Complete maintenance guide for dog kennels and runs. Learn daily hygiene routines, deep cleaning methods, structural checks, and seasonal care to ensure your kennel lasts for decades while keeping your dogs healthy and comfortable.
Whether you are a professional breeder or a dedicated pet owner, a dog kennel and run is a significant investment in your canine's well-being. However, the British weather and daily use can take a toll on any structure.
Proper maintenance doesn't just extend the life of your kennel; it ensures a sterile, stress-free environment for your dogs. At Kennelstore, we build our structures to be the most durable in the UK, but even the best craftsmanship benefits from a smart maintenance routine.
1. The Daily "Spot Check" for Hygiene
Consistency is the secret to a low-maintenance kennel. A few minutes each day prevents the build up of bacteria and grime.
Waste Removal: Scoop waste at least twice daily. This is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of parasites and unpleasant odours. Use a dedicated scoop and disposal system to maintain hygiene standards.
Surface Wipe-Down: Use a pet-safe, ammonia-free disinfectant on high-touch areas including door handles, feeding stations, and sleeping platforms. Pro Tip: Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as their scent can mimic urine and encourage "marking" behaviour indoors.
The Front-to-Back Rule: Always hose your run from the front (near the bedding) toward the back. This ensures dirty water never flows into your dog's sleeping area, maintaining a clean and dry resting space.
Water Bowl Check: Refresh water bowls twice daily and wipe them down to prevent algae buildup, especially during warmer months.
2. Deep Cleaning: The "Professional" Method
Once a week, your dog kennel and run needs a deep sanitisation to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and parasites that daily cleaning might miss.
Clear the Enclosure: Remove all bedding, toys, food bowls, and water dishes. Wash bedding separately using a pet-safe detergent at 60°C or higher to kill bacteria.
The Power Wash: Use a pressure washer to lift dirt from the crevices of your galvanised steel panels and timber framework. Unlike budget alternatives, Kennelstore's industrial-grade galvanisation is designed to resist corrosion from high-pressure cleaning, ensuring your kennel maintains its structural integrity.
Disinfect & Dwell: Apply a vet-approved disinfectant (such as Virkon or F10) and allow it to "dwell" (sit) for the time recommended on the bottle—typically 10-15 minutes. This contact time is essential to kill stubborn viruses like Parvovirus, Kennel Cough, and other pathogens.
Squeegee is King: Never leave standing water, as it creates breeding grounds for bacteria and can damage timber over time. Use a squeegee to remove excess moisture and allow the kennel to air-dry completely before letting your dog back in. In winter, consider using a fan to speed up drying.
Don't Forget the Run: The outdoor run requires the same attention. Remove any debris, leaves, or mud buildup, and ensure drainage holes are clear to prevent waterlogging.
3. Structural Integrity: Preventing Wear and Tear
While our tanalised architectural timber is pressure-treated for a 15-year anti-rot guarantee, a quick seasonal check keeps everything in top condition and prevents small issues from becoming costly repairs.
Check the Anti-Chew Capping: Inspect the aluminium edges around door frames and corners. If your dog is a determined chewer, ensure the capping is secure to prevent them from reaching the timber framework underneath. Tighten any loose screws immediately.
Inspect the Roof: After heavy storms or high winds, check the roofing felt or Onduline sheets for any debris, loose fixings, or damage. Clear gutters and ensure water drains away from the structure to prevent moisture buildup.
Lubricate the Latches: Use a silicone-based lubricant on door hinges, sliding hatches, and bolt mechanisms twice a year (spring and autumn) to ensure they remain escape-proof and smooth to operate. This prevents rust and ensures your dog's safety.
Timber Treatment: Although our pressure-treated timber is built to last, applying a wood preservative every 2-3 years adds an extra layer of protection, particularly in exposed coastal areas or regions with heavy rainfall.
Check for Gaps: Inspect the perimeter of your kennel and run for any gaps or holes that could allow escape or let in predators. Pay special attention to ground-level areas where digging dogs might create weak points.
4. Seasonal Maintenance: Adapting to British Weather
The UK's unpredictable climate demands seasonal adjustments to your maintenance routine.
Spring: After winter, inspect for any frost damage, check seals around doors and windows, and refresh bedding. This is the ideal time to apply wood treatment and deep clean after months of wet weather.
Summer: Increase ventilation to prevent overheating. Check that vents are clear and consider adding shade cloth to runs. Monitor for increased insect activity and ensure fly screens are intact.
Autumn: Clear fallen leaves from roofs and gutters to prevent blockages. Check drainage systems are working efficiently before winter rains arrive. Inspect weatherproofing and seals.
Winter: Ensure insulation is adequate and check for drafts. Remove snow build up from roofs promptly to prevent structural stress. Consider adding extra bedding for warmth and check heating systems if installed.
5. Why Kennelstore Structures are Easier to Maintain
We design our dog kennels and runs with the owner's workload in mind. Most "budget" kennels use thin wood and basic felt that trap moisture and bacteria, creating endless maintenance headaches.
30mm Insulated Floors: Our floors are raised and insulated, keeping them drier and easier to hose down than ground-level timber. This elevation also prevents moisture wicking from the ground, reducing rot risk and making daily cleaning significantly faster.
Phenolic-Coated Surfaces: We offer wipe-clean, anti-bacterial flooring that resists moisture absorption—a feature often charged as an expensive "upgrade" elsewhere but included as standard in many of our ranges. This non-porous surface prevents bacteria from penetrating the wood grain.
Superior Framework: With a framework up to 32% thicker than our competitors, our structures don't warp or "settle" over time, meaning doors and runs stay perfectly aligned for years. This eliminates the frustration of sticking doors and gaps that appear in cheaper kennels.
Industrial-Grade Galvanisation: Our mesh panels and metalwork use hot-dip galvanisation, not spray coating. This means they can withstand pressure washing and harsh disinfectants without corroding—a critical advantage for maintaining hygiene standards.
Thoughtful Drainage: Every Kennelstore kennel and run is designed with proper drainage in mind. Sloped floors and strategically placed drainage points mean water never pools, reducing cleaning time and preventing bacterial growth.
6. Common Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, these common errors can undermine your maintenance efforts:
Skipping the Dwell Time: Spraying disinfectant and immediately rinsing it off is ineffective. Pathogens need contact time to be killed—always follow manufacturer instructions.
Neglecting Hidden Areas: Don't forget to clean behind doors, and in corners where debris accumulates. These areas are breeding grounds for bacteria.
Over-Wetting Timber: While our pressure-treated timber is rot-resistant, constantly saturating it without allowing proper drying time can still cause issues. Always ensure adequate ventilation and drying time.
Ignoring Small Repairs: A loose screw or small crack might seem insignificant, but these quickly escalate into major problems. Address minor issues immediately to prevent costly repairs later.
7. Creating a Maintenance Schedule
Consistency is key to effortless kennel maintenance. Here's a simple schedule to follow:
Daily:
- Remove waste (twice daily)
- Wipe high-touch surfaces
- Refresh water bowls
- Quick visual inspection for damage
Weekly:
- Deep clean with pressure washer
- Disinfect all surfaces with proper dwell time
- Wash bedding at 60°C+
- Clean and disinfect toys and bowls
Monthly:
- Inspect structural integrity
- Check and clear drainage systems
- Lubricate moving parts
- Inspect roof and weatherproofing
Seasonally (Every 3 Months):
- Deep structural inspection
- Apply wood treatment if needed
- Check and repair any damage
- Adjust for seasonal weather changes
Annually:
- Comprehensive maintenance review
- Professional inspection if needed
- Replace worn components
- Update bedding and accessories
8. Health Benefits of Proper Kennel Maintenance
A well-maintained dog kennel and run isn't just about aesthetics—it directly impacts your dog's health and wellbeing.
Reduced Parasite Risk: Regular cleaning eliminates flea eggs, tick larvae, and intestinal parasite eggs before they can complete their life cycles.
Respiratory Health: Proper ventilation and dry conditions prevent mould and mildew growth, which can cause respiratory issues in dogs.
Stress Reduction: Dogs are naturally clean animals. A hygienic, well-maintained space reduces stress and promotes better behaviour.
Disease Prevention: Consistent disinfection prevents the spread of contagious diseases, particularly important for breeders or multi-dog households.
Longer Lifespan: A clean, comfortable environment contributes to your dog's overall health and longevity.
Is Your Current Setup Becoming a Chore to Clean?
If you're spending hours maintaining a poorly designed kennel, it might be time for an upgrade. Explore our range of professional dog kennels and runs, designed for maximum hygiene and minimum effort. Hand-built in the UK with industry-leading guarantees and free mainland installation.
Our structures are engineered to make maintenance easier, not harder. From raised, insulated floors to industrial-grade galvanisation, every design choice is made with the owner's workload in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my dog kennel and run?
Deep clean your kennel and run once a week using a pressure washer and vet-approved disinfectant. Daily spot cleaning should be done twice daily to remove waste and maintain hygiene between deep cleans.
What's the best disinfectant for dog kennels?
Vet-approved disinfectants like Virkon, F10, or diluted bleach (1:32 ratio) are most effective. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners as they can encourage marking behaviour. Always allow proper dwell time and rinse thoroughly.
How can I prevent my wooden kennel from rotting?
Choose pressure-treated timber (like our tanalised architectural timber), ensure proper drainage, allow adequate drying time after cleaning, and apply wood preservative every 2-3 years. Raised floors also prevent ground moisture from causing rot.
Can I use a pressure washer on my dog kennel?
Yes, if your kennel is built with quality materials. Kennelstore's industrial-grade galvanisation and pressure-treated timber are designed to withstand pressure washing. Avoid using excessive pressure on joints and seals.
How do I remove stubborn odours from my dog kennel?
Deep clean with an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet odours, ensure proper ventilation, and allow complete drying. Persistent odours often indicate inadequate drainage or moisture build up—address the root cause rather than masking the smell.
What maintenance does a galvanised dog run need?
Galvanised runs require minimal maintenance. Hose down weekly, check for any damage to the mesh or framework, and ensure drainage is working properly. Quality galvanisation (like ours) resists rust for decades with basic care.
Final Thoughts: Maintenance is an Investment
A well-maintained dog kennel and run will serve you and your dogs for decades. The few minutes you invest each day in hygiene and the seasonal checks you perform will save you thousands in replacement costs and, more importantly, ensure your dogs live in a healthy, comfortable environment.
At Kennelstore, we build structures that make maintenance easier, not harder. Our 15-year guarantees and lifetime warranties on select ranges aren't just marketing—they're a testament to the quality of materials and craftsmanship that goes into every kennel and run we build.
Ready to upgrade to a kennel that's built to last and easy to maintain? Browse our complete range or contact our team for expert advice on choosing the perfect setup for your needs.