Doghouse Repair & Maintenance

July is Doghouse Repair Month! It’s great when dogs have their own little spots to enjoy. Just like regular houses, doghouses do need some maintenance work. July may be a little on the hot side, but it’s a much better time than the middle of winter! A Louisville, KY vet offers some advice on keeping Fido’s doghouse in shape below.

Check For Sharp Edges

One of the first things you’ll want to do is give your canine pal’s doghouse a good going over. Check for and address things like nails or screws sticking out; holes; mold; and rotting spots.

Look For Leaks

This is also a good time to look for leaks and replace any shingles that are damaged or missing. If it’s raining, you can just look inside. On nice days, aim a hose at the top of your pup’s bed.

Evict Tenants

Make sure there are no hornets, ants, or other squatters in Fido’s house. If you find any, use non-toxic pest control methods to evict them.

Dress It Up

Why not have a little fun with your pet’s doghouse? Painting it can make a huge difference! You may also want to add things like flower boxes, a sandbox, or a kiddie pool. (Fido would probably also want an automated treat dispenser.)

Seasonal Tweaks

Fido’s doghouse could use some seasonal care. In winter, it should be angled to get as much sun as possible. Depending on the material your four-legged friend’s house is made of, you may want to add another layer of insulation. You can also hang thick rubber strips down to keep out wind, rain, and snow. In summer, your pet may like the breeze, and the strips will trap the heat.

Level It Out

This is also a good time to make sure your canine buddy’s doghouse is nice and level. Your furry friend won’t be very comfortable if his place is lilting over!

Tips

Fido may enjoy being outside, but dogs should live indoors, with the rest of their families. Our canine companions are very sociable, and can get very sad, lonely, and depressed if they are isolated too much. Being indoors is also much more comfortable for Man’s Best Buddy. In fact, it’s becoming illegal in many places to leave dogs outside. As your local Louisville, KY veterinary hospital, we’re here to help. Please feel free to call us anytime!