Outdoor Dog Kennel Setup Tips and Ideas

Animal Estate was founded with the goal of giving every dog in the UK a home that feels just right, even when it’s outside. Many dog owners want their dogs to enjoy the outdoors without worry. But what do you put in an outside dog kennel to make it safe, cosy, and practical all year round?

Quick Answer: What To Put In A Dog Kennel Outside?

The essentials for an outdoor dog kennel are quality flooring, weatherproof shelter, comfy bedding, fresh water, and enrichment items. The right flooring helps keep your dog safe, clean, and happy. Choose the best dog kennel flooring ideas for our UK climate: Think drainage, insulation, and comfort.

Let’s dig into what works best, how to choose the right flooring option, and how you can keep your outdoor dog kennel in top shape for years.

Why The Right Dog Kennel Setup Matters

Picture your dog’s tail wagging as they step into their outside dog kennel. A proper kennel isn’t just an enclosure, it’s a second home.

It gives your dog a safe and comfortable place to relax, play, and stay protected from inclement weather.

A well-equipped outdoor dog kennel keeps dogs comfortable, protects against health risks, and brings peace of mind.

Many people underestimate how much thought goes into these spaces. Pay close attention to the details when setting up a dog kennel as these choices can have a big impact on your dog’s comfort and well-being.

Choosing The Best Dog Kennel Flooring Option

Flooring is the foundation of every outside dog kennel. Pick the wrong type of flooring and you’ll face puddles, bad smells, and even health risks for your dog.

What Makes Outdoor Dog Kennel Flooring So Important?

• Hygiene: The right flooring is easy to clean and helps prevent bacteria buildup.
• Insulation: Good flooring helps keep the cold ground in the winter away from your dog.
• Drainage: Proper drainage means no standing water or urine soaking in.
• Comfort: The right cushion keeps older dogs and puppies safe from hard surfaces.

Many problems with outdoor dog kennels begin with poor flooring choices. For a long-lasting, safe space, flooring is the ideal place to start.

Best Dog Kennel Flooring Ideas For The UK

Here’s my list of the best dog kennel flooring ideas, including a rundown of pros, cons, and what to look for in each type of flooring:

1. Concrete Base With Protective Coating

A concrete base is a popular choice for heavy use and high-quality durability. Add a protective coating to make it non-porous and easy to clean.

Concrete resists stains and heavy foot traffic, but it may become hot in direct sunlight or cold in winter.

• Pros: Extremely durable, easy to maintain, non-slip with the right coating
• Cons: Hard surfaces can cause joint strain, provides limited insulation unless you add mats

2. Raised Flooring Or Kennel Decking

Raised flooring, sometimes called kennel decking, uses a slatted design to keep the surface even and dry. It helps prevent puddles, provides insulation, and makes cleaning easy.

• Pros: Great drainage, helps keep dogs comfortable, reduces strain on joints
• Cons: May not provide the same insulation as mats, can wear down over time

3. Rubber Flooring Offers Comfort And Safety

Rubber flooring offers superb cushion and is easy to clean. It’s highly resistant to scratches and heavy use. Rubber is a strong choice for dog training or if your dog is prone to sensitivity or older dogs need extra support.

• Pros: Soft cushion, non-slip, keeps the floor warm, easy to maintain
• Cons: May chew if your dog is destructive, upfront price is higher

4. Gravel Flooring

Gravel flooring is another popular choice for outdoor dog kennels, especially for larger breeds. It lets water pass through, so you get proper drainage and less bacteria buildup.

• Pros: Quick to install, helps keep the kennel mud-free, dogs can engage in natural digging
• Cons: Can become slippery, not suitable for puppies or dogs with sensitive paws

5. Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy flooring is an excellent choice for professional kennels. It’s non-porous, resists stains, and stands up to heavy use. Epoxy resin flooring is easy to clean, but it requires professional installation.

• Pros: Highly durable, non-slip, resists bacteria buildup, UV-resistant
• Cons: Requires professional installation, may become slippery if wet

A table comparing all these flooring options is a handy way to keep the pros and cons clear:

Must-Have Items To Put In An Outdoor Dog Kennel

You’ve chosen the right flooring, now let’s talk about what else to put in an outdoor dog kennel to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Here’s my checklist for every UK dog owner:

• Bedding: Choose waterproof, insulated bedding to keep your dog warm in cold weather and cool in summer.
• Shelter: A weatherproof roof and windbreak protect from rain, sun, and cold ground.
• Water: Always provide fresh water. Use a spill-proof dish or automatic waterer.
• Toys and Chews: Keep your dog engaged and help reduce boredom.
• Shade: Use tarps or UV-resistant covers to block direct sunlight.
• Food bowl: Place food and water away from sleeping areas to keep the kennel clean.
• Enrichment: Rotate toys, add puzzle feeders, and encourage natural behaviours.

Bedding and water are non-negotiable. For older dogs or puppies, add extra insulation and a softer cushion.

How To Keep Your Outdoor Dog Safe And Comfortable

An outside dog kennel must do more than just contain your dog. It should help keep your dog safe, secure, and happy in every season.

Insulation And Weather Protection

UK weather can change in an instant. Insulation keeps the chill out and helps your dog stay comfortable. If your kennel sits on a concrete base, add mats or raised flooring for extra warmth.

I always recommend checking for draughts and leaks. Good insulation and weatherproofing are key to a long-lasting kennel.

Drainage And Cleaning

Proper drainage is crucial. It prevents puddles, bacteria buildup, and smells. Sloped floors, slatted designs, and gravel flooring all help reduce standing water.

Choose materials that are easy to clean and can be cleaned regularly. Sanitation protects your dog’s health and keeps the kennel fresh.

Safety Tips For Outdoor Dog Kennels

• Inspect the kennel and flooring regularly for damage.
• Choose non-slip surfaces to prevent injuries.
• Secure gates and latches to keep your dog safe.
• Check for sharp edges or splinters, especially if you use wood.

What To Avoid In Outdoor Dog Kennels

• Avoid hard surfaces without any cushion or insulation.
• Don’t use flooring that retains heat or becomes hot in direct sunlight.
• Skip materials that may chew, splinter, or break down in wet weather.
• Avoid using materials that are not easy to maintain or clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of flooring is best for an outside dog kennel in the UK?
A concrete base with protective coating, rubber flooring, or raised kennel decking works best. Choose the right flooring for your dog’s needs, weather, and how much time they spend outside.

How do I keep my dog warm in an outdoor dog kennel?
Use insulated bedding, add mats or raised flooring, and shelter the kennel from wind and rain. Good insulation and the right flooring help keep dogs comfortable in winter.

Can I use gravel flooring for puppies?
Gravel flooring is not suitable for puppies or dogs with sensitive paws. Try rubber flooring or insulated mats instead.

How do I keep an outdoor dog kennel easy to clean?
Pick non-porous, easy-to-clean materials like epoxy flooring, rubber mats, or sealed concrete. Cleaned regularly, these surfaces prevent bacteria buildup and odours.

Final Thoughts

Building the best dog kennel outside isn’t just about buying a structure. It’s about what you put inside, the right flooring, and how you maintain it.

Choose a high-quality, long-lasting floor, provide proper bedding, keep the area clean, and always put your dog’s comfort first.

When you set up your outdoor dog kennel with care, your dog will love their space almost as much as you do.

For help choosing the right flooring or to see modular and customisable options, visit us at Animal Estate, where the focus is on keeping your dog safe, happy, and at home.