Outdoor Timber Dog Kennel Care: Keep It Clean, Comfy & Not Gross
- Outdoor timber kennels are brilliant — cosy for your dog, cute in the yard… and yes, they do cop the full “weather buffet” outside.
- The trick is simple: keep it dry, keep it airy, and keep it off the soggy ground. Do that and your kennel won’t turn into a musty little stink-box.
The golden rule: Dry • Airy • Off the Ground
- Dry: damp = smell + mould + sad timber.
- Airy: airflow stops the “wet dog perfume” building up.
- Raised: sitting on soil/grass keeps the base damp. Elevation = longer life (and less ick).
Quick upkeep (easy wins)
- Every couple of days: shake/sweep out fur and dirt, and check bedding (if it’s damp or smelly, swap it).
- Weekly: quick wipe inside with warm soapy water, wash bedding, and check for splinters or chew damage.
- Monthly: empty it, gentle clean, and let it dry fully before bedding goes back in.
Where to put it (so it doesn’t turn into a swamp cabin)
- Pick a sheltered spot and face the opening away from wind/rain.
- Best base: pavers, decking, concrete, or gravel for drainage.
- Avoid: low muddy areas where water hangs around like it pays rent.
What NOT to do (learn from the chaos)
- Don’t hose it out and shut it wet: hello mould, goodbye fresh kennel.
- Don’t park it on grass/soil long-term: damp base = timber damage faster. Raised kennels are just smarter.
- Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners: mild soap + rinse + airflow is the safe combo.
- Don’t seal it airtight: trapped humidity makes it musty (and not actually warmer).
Final thought
- Keep it dry, keep it airy, keep it raised — and your dog gets a comfy den instead of a damp little dungeon.
