How do you keep a dog warm in a crate? You can keep your dog warm in their crate using simple, safe steps. This includes picking the right spot for the crate, adding warm bedding, using a safe crate cover, and blocking cold air. Is it okay to use a heater near a dog crate? No, most heaters are not safe for use directly in or right next to a dog’s crate due to fire risks or burns. We will talk about safer options later.
Winter can be cold for everyone, including our furry friends. If your dog sleeps in a crate, it’s important to make sure their space stays warm and cozy. A cold crate can make your dog uncomfortable or even sick. Let’s look at safe ways to keep your dog’s crate warm this winter.
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Comprehending Why Warmth Matters
Why should we care if a dog’s crate is cold? Dogs have coats, but they can still get cold, especially small dogs, old dogs, or dogs with thin fur. A cold crate can feel like a chilly metal cage.
Being too cold is not just uncomfortable. It can be bad for their health. It can lower their body temperature too much. This is called hypothermia. Puppies and old dogs are more likely to get hypothermia. Keeping their crate warm helps keep them healthy and happy. It also makes the crate a nicer place for them to rest.
Picking the Right Spot for the Crate
The first step to a warm crate is where you put it. Where you place the dog crate in cold room can make a big difference.
- Find a Warm Room: Put the crate in a room that stays warm. This is usually a main living area, not a garage or a cold hallway.
- Away From Windows and Doors: Cold air can sneak in around windows and doors. This is called a draft. Prevent drafts near dog crate by moving it away from these spots. Even a small draft can make the crate very cold inside.
- Off Cold Floors: Floors can be very cold, especially tile or concrete. Put the crate on a rug or a piece of carpet. This helps stop the cold from coming up from the floor. A dog bed for cold floors placed inside the crate also helps a lot.
- Avoid Heat Vents or Radiators: Don’t put the crate right next to a heat vent or radiator. This can make the crate too hot. It can also be a fire risk if bedding is too close.
Choosing the right spot helps the crate stay warmer without needing extra heat sources. It’s a simple first step that works well.
Blocking the Cold Air
Metal or plastic crate walls can get very cold. This cold can pass right through to your dog. We can help insulate dog crate walls to keep the heat in.
- Use Blankets or Towels: You can cover the sides and back of the crate with blankets or towels. Make sure the front is open so your dog gets air. This adds a layer that traps warm air inside the crate. It also helps prevent drafts from getting in.
- Special Crate Covers: An insulated dog crate cover is a great option. These covers are made to fit crates. They often have padding or layers that block cold and hold warmth. They look nice and are easy to use. Make sure the cover still lets air flow well. Never cover all sides tightly without a vent.
- Cardboard or Foam Boards: For a simple fix, you can tape cardboard or foam insulation boards to the outside of the crate sides and back. This adds a strong layer against the cold. Again, leave the front open for air. Be sure your dog cannot chew on the material from inside the crate.
Adding these layers helps the crate hold warmth better. It stops the cold outside air from making the inside cold.
Making the Inside Cozy and Warm
Once the outside is ready, make the inside warm. What you put inside the crate is called bedding. Dog crate bedding for winter needs to be warm and soft.
- Pick Warm Materials: Fleece, fake lamb’s wool, or thick cotton are good choices. These materials trap body heat well.
- Use Enough Bedding: Don’t just use one thin layer. Put in a thick dog bed for cold floors. Add extra blankets or soft mats. The bedding should be thick enough to lift your dog off the cold crate floor.
- Crate Pad for Warmth: A thick crate pad made for warmth is a must-have. These pads are often padded or have special materials that hold heat. Look for pads described as “orthopedic” or “warming.”
- Layering is Good: You can layer bedding. Put a thick pad down first. Then add a soft blanket or fleece on top. Your dog can then snuggle into the layers.
- Check for Chewers: Make sure your dog does not chew and eat the bedding. If they do, this can be dangerous. Choose tough bedding if needed, or only use a very tough crate pad they cannot destroy. Some dogs do better with less bedding if they chew everything up. Safety comes first.
Here are some ideas for the best dog bedding for winter:
- Thick Crate Pads: Pads with foam or fiberfill. Look for non-slip bottoms.
- Fleece Blankets: Soft, warm, and easy to wash. You can use several.
- Self-Warming Beds/Pads: These have special layers that reflect the dog’s own body heat back to them. They don’t use electricity.
- Bolster Beds: Beds with raised edges. These let your dog curl up and feel more secure and warm. They also add extra insulation around the sides.
Layering different types of bedding helps create a warm nest inside the crate. This uses your dog’s own body heat to keep them warm.
| Bedding Type | Pros | Cons | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thick Crate Pad | Lifts dog off cold floor, provides cushion | Can be expensive, some dogs may chew them | All dogs, good base layer |
| Fleece Blankets | Soft, warm, cheap, easy to wash, layerable | Can bunch up, easily chewed by some dogs | Most dogs, great for adding extra warmth |
| Self-Warming Pad | Uses dog’s own heat, no electricity | Can be thin, may not be enough alone | Good for adding a non-electric heat source |
| Bolster Bed | Warm, cozy, provides support, blocks drafts | Takes up space in crate, can be expensive | Dogs who like to curl up, extra draft help |
| Shredded Memory Foam | Very warm, molds to body, comfortable | Can be messy if cover is torn, some dogs eat foam | Older dogs, dogs needing lots of cushion |
Grasping Safe Extra Warmth Methods
Sometimes, bedding and placement are not enough, especially in very cold houses. You might think about adding extra heat. This is where you must be very careful. Most ways to add heat can be dangerous.
- Avoid Electric Heaters: A safe dog crate heater is hard to find because most common heaters (like space heaters) are NOT safe near a crate. They can cause fires if bedding or the crate itself gets too close. They can also get too hot and burn your dog. Never use a regular electric space heater pointing at or near a crate.
- Do Not Use Electric Blankets: Electric blankets are made for humans. They can get too hot for dogs. Dogs might chew the wires, which is a risk of electric shock or fire.
- Safe Options: What can you use?
- Microwaveable Heating Pads: These pads heat up in the microwave and stay warm for several hours. They are often filled with safe materials like buckwheat or special beads. Put it under the bedding layer so your dog can’t chew it directly. Make sure it’s warm, not too hot. Test it on your skin first.
- Snuggle Safe Discs: These are hard plastic discs filled with a gel. You heat them in the microwave. They stay warm for many hours (sometimes up to 10). They are made for pets and are usually very safe and durable. Again, place it under a layer of bedding.
- Hot Water Bottles: A simple hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can provide warmth for a while. Make sure it’s not too hot and is wrapped well so your dog can’t chew the bottle itself.
Always make sure your dog has room to move away from the heat source if they get too warm. The goal is a warm spot, not a constantly hot space. Check on any heat source often to make sure it’s still safe and not getting too hot.
Special Care for Puppies
Keeping puppy warm in crate overnight needs extra attention. Puppies can’t control their body temperature as well as adult dogs. They get cold very easily.
- More Bedding: Use lots of soft, warm bedding. A thick crate pad for warmth is a good start.
- Safe Heat Source: A microwaveable heating pad or Snuggle Safe disc is very helpful for puppies. Place it under a thick layer of bedding. It gives them a warm spot to snuggle against, like being with their littermates or mother.
- Cover the Crate: An insulated dog crate cover helps hold the heat in the small space. Remember to keep the front open for air.
- Location: Place the crate in a warm room, away from cold floors and drafts.
- Consider a Smaller Space: For very young puppies, a crate might feel too big and cold. A divider can make the space smaller and easier for their body heat to warm up. Make sure they have just enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, plus space away from the heat source.
- Check Often: Check on your puppy during the night if possible, especially if it’s very cold. Make sure they seem warm and comfortable.
Puppies rely on us completely to stay safe and warm. Extra care is needed to keep them cozy in their crate.
Observing Your Dog for Cold Signs
How do you know if your dog is cold in their crate, even after adding warmth? Your dog will show signs if they are too cold.
- Shivering: This is the most obvious sign. Like humans, dogs shiver when they are cold.
- Acting Restless: They might keep changing positions, trying to find a warm spot.
- Curling Up Tight: While many dogs curl up to sleep, doing it very tightly, tucking paws and nose, can mean they are trying hard to keep warm.
- Cold Ears or Paws: Gently touch their ears or paws. If they feel very cold to you, your dog is likely cold.
- Whining or Crying: Some dogs might whine or cry to let you know they are uncomfortable.
If you see these signs, add more bedding, check for drafts, or make sure any safe heat source is working.
Making the Crate a Safe Winter Den
Putting all these steps together helps create a safe and warm winter home for your dog in their crate.
- Pick a Warm Spot: Away from cold air, windows, and doors. On a rug if the floor is cold. (Placement of dog crate in cold room addressed)
- Block Outside Cold: Cover the crate sides and back with blankets or use an insulated dog crate cover. (How to insulate dog crate and Insulated dog crate cover addressed)
- Add Warm Bedding: Use thick pads and soft blankets. Make layers. A crate pad for warmth and dog bed for cold floors are great. (Dog crate bedding for winter, Crate pad for warmth, Dog bed for cold floors, Best dog bedding for winter addressed)
- Prevent Drafts: Make sure the spot is free of cold air currents. (Prevent drafts near dog crate addressed)
- Use Safe Extra Heat (If Needed): Only use microwaveable pads or Snuggle Safe discs under bedding. NEVER electric heaters or blankets. (Safe dog crate heater addressed – by explaining what is not safe and what is)
- Extra Care for Puppies: Lots of bedding and a safe, gentle heat source are key for keeping puppy warm in crate overnight. (Keeping puppy warm in crate overnight addressed)
- Watch Your Dog: Look for signs they are cold.
Always make sure your dog has enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down fully stretched out even with all the extra bedding. Also, make sure there is always fresh water available.
DIY Tips for Crate Warmth
You don’t need fancy things to help keep the crate warm.
- Use Old Blankets: Old human blankets or comforters can be folded up thick for bedding.
- Towels: Thick bath towels can be layered on the floor or used to cover crate sides.
- Cardboard: Taping flat pieces of cardboard to the outside of the crate sides and back is a simple way to add a layer of insulation.
- Draft Stopper: Roll up a towel or small blanket and place it along the bottom edge of a door nearby to stop drafts from coming into the room.
These simple things can make a big difference in keeping the crate cozy.
Safety Comes First
We talked about dangers like fire and burns from unsafe heaters. Chewing is another big safety issue.
- Chewing Bedding: Some dogs, especially puppies or anxious dogs, chew their bedding. They can pull out stuffing and eat it. This can cause serious stomach problems that need a vet. If your dog chews bedding, you might need to use a very tough, flat crate pad they cannot chew. Or, limit bedding to just a few layers of thick fleece that are harder to pull apart.
- Chewing Heat Sources: Never let your dog chew on a heat source like a hot water bottle or a microwaveable pad. Make sure these are placed under enough bedding or inside a protective pouch if they came with one.
- Air Flow: Always make sure the crate has enough fresh air. Don’t cover the crate so tightly that air cannot get in. The front door should always be open to the air of the room.
Keeping your dog warm is important, but keeping them safe while warm is even more important.
Summing It Up
Keeping your dog’s crate warm safely this winter is quite simple. It starts with picking a smart spot away from cold air. Then, add layers of warmth to the crate itself by covering the sides and using lots of cozy, thick bedding. For extra chill, safe, non-electric heat sources placed under bedding can help. Always keep an eye on your dog for signs they are cold and make sure everything in the crate is safe and cannot be chewed in a harmful way. By taking these steps, you can make sure your dog’s crate is a warm, safe, and happy den all winter long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I just put a lot of blankets in the crate?
A: Yes, lots of blankets can help, especially thick ones. Layering them makes it warmer. But make sure your dog cannot chew and eat the blankets, which can be dangerous.
Q: Is it okay to use a human electric blanket?
A: No, never use a human electric blanket for a dog. They can get too hot and burn your dog. The wires are also a chewing and fire risk.
Q: What is the best dog bedding for winter?
A: The best bedding is thick and made of materials that trap heat well, like fleece, fake wool, or thick memory foam pads. A crate pad for warmth that lifts the dog off the cold floor is also great.
Q: My puppy cries at night. Is he cold?
A: Maybe. Puppies cry for many reasons (need to go potty, lonely, hungry). But if it’s cold and you haven’t added extra warmth or bedding, being cold could be why. Try adding safe bedding and maybe a safe microwaveable heat source under the bedding. Always take them out for a potty break first.
Q: How can I prevent drafts near dog crate?
A: Place the crate away from windows and outside doors. You can also use thick blankets or a crate cover on the outside of the crate sides. Make sure there are no gaps under doors letting cold air in.
Q: Are self-warming beds safe?
A: Yes, self-warming beds or pads are generally safe. They work by using a special material to reflect the dog’s own body heat back to them. They don’t use electricity.
Q: Should I cover the whole crate?
A: You can cover the sides and back, but always leave the front door area open for fresh air. Using an insulated dog crate cover made for this is a good way to do it safely.