Doghouse Maintenance and Repair

July is Doghouse Repair Month! While no one is quite ready to talk about winter yet, this is the perfect time of year to give your canine companion’s outdoor hangout a thorough cleaning and a good going over. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a local vet offers some advice on this.

Inspection

The first thing you want to do is thoroughly check over your canine pal’s doghouse. Look for things that could be dangerous, such as sharp splinters, screws, or nails that are sticking out. If Fido has chewed on part of the doghouse, you’ll want to repair that section as well.

Roofing

Check Fido’s roof, and make sure that it isn’t leaking. You can have someone spray water from a hose on it while you look inside. Replace any shingles, and plug any leaks you find.

Evictions

Doghouses sometimes attract unwanted guests. If there are any bugs or rodents squatting in Fido’s doghouse, use humane, non-toxic methods to evict them. 

Leveling

Another thing you’ll want to do is make sure that Fido’s home is still level. If one end or side is lower than the other, your furry best friend won’t be very comfortable! The house should be elevated off the ground a little, so snow and rain can go beneath it. Just don’t leave open spaces under the house. These make inviting snake nests!

Cleaning

Give your canine pal’s doghouse a good cleaning. Use a mild detergent, and be sure to rinse it thoroughly. Do this on a hot day, so it dries quickly.

Bedding

You actually don’t want to put regular bedding in a doghouse: that will just invite mice, squirrels, and other critters. Use a thick mat instead.

Pupgrade

Who says that doghouses have to be boring? Spruce up Fido’s outdoor home with a fresh coat of paint. You can also make improvements. Give your furry pal a deck to lounge on, or add a sandbox or kiddie pool to his yard. You can also make your canine buddy a little sign. That’s a great kids’ project!

Landscaping

Is the area around Fido’s house dead and urine-stained? Consider replacing it with something else. Artificial turf works great!

Contact us here at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, anytime. We’re dedicated to offering top-notch veterinary care!