How to Use Infrared Heating Panels, Heat Lamps & Bulbs to Keep Your Dog Warm This Winter

As the temperature drops across the UK winter months, pet owners start to worry about keeping their beloved dogs warm, comfortable, and safe outdoors — especially if they spend time in a dog kennel or outdoor run. Cold weather isn’t just unpleasant — it can be dangerous for dogs, especially those who are older, smaller, short-haired, or have health issues.

At Dog Kennels Direct, we design and supply a range of high-quality dog kennels and outdoor runs that prioritise shelter and insulation. But warmth doesn’t end with timber — understanding how to supplement kennel heating using safe, effective, and canine-friendly heat sources like infrared heating panels, heat lamps, and bulbs is vital for winter comfort and wellbeing.

In this guide we’ll explain what these heating options are, how they work, how to install and use them safely, and how they can work alongside our premium outdoor kennel products like timber dog kennels and runs & extensions.

Why Keeping Dogs Warm in Winter Matters

Dogs are resilient, but their ability to regulate body temperature varies between breeds, age, health status, and coat thickness. Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to:

• Hypothermia

• Stiff joints and muscle pain

• Reduced immune response

• Respiratory issues

• Discomfort affecting appetite and mood

Indoor pets often have heat pumps or central heating — but outdoor dogs or those spending significant amounts of time outside need thoughtful winter care. Combining a sturdy, sensible kennel like our insulated dog houses with effective heat sources can help maintain healthy body temperature and comfort throughout the colder months.

Heating Options for Winter: Infrared Panels, Heat Lamps & Bulbs

1. Infrared Heating Panels

How They Work:
Infrared (IR) panels emit infrared radiation — a type of heat that warms up objects and living beings directly, without needing to heat up the air first. This makes them efficient and comfortable for dogs in dog kennels or outdoor areas.

Benefits:

• Energy efficient — lower running costs than traditional heaters

• Direct warmth — feels natural like sunshine on skin/fur

• No air circulation needed — dogs don’t feel drafty heat

• Safer for enclosed spaces — less surface heat risk than exposed bulbs

Why They Work for Dogs:
Dogs absorb infrared heat through their fur and skin layers, promoting muscle relaxation, improved circulation, and a regulated core temperature — especially helpful for senior dogs or breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, and short-haired terriers that feel the cold more.

Installation Tips:

• Place the panel outside the dog's reach, angled toward the resting area

• Use waterproof IR panels if installing in runs or more exposed areas

• Ensure stable, shielded wiring to protect against chewing or moisture

Infrared panels pair well with enclosed spaces like large insulated kennels.

2. Heat Lamps

How They Work:
Heat lamps emit infrared heat via a specialised bulb inside a reflective lamp housing. They warm objects and pets beneath them directly.

Benefits:

• Strong radiant heat — good for very cold days

• Instant warmth — no waiting for air to heat up

• Easy to install above kennels or runs

Considerations & Safety:
Heat lamps produce strong heat rays — which is good for warmth but can burn if your dog gets too close. To use them safely:

• Mount lamps high above dogs’ reach

• Use heat lamp guards or cages to stop curious paws or tails touching them

• Choose thermostat-controlled lamps to avoid overheating

• Position them over a specific sheltered area, not over bedding that could ignite

Heat lamps work best in larger runs or over specific lounging zones, rather than enclosed sleeping spaces alone.

3. Infrared & Ceramic Heat Bulbs

How They Work:
These bulbs work similarly to heat lamps, emitting infrared or warm radiant heat inside a bulb fixture.

Ceramic heaters generate heat without light — useful if you don’t want a bright glow at night.

Benefits:

• Directional warmth — focused over a kennel or resting spot

• Ceramic options avoid light sensitivity — good if your dog is sensitive to brightness

Safety Tips:

• Like heat lamps, mount bulbs safely and out of reach

• Use fixtures designed for outdoor use, ideally with protective covers

• Link bulbs to thermostats or timers to maintain safe temperature ranges

Installing Heating for Outdoor Dog Kennels — Best Practices

Safety First

Heating devices must be installed with safety top of mind. Dogs can accidentally knock equipment, chew wires, or jump into hot areas. Always:

• Use caged, shielded fixtures

• Keep all wiring protected and out of reach

• Ensure heat sources have automatic shutdown capability or thermostat control

• Avoid placing warming equipment directly inside bedding

• Do not leave heating equipment unattended for long periods without supervision or safety cutoffs

Safety in winter heating is as important as effectiveness — especially for outdoor setups.

Choosing the Right Heat Source for Your Dog

Here’s how to decide between options:

Small Kennel or Run

Infrared heating panels or ceramic bulbs with thermostat control offer gentle, even warmth without high surface heat.

Larger Outdoor Area

Heat lamps mounted high with guards can provide broad coverage while heating panels maintain comfort in enclosed shelter spaces.

Multiple Dogs / Cold Climate

A combination of infrared panels inside the kennel and a heat lamp over a favourite resting spot creates zoned comfort.

Remember, no heat source should replace good insulation and shelter design. A properly constructed dog kennel — like our timber dog kennels — positioned away from wind or rain, with elevated floors and draft minimisation, naturally retains warmth and boosts heating effectiveness.

Signs Your Dog Needs Additional Warmth

Dogs can’t always tell us they’re cold — but here are signs to watch for:

• Shivering or tremors

• Seeking enclosed, warm spaces

• Curling tightly to conserve heat

• Slow movement or reluctance to go outside

• Cold ears or paws

• Reduced appetite or lethargy

If you’re noticing these symptoms, consider warming supplements like bedding, insulated mats, and the heating options above — and consult your vet if symptoms persist.

Maintenance & Practical Tips for Winter Heating

Regular Checks

Check heaters, lamps, and wiring weekly for signs of wear, corrosion, or chewing damage.

Thermostat Use

Use thermostats and temperature sensors to avoid overheating — dogs can tolerate cold better than overheating.

Reflective Positioning

Position reflectors and lamps so heat focuses on resting spaces, not exposed ground.

Bedding

Provide elevated, insulated bedding within the kennel. Heating works best when your dog isn’t losing heat to cold surfaces.

Layering Warmth

Combine shelter, bedding, passive insulation, and active heating for comprehensive winter protection.

FAQs: Heating Your Dog’s Outdoor Space

Q1: Are heat lamps safe for all dog breeds?
Heat lamps can be safe when installed properly — out of reach, shielded, and thermostat-regulated — but breeds with dense coats feel cold less quickly than short-haired breeds.

Q2: Can these heating devices be left on overnight?
With thermostat control and safety guards, yes — but always ensure stable installation and regular checks.

Q3: How much does installation cost?
Costs vary by heat source and installation complexity. It’s worth investing in quality products and professional help if needed — especially for electrical fixtures outdoors.

Q4: What temperature range is best?
Dogs vary by size and coat type, but maintaining an ambient temperature around 15–20°C (59–68°F) in winter shelters is a good target for most breeds.

Bringing It Together — Warm, Comfortable Winters with Dog Kennels Direct

Winter shouldn’t limit your dog’s comfort or health. With the right combination of shelter and safe, effective heating — whether infrared heating panels, heat lamps, or infrared/ceramic bulbs — you can keep your canine companion comfortable throughout the colder months.

Invest in a quality dog kennel from Dog Kennels Direct and complement it with thoughtful heating solutions designed for animals. Pair strong timber construction, elevated floors, draft mitigation, and proper bedding with safe heating sources and your dog will stay healthy, warm, and content — even when temperatures dip.

If you’re looking for winter-ready dog kennel options or need advice on heating setup, explore our range of products at Dog Kennels Direct and reach out for customised recommendations.

Here’s to a warm and happy winter — for you and your dog!