Nature has prepared wild dogs for seasonal changes by adding to or taking away the downy undercoat that grows next to the skin and under the "guard hairs". They live in dens, sheltered from wind, but not from cold. Domesticated dogs are equipped with the same seasonal insulation, but they have dog houses instead of dens.

Trying to heat the ambient air inside a dog house is very inefficient, expensive and UN-GREEN. Instead, we present here several types of "bottom up direct heat" dog house heaters to keep your pets comfortable and warm.

On a recent trip to the Colorado Rockies in winter, I experienced the theory of direct heat first hand. With an insulated jacket and two tiny chemical hand warmers installed in my front jeans pockets, I stayed comfortable and cozy as I came and went constantly in zero degree temperatures with no complaint.

Lying on top of a heater pad is the perfect way to simulate snuggling with a warm-blooded companion. Place the heater pad on one side of the dog house. Measure to insure that the heater pad does not take up every square inch of floor space, as your pet needs a way to get off of the heat when he is comfortable without it. (Believe it or not, he can actually get too warm).

Orient the dog house with its door away from the prevailing winds (backside usually on the North or Northwest). If possible, install a clear door flap, which will be facing South to catch any solar rays in winter. Use a heater pad cover, but do not add any straw or other insulating materials, as they will cover the pad and insulate AGAINST the rising heat.

Under no circumstances should information presented here be construed as veterinary in nature. Always consult your veterinarian if problems persist.