For dogs that spend the majority of their time outdoors, it’s especially important that they are kept warm and healthy. If you live somewhere that suffers from brutal or extended winters, you want to make sure your dog is well prepared and happy. Heat lamps are an easy and effective way to heat a dog house.
Better yet, they are often designed for the outdoors and for the purpose of heating animals. In our article, we are going to cover the heat lamps for dogs that we most recommend, including our favorite, the BYB 100W 110V Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter. We will also discuss the elements we think you should keep in mind when choosing the right heat lamp.
- ☀ Perfect for high humidity terrariums; lasts up to 10,000 hours
- ☀ Use only with a porcelain socket (E26 socket). To avoid scald, please wait at least 1 hour of...
Other Popular Choices
Choosing the Right Heat Lamp for a Dog House
There are a lot of heat lamps on the market and it can be overwhelming. Understanding the nuances of the different heat lamps can be confusing at first. Dog kennel heater lamps come in different shapes and sizes and may have different colored bulbs and power capabilities.
So how do you decide which dog kennel heaters are the best fit for your dog house? In general, the heat lamp you choose will depend a lot on the climate that you live in and the kind of dog house you own. Below, we will dig into the various factors you should think about before purchasing a heat lamp.
Wattage
The main purpose of buying a heat lamp is to keep your dog warm. The amount of heat a lamp emits can depend heavily on the amount of wattage the lamp and bulb use to run. If your dog house is small with limited space, then a low wattage light should be enough to keep your dog comfortable.
Though it can be tempting to purchase a bulb with a higher wattage, it may be necessary in small dog houses, where the heat can get too hot and stuffy. Higher wattage lights are better suited for large dog houses or big kennels.
Be sure that your light socket can handle whatever bulb or heat emitter you decide to pick out. Some sockets can only accommodate lower wattage amounts, so make sure to check the packaging before finishing your lamp setup. Ceramic sockets can normally handle higher wattages and they are generally more recommended than other types of sockets.
If you end up choosing a lamp with a lower wattage, then you may want to add extra insulation to your dog’s house. Inserting straw or hay is a great way to increase the warmth of a dog house, as well as thick plastic flaps or blankets. You certainly want your dog to be warm, but the heat should be gentle, not scalding. Sometimes less is more!
Safety Features
A dog house should feel like a safe space for your pup, and you definitely don’t want your heat lamp to jeopardize that. Built-in safety features are essential and can be implemented in several ways. A grid acts as a shield to keep your dog from brushing up against the lamp and getting burned.
The more confined space is inside the dog house, the most likely it is that your dog may accidentally rub up on the lamp. You can also build your own by putting together a frame around the lamp, or putting chicken wire over the bulb.
Fortunately, automatic shutoff settings are common features in most heat lamps and heating devices. These may be set to turn off after a certain number of hours or once a certain temperature has been reached.
Again, you want the heat to be comfortable and not overpowering. Automatic shutoff features also lower the risk of fire, burning, or overheating
It’s a good idea to keep cords out of reach, but sometimes that’s not possible. To help prevent electrical injuries and lamp failure, many heat lamps now have anti-chew cords.
These help lower the risk of electrical hazards. They are normally designed to be much thicker and resistant to tearing or puncturing. However, all wires should be put safely out of reach if at all possible.
Heat Lamps in Dog Houses
Heat lamps are generally made to keep animals warm, but what does a dog specifically require? The heat inside your dog’s house shouldn’t exceed 70 degrees. Referring back to our section on wattage, higher wattage bulbs can dramatically increase heat in small spaces.
To give you an idea of where you might want to start, a 250-watt lamp can emit up to around 90 degrees of heat. Depending on what kind of insulation your dog’s house has, you may need more wattage, but you may be okay with gentle heat instead.
Either way, you should be able to regulate the heat at all times to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe.
Lamp Color
Unlike some products, color matters when you’re purchasing a heat lamp bulb. Generally, heat lamp bulbs and emitters come in red, white, or black. The color varies depending on whether the bulb is ceramic, halogen, or incandescent.
Black ceramic bulbs normally produce the most heat and are ideal for reptile aquariums or spaces that require intense heating. White bulbs are commonly used to warm farm animals, like baby chicks or other small animals.
Red infrared bulbs are some of the most common heat bulbs that dog owners use because they produce a gentle amount of heat and are great for small spaces, like dog houses.
Here is a video of a dog hanging out under a heat lamp while gnawing away on her bone. The heat lamp in the video is using a red infrared light for low gentle heating. It’s also kind of cute hearing her growl at her owner when he gets a little too close to her chew. I’m pretty protective of my food too.
Our Favorite Heat Lamps for Dogs
BYB 100W 110V Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter
- ☀ Perfect for high humidity terrariums; lasts up to 10,000 hours
- ☀ Use only with a porcelain socket (E26 socket). To avoid scald, please wait at least 1 hour of...
We love BYB’s Ceramic Infrared Heater products because it’s backed by a reputable manufacturer and is cost and energy-efficient. Its waterproof design makes it ideal for outdoor dog houses. It creates fast infrared heat to keep your dog feeling warm and cozy all night long. It’s well priced and 99.9% energy efficient because of its Ni-Cr Alloy resistance wire.
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Does not emit light
- Fast infrared heat
- Waterproof design
- Ni-Cr Alloy resistance wire for 24 hours of constant heating and 10,000 hours of overall running time
Cons:
- Not ideal for small areas or young puppies
- Requires an E26 porcelain socket
Zoo Med Ceramic Heat Emitter
The Zoo Med Ceramic Heater is an excellent heat lamp because of its long efficient life span and low-wavelength infrared rays. It’s available in a 60W, 100W, and 150W, so you’re sure to find one that will be the most appropriate for your dog house and climate.
It does not emit light so your dog’s sleep schedule will not be affected. The low-wavelength infrared rays give off the perfect amount of gentle heat to keep your pup comfortable all night long.
Pros:
- 100W
- Emits low-wavelength infrared rays for greater heat and comfort
- Water-resistant
- Great for 24-hour use
- Non-light emitting
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- Cannot be used with a plastic socket
OMAYKEY 2 Pack 100W Ceramic Heat Lamps for Dogs
- ✔ This 100W black infrared heat lamp is made of solid ceramics element, it has a perfect heat...
- ✔ This ceramic heat lamp is simple and easy to install, just screw it into a standard porcelain...
What’s better than one cost-efficient heat lamp? Two cost-efficient heat lamps, that’s what! These OMAYKEY heat bulbs are available in a two-pack and both use a 75W infrared bulb to create heat. The low wattage means lower power bills, and we can all get excited about that.
The bulbs do not emit light and can be purchased in black ceramic if you need a higher range of heating. The bulbs can heat for up to 15,000 hours and come with a one-year warranty and 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- 100% money-back guarantee and a one year warranty
- Can provide up to 24 hours of heat
- Does not emit any light
- Compact and small design
- Affordably priced
- Long-lasting life span of up to 15,000 hours
- 75W infrared element is energy efficient
Cons:
- Requires a porcelain socket
- May be too small for large spaces
Zacro Reptile 100W Heat Lamp
- Perfect 24 hour heat source for all types of reptiles, amphibians, birds, hamsters, and one digital...
- 99% high thermal efficiency, the non-light heater lamp will not disturb animals sleep pattern
Don’t let the word “reptile” fool you. This heat lamp is a perfect addition to any dog house. It has a 100W black ceramic heat emitter that is highly efficient and creates consistent 24-hour heat. The emitter can last up to 15,000 hours, so you won’t need to constantly replace the bulb.
The great addition to this heat lamp in comparison to the others on our list is its digital thermometer display. The clear display allows you to easily and quickly gauge the temperature of the lamp to make sure your dog is warm and cozy.
Pros:
- Is small and takes up little space
- 18-month warranty
- Includes a digital thermometer
- Quickly radiates heat and can last up to 15,000 hours
- Affordably priced
- 100W flat heat emitter for efficient heading and energy use
Cons:
- May not be ideal for large dog houses or kennels
- Requires a ceramic socket
Simple Deluxe Clamp Heat Lamp Light
- Multifunction: can be used as a table lamp in your room, garages or art studios, a work light in...
- Material: 8.5inch aluminum reflector, 150W max phenolic plastics lamp holder (E26). Type A lamp....
The Simple Deluxe Clamp Lamp Light is great for both indoor and outdoor use. It uses a 150W of efficient energy to give your pup plenty of the heat they need to battle the elements. It has an aluminum adjustable reflector that helps intensify and focus the heat down in the location your dog likes to sleep.
It can be easily attached to the ceiling or other surfaces without leaving scuff marks or indentions. It’s a solid choice for a dog house and has all the energy your dog needs to stay warm. It also has a one year warranty, which gives you little excuse not to give it a try!
Pros:
- Has practical firm clamping grips so you can attach it to different surfaces without leaving scuff marks or indentions
- 8.5-inch adjustable aluminum reflector helps focus light and increase heating power
- One year warranty
- Runs on 150W
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
- Can accommodate up to a 150W bulb
Cons:
- Does not include a bulb
NOMOYPET Clamp Heat Lamps For Dogs
- Universal lamp head can be rotated 360 degrees in up/down/left/right
- Hanging hole and clamp design, you can clip it on or hang it up
This lamp is extremely versatile and can be hung or clipped just about anywhere. It has a 360-degree rotating head so you can direct the heat in whatever direction you need. It is also universal, so you have several options when it comes to choosing a bulb for it.
As an added safety feature, it includes a built-in wire and control switch. It’s also built with high-temperature resistant materials, so it’s a tough little guy that will last you and your dog for several winters.
Pros:
- Rotatable and universal lamp head
- Can be clipped or hung up
- Includes a wire and control switch to ensure greater security
- Can be used with a regular light bulb, a heater UV lamp, or an infrared emitter
- High-temperature resistant materials
Cons:
- Does not include a bulb
Aiicioo 60W Heat Lamp for Dogs
- ✔ Easy to Clean - Air screen habitat made of sturdy anodized aluminum frame is designed for years...
- ✔ 100% Heat Efficiency – Reptile heat lamp the long wave infrared heat produced by this emitter...
The Aiicioo 60W heat lamp is ideal for a small confined dog house or kennel. It uses a highly efficient 60W bulb to create infrared heat. It creates a sun-like atmosphere, without a glaring light.
It produces a 24-hour uniform temperature pattern and is designed to work up to 10,000 hours. Its low gentle heat is perfect for puppies and the lamp comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros:
- Well priced lamps
- One year warranty
- 60W bulb allows for efficient energy use
- Great for daily use
- Does not produce light
- Sunlike heat with a uniform pattern
Cons:
- Only ideal for smaller spaces, since it only radiates heat up to 5 inches
- May not produce enough heat if your dog sleeps in a large dog house or a kennel
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you heat a dog house without electricity?
If you have an outdoor dog house or kennel without a nearby power source, adding a heater or lamps can be tough. The best and simplest way to make it warmer is to capture the heat that’s already in the dog house.
You can insulate their dog house to block out the weather by using reflective foam insulation products, like this on Amazon. This will quickly make it warmer.
Adding a fluffy pet bed to the floor of their kennel will also help keep heat inside their dog house.
What wattage heat lamps should be used for puppies?
The wattage needed for a heating lamp will depend greatly on the type and size of the kennel the puppies are being kept in. If the puppies are indoors in a whelping box, they should be kept at a temperature of 85 -90°F degrees for the first four days of life. After 4 weeks old, they should be kept at around 72°F (source).
Summing it Up
Dogs can do so many amazing things. They can fight for us, protect us, guide us, and assist us with many tasks that we never would have thought possible. However, sometimes they need a little help from us.
Though some dogs are bred to withstand cold weather, most dogs are not well adapted for cold and frigid winter climates. For dogs that spend most of their time outdoors and sleep outside through the night, it’s imperative to take extra steps to keep their shelters warm, weatherproof, and heated.
Heat lamps are cost-effective and will keep your dog warm all winter long. Our favorite heat lamp for dogs, the BYB 100W 110V Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter, is our favorite because of its waterproof design and fantastic reputation.
- ☀ Perfect for high humidity terrariums; lasts up to 10,000 hours
- ☀ Use only with a porcelain socket (E26 socket). To avoid scald, please wait at least 1 hour of...
It is well designed to provide gentle and continuous heat without skyrocketing your electric bill. It doesn’t emit light, so your dog can sleep comfortably without the glare of a lightbulb.
The kind of environment you live in and they style dog house you own can make a big impact on what dog house is right for you.
Remember to consider the wattage, safety features, and lamp color before making your purchase. High wattages are better suited for large dog houses or kennels, while low wattage heat lamps can easily keep a small dog house warm and cozy.
We hope that we’ve given you the tools you need to feel confident along your search. We hope that you and your dog will spend lots of warm snuggly nights together and that your dog will enjoy their new heat lamp.
Last update on 2022-12-10 at 22:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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