keeping puppy warm

Question
I have a puppy that I have to keep outside in a doghouse this winter.  What could I do to keep her warm, I have been reading about the dog heat pads you can put in the doghouse and also about infrared heaters that can be put in the doghouse.  Which do you think is best, or could I use both?  What wattage of heat lamp should I use?

Answer
Hi Sandy;
lot depends on where you live, how cold it gets, and what the age of the puppy is.
If you are talking up north snow and freezing, then you need to really take some steps to assure her safety.
I have always kept my dogs in the house, so I am not aware of the heaters for doghouses etc.
A fire hazard is your first concern. After that, the other factors.
If this is a very young puppy, it may not survive extreme temps.
Many dogs that are left out in very cold weather do not survive.
It alos depends on the breed.
If this is a husky, St, Bernard or other breed whose fur is adaptable to colder temps, then it may be possible to keep it outside, with the proper shelter.
If this is a Yorkie, Pom, or one of the more delicate breeds, forget about keeping it outside.
A chihuahua would not last at all.
You want to make sure the opening to the dog house is sheltered from wind.
The high roofed dog houses are useless.
The house needs to be just tall enough for the dog to stand up, and large enough for it t turn around.
the best roof will be slanted toward the back, so it is just high enough for the dog to lie down in there, and have only a couple of inches about it. as it is lieing there asleep.
That holds the body heat close to the dog.
It should be facing a leeward side of the house, so winds will not whip into the dog house.
I have never seen a dog house on the market that is designed to shelter a dog properly.
the high pitched roof, whether it is a peak or a rounded dome, lets the body heat rise above the dog.
The floor should have air space ubder it, with the sides closed up, for insulation, and a bed of straw or hay is very insulating for the dog to sleep on.
That would allow no heat to come up from the floor.
A nice warm bed she can snuggle into would help keep in her body heat.
Maybe even one of those enclosed beds like some have for their cats to sleep in.
One of those set in her house would help keep in her body heat.
Look into the safety of those heaters, and see which one your Veterinarian would advise.
Your Veterinarian could tell you better whether or not your dog could fare well in that climate.
He/she knows how cold it gets there, and wht your breed can withstand.
If you can't find any information on those heaters, writ me back, tell me what the climate is, and what breed of dog she is, and I will try to look up some information to help you more.
Charlotte