I have a sm. doghouse for ferals. Would this still work with straw I use for insulation to wick water away?
63552
Hi. I would think so because the bottom is plastic with small divits to keep the crate in place. The top is a very soft, almost velveteen type material but seems to dry quickly.
63553
Since it is activated by the animal's body heat, there is no electrical connection. I would check with the manufacturer of the pad.
388083
Yes, it is rather heavy. It could use extra straw. My ferals do use it. I put it on a porch off my barn. Cozy.
174400
i use mine on an open porch, have used this type for years. porch is set back, but roofless. could try slitting an old Styrofoam cooler and feeding cord thru slit in back....i feed feral cats and use them for both wet food and water. for food i but a stainless pan with water in first and then a more shallow pyrex over with canned food in. works well. hope this helps.
57853
As long as the pad and cord is in good condition, I don't think there should be an issue. I have a plastic Kitty Tube house with foam insulation and bedding. The mat gets warm, but maintains a safe temperature. I highly recommend the mat, it was literally a lifesaver for the feral cat(s). Thinking about buying a second one this fall.
1173312
The straw acts as an air flow to allow the water to flow more freely out the holes in the face. It will work with out a straw but it will slow the flow down with no clear path for the air to the top of the inverted bottle. I have used it with a piece of flexible tubing so I could compact it for backpacking. No holes in the straw just the two ends.
1105170
Seems like a bad idea from a safety perspective to use it with plastic. Not to mention, plastic won't conduct the heat very well when it's really cold. I'd spend a couple bucks and get a metal waterer to make sure it works. Works great with my metal waterer.
1785622
Absolutely !!!!! We use folding chairs , my lab sits by the door, and we put a propane heater between us when the temps get really cold!I bought a second one so we can hunt 4 guys at a time. nice blinds.
513572
I can only relay my experience. I have used it in my coop for about 10 years and I also use straw bedding and have not experienced any problems. I did place it on top of a wood platform that raises it up about 6 inches, so it is not sitting on straw, but straw has come into contact with the unit.
273778
I am using the straw year round, will replace it with fresh straw in the late fall. My feral seems to still like nestling down in the straw of his home. I figure if he gets too warm he'll sleep in the chair next to it that I've provided!
128996
Foam insulation is fine. We have used it on pex with no issues, but you need constant water in pipe. (Do not use on drain lines it will melt the plastic)
273777
I live in Southern California and it is only really cold on occasion. I have a regular kitty bed in the kennel now but will add straw if she needs more insulation.
953980
Not really; there isn't much for insulation. But they have a very functional straw and closing system.
1909812
I would not use this as an outdoor dog shelter. I would suggest a hard shell dog crate for that purpose. This particular product is great for training a dog while you are nearby, indoors or perhaps outside on a patio while you are present.
150091
I had made a small cat house from Rubbermaid containers (instructions on line) and the instructions called for hay as a base and I put the self warming pad on top. The cats like it so I am sure it should work for dogs as well. Obviously the cats can't tell me. My sister's cat is indoor and she uses it all the time. So far 2 of my sisters have the outdoor cat houses for feral cats with the pads. It has to be better than just a towel or whatever. I would get the largest size for a dog house. Good luck
191261
Yes, it is pretty much just a blanket that holds heat and acts like the insulation in your house. If you have an old army blanket (wool) that would probably work as well. The pet crate pad is just less bulky.
1569597
I think a nice little expandable awning with posts would be cute. LOL. It took 2 days for my feral to love this and we had a foot of snow this weekend and it did not go into the opening from the top. There's actually a lip when they step into the opening because it has thick insulation throughout the tube. My tube is on my porch which has a roof covering it so just the heavy sideways stuff gets on the porch. I think just change the straw cause they give you enough for like 4 changes and as long as you don't put too much in they get into the house away from the opening and stay pretty dry and warm. It's a huge hit at my house and I feel better cause she obviously had no place else to go. I think a nice little expandable awning with posts would be cute. LOL. It took 2 days for my feral to love this and we had a foot of snow this weekend and it did not go into the opening from the top. There's actually a lip when they step into the opening because it has thick insulation throughout the tube. My tube is on my porch which has a roof covering it so just the heavy sideways stuff gets on the porch. I think just change the straw cause they give you enough for like 4 changes and as long as you don't put too much in they get into the house away from the opening and stay pretty dry... » Read More I think a nice little expandable awning with posts would be cute. LOL. It took 2 days for my feral to love this and we had a foot of snow this weekend and it did not go into the opening from the top. There's actually a lip when they step into the opening because it has thick insulation throughout the tube. My tube is on my porch which has a roof covering it so just the heavy sideways stuff gets on the porch. I think just change the straw cause they give you enough for like 4 changes and as long as you don't put too much in they get into the house away from the opening and stay pretty dry and warm. It's a huge hit at my house and I feel better cause she obviously had no place else to go. « Show Less
1082695
Should work fine, just keep it from getting wet and make sure the Dog doesn't chew on any of the cords.