
Pros
- Elevated floor
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- Standard design
- Suitable for all weathers
Cons
- Has durability issues
Verdict
If you’re looking for an inexpensive outdoor dog house that’s not only great for summer, but is also usable in all weather conditions and is quite a standard dog house, this is it. With some slight customisation, you can make this house fit any weather.
However, if your dog is very energetic and prone to knocking things down, this might not be a good house for him. He might bring the walls down and even damage them to a point that the house cannot be put back together.
Petmate Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin Dog House
Main Feature
- Brand: Precision Pet Products
- Color: Natural wood
- Material: Wood, stainless steel, asphalt
- Size: Large
Looking for a rustic, good-looking house for your dog? Look no further! This Petmate house is a dream come true. Who doesn’t want a natural wood dog house in their backyard, right?
Reddish stained wood and black stainless steel hardware makes up this house and the overall look is gorgeous. The slanted roof is topped with asphalt to provide some protection from precipitation.
This dog house is advertised as suitable for extreme weather, but it’s suitable for summer, in my opinion. If you want it to get through rainy weather in one piece, you need to paint or seal it with protective coating.
The house sits on adjustable raised feet, so there’s some cooling effect. Plus the off-center entrance is pretty big and airy, so you can be sure your dog is comfortable in there.
Pros
- Raised floor provides cooling
- Slanted roof covered with asphalt
- Adjustable feet
- Comes in four sizes
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not as waterproof as it claims
Verdict
If your area gets moderately hot and your dog just needs some shade to escape the heat, this’ll be the perfect house for them. It’s also an aesthetically pleasing house if that’s what you wanted. However, if your area gets a lot of rain, this house isn’t right for you.
MidWest Homes for Pets Eillo Folding Outdoor Wood Dog House
Main Feature
- Brand: Midwest Homes for Pets
- Color: Beige
- Material: Water resistant stained wood, asphalt
- Size: Medium
Just looking at this dog house makes you feel cool and soothed, right? There’s a surprise: you just need to fold it out to assemble it, not tools required. Isn’t it great? It’s also easy to put away similarly. It’s lightweight and portable, and looks very cute too.
The dog house is made of stained wood with an asphalt-topped slanted roof. It is great for medium sized breeds. There’s plenty of space inside for them to stretch out. The wide arched entrance also helps air circulation.
Aside from the bottom being elevated, it’s also ventilated. So your dog can enjoy a breeze while in this house.
Another great thing is that the roof can be folded back like the lid of a box. You can reach inside the house this way, and clean it properly. This is a great plus in my opinion.
Pros
- No-tool assembly
- Asphalt topped roof
- Elevated, ventilated bottom
- 1 year warranty
- Perfect for medium sized breeds
Cons
- Wood pieces prone to warping
Verdict
This is a good dog house for summer in places that get pretty windy. When there’s a storm coming, you can just fold it and bring it inside. However, if you plan to keep it under direct sunlight and rain, this isn’t the right house for you. The wood is prone to warping from direct sunlight and moisture.
Final Verdict
In our humble opinion, Petmate Indigo Dog House is without a doubt the best dog house for hot weather. It has an igloo design which keeps the inside wonderfully cozy and comfortable. Moreover, dogs who prefer privacy would absolutely love this igloo.
The best part about this dog house is that it has a cooling effect, but that’s not the only plus. It is also very sturdy and made with durable materials. It also looks pretty stylish and very unlike a usual dog house.
Just like any other product on earth, this dog house also has some negative points, as we have illustrated earlier. However, we feel that the pros outweigh the cons and if you’re looking for a dog house that would make summers bearable for your dog, you can’t go wrong with this dog house.
How to Pick the Best Dog House For Hot Weather
Now you know about a bunch of lovely, comfortable, and cooling houses for your dog. You also know which one we’ve decided to praise as the most suited for summer. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to pick the hot weather dog house we’ve suggested.
Every dog is an individual, and there isn’t one perfect dog house that fits all the dogs in the world. Therefore, you should pick a dog house that suits your dog specifically. Here are some points that you should be keeping an eye out for-
Size
Before thinking about the dog house’s size, consider your own dog’s size. Some dogs come from large breeds, and you’re naturally going to need an L, XL or even XXL house for that dog. So, you should look for big houses for dogs that offer these sizes.
The house should be a size that there’s enough space for your dog to comfortably sit, lie down, and even stretch out. I always suggest being extra cautious and getting a size larger that what you think will fit your dog.
Plus, since it’s a summer house, there should also be plenty of space left for air circulation even after your dog has gone in it.
Material
It’s only common sense that you should pick a cooling dog house that’s made of high quality material. Summer heat is nothing to scoff at, as it can cause damage to low-quality materials.
For instance, if your dog house is made of flimsy plastic, the scorching temperature might even melt it. At the very least, the plastic will get heated and your dog will be very uncomfortable inside the house.
On the other hand, if the house is made of unseasoned wood, then the heat and sunlight might cause the wood pieces to lose their form. Cracks and splinters would show up, and the house might even fall apart.
Thinking about all these, doesn’t it make sense to check whether the house is constructed with quality material? I know you agree.
Insulation
Good insulation not only helps warmth in, it can also keep unbearably high heat out. Usually, insulated dog houses ensure insulation by having two layers to the walls and some empty space between them. The air trapped between the layers ensures insulation.
Some dog houses even use actual insulation materials such as foam or fiber. They act as an extra layer of cooling. In this case, you’re free to pick whichever sort of insulation you prefer, and which one your budget permits.
Ventilation
Aside from insulation, another way to ensure a cooling effect is ventilation. If you look at a ventilated dog house, you’ll see that there are noticeable slats, windows, or gaps in the walls or the roof. These ventilation holes are places to ensure free air circulation inside the house, so hot air cannot stagnate inside.
Ease of maintenance
No matter how fancy your dog’s house is, unless it is easy to keep clean and in good repair, your dog can’t make much use of it.
Plastic, synthetic, or resin houses are very easy to clean, so they win out in this category. You can just hose them down and call it a day. At best, you have to take some soap water and a sponge to wipe it down. It wouldn’t get too grimy unless you’ve neglected it for a long time.
Some fabric dog houses can even be machine washed and then dried easily. Those are also good in this regard.
Wooden houses may be slightly harder to maintain in this regard. But if you have had experience dealing with wooden furniture, then wooden dog houses shouldn’t be a problem.
Durability
Durability of a dog house largely depends on the material it is made of, and also its design and make. Sturdy material would usually mean a durable dog house. However, if the house isn’t built properly, then even high quality material can’t do much.
To know whether a dog house would be durable or not, there are two things you can do. First, check out the warranty on the product. Longer the warranty, more the chance that the house will be durable.
On the other hand, you could also ask people who’ve used the house before. They can tell you how durable the house is.
Portability
A dog house should be portable. A summer dog house even more so. That’s because as the shadows move with the clock, you may need to move the dog house from sunlight to shadow. So it should be light enough and wieldy.
Plastic, fiber, or resin houses are good in this regard too. However, heavier houses with wheels or some other moving mechanism would also be suitable. Houses that fold down are also a good choice, in our opinion.
Conclusion
After reading this article, I hope you were able to pick the best dog house for hot weather for your furry friend. Don’t hesitate to let us know which dog house you picked from this list! Our comment box is open for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you keep a dog house cool in the summer?
There are quite a few ways to keep a dog house cool in the summer:
First of all, if your dog house isn’t elevated, you could just use some bricks to prop it up, so there’s air circulation under it.
Second, pick a cool location to place the house. If you keep it under direct sunlight, even the best-picked dog house wouldn’t keep your dog cool. Keep it under the shade of your house or a big tree.
Lastly, if your dog suffers a lot from heat, you should invest in extra cooling measures such as cooling dog beds, a fan or even an air conditioning unit.
Are dog houses safe in the summer?
Dog houses are safe in summer, but you should pick an appropriate house. If the dog house is well-ventilated and is placed in shade, and preferably in a location with a breeze, the house should be completely safe for your dog.
