Underground Dog Houses

Just like some humans prefer living underground to above ground because of the benefits of doing so, it is also becoming popular to put one's pooch underground as well (even if you don't live a subterranean lifestyle). At first glance this may seem a little absurd, but there are some real benefits in doing so.

Advantages of Underground Dog Houses

An underground dog house is a viable solution to preventing your dog from the sizzling heat and freezing winters. In summers, a properly ventilated underground dog house will stay cool and your dog will simply love staying inside.

In winters, a properly insulated underground den will keep your pet warm inside rather than come out in shivering cold. An offset door is more likely to provide windbreak for your beloved dog. Using blue foam insulation everywhere along with pegboard on the interior walls will certainly provide the best protection for your canine from the freezing temperatures.

Disadvantages of Underground Dog Houses

However, there are some disadvantages of underground dog houses, some of which are as follows:

• Without proper ventilation, underground dog houses can make it hard for the animal to breathe.
  
• Without proper construction, cleaning the underground dog house can be challenging.
  

Building Underground Dog Houses

Your underground dog den can be dug three to four feet below. Cover the dug surface with pea gravel for groundwater and then build concrete footing on it so that it is leveled and stays intact. Use concrete blocks for the walls and a wooden structure for the roof.

Use metallic or plastic flaps for pet doorways so that your dog can easily push against with his head or paw to enter the den or come out. Keep ventilation vents at key places in the walls having removable panels. The vents provide the cooling effect in summer.

Keep the walls insulated in winters using foam. Fleas and ticks could be a big headache for you. But to deter fleas and ticks, line the bed with wood chips. Don't use any blanket, carpet, towel, fabric, or even straw as bed, which can easily attract fleas or ticks, especially where there is darkness, moisture, and body heat. You can use cedar shavings as bedding. Even a moisture-proof dense foam pad is a better alternative.

So, just like with humans living partly underground for a dog the same will provide it with the benefits of staying cooler in summer and warmer in winter than a traditional dog house. And chances are your pooch will take pride in their private and proprietary dwelling that you have built or bought just for them.